In erythrocytes, zinc is bound as part of CuZn-SOD and to the enzyme carbonic anhydrase. The cell membrane also carries zinc and will lose it in cases of mild zinc insufficiency. In leukocytes, zinc is bound in the granules, again to proteins or enzymes that go low only in notable zinc deficiency or in inflammatory diseases. Albumin binding sites vastly exceed the available zinc, and albumin deficiency does not correlate with low plasma zinc. Stress and disease conditions that reduce plasma zinc may result in increased hepatic zinc.
Most zinc is excreted via the liver into the intestine and feces.
Sweat may account for as much zinc loss as does urine. Zinc levels in urine can be increased in nephrotic syndromes with proteinuria and in diuretic therapies. However, all of the above conditions can have causes other than zinc insufficiency. This site is intended for professional healthcare provider use only and is part of the GSDL communication links with our physician customers.