zinc
Last reviewed 07/2023
Zinc is a chemical element at number 30 in the periodic table, symbol is Zn. It is an essential, trace mineral present in many enzymes.
Zinc is widespread in many foods, especially meats. A dietary deficiency or inborn error of metabolism produces a characteristic syndrome.
It is assayed from plasma zinc levels but a positive response to a therapeutic trial of zinc supplements may be a better index of deficiency.