Skip to content

Abnormal Circulating Zinc Concentration C4024711

Published: July 22, 2026Updated: August 20, 2026

An abnormal level of zinc in the blood. Can result from diet, absorption problems, or certain health conditions. Often corrected with dietary changes or supplements.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 20, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ICD-10
E88.9
ICD-11
5A00.0
Body system
metabolic
Severity
mild
Chronic
true

Signs and symptoms

Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.

Warning signs - seek immediate care

!

Cognitive Changes

Confusion, difficulty concentrating, lethargy, and in severe cases, neurological dysfunction.

Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing confusion, severe lethargy, or difficulty with coordination.

Taste Alteration

(neurologic)

Diminished sense of taste (hypogeusia) or metallic taste in the mouth, often leading to reduced appetite.

Frequency: 70-80% of patients

Hair Loss

(dermatologic)

Patchy or diffuse hair loss (alopecia) due to impaired hair follicle function.

Frequency: 40-50% of patients

Diarrhea

(gastrointestinal)

Loose, watery stools that may be chronic, due to impaired intestinal barrier function.

Frequency: 40-60% of patients

Dermatitis

(dermatologic)

Red, scaly, eczematous rash typically around body orifices (mouth, nose, genitals).

Frequency: 30-40% of patients

Delayed Wound Healing

(constitutional)

Slow or impaired healing of cuts, wounds, and surgical incisions.

Frequency: 30-40% of patients

Nail Abnormalities

(dermatologic)

Brittle, ridged, or white-spotted nails (leukonychia) and nail growth retardation.

Frequency: 25-35% of patients

Nausea and Vomiting

(gastrointestinal)

Feeling of nausea with or without vomiting, more common in zinc excess.

Frequency: 15-20% of patients

Growth Retardation

(constitutional)

Impaired growth velocity and delayed puberty in children due to zinc's role in growth hormone function.

Frequency: 10-20% of patients

Recurrent Infections

(immunologic)

Increased susceptibility to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections due to impaired immune function.

Frequency: 15-25% of patients

Diagnosis and tests

How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.

Initial screening tests

1

Standard diagnostic workup

Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Treatment options

Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.

First-line treatments

1

Behavioral and nutritional therapy

Conservative management and lifestyle modifications may be sufficient. Monitor symptoms.

lifestyle
2

Zinc-rich dietary modification

Increase intake of zinc-containing foods such as oysters, red meat, beans, nuts, and whole grains to normalize circulating zinc levels.

dietary

Additional treatment options

Zinc level monitoring

Regular blood testing to track zinc concentrations and ensure adequate response to dietary changes or supplementation.

monitoring

Gut health optimization

Address potential malabsorption issues through probiotics and gut health support to improve zinc absorption.

complementary

Phytic acid reduction strategies

Techniques to reduce phytic acid in foods (soaking, sprouting) to improve zinc bioavailability from plant sources.

lifestyle

When to seek medical help

Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.

Schedule an appointment soon

Symptoms associated with this condition. Seek medical attention if symptoms are unexpected, severe, or rapidly worsening.- Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen. Seek emergency care for sudden severe symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about this topic.

Q

What is Abnormal Circulating Zinc Concentration C4024711?

Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]

general

Sources and references

Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.

1

Office of Dietary Supplements. Zinc: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. National Institutes of Health. 2022.

review2022View source →
2

World Health Organization. WHO Guidelines on Food Fortification with Micronutrients. Geneva: WHO. 2016.

guideline2016View source →
3

Roohani N, Hurrell R, Kelishadi R, Schulin R. Zinc and its importance for human health: An integrative review. J Res Med Sci. 2013;18(2):144-157.

review2013View source →
4

Espinet E, Angelet J, Romero E, et al. Selenium and zinc deficiencies in the critically ill patient: A consensus statement from the ESPEN. Clin Nutr. 2022;41(12):2809-2822.

position_statement2022View source →
5

Liu Y, Yang L, Xu J, et al. Effects of zinc supplementation on circulating concentrations: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients. 2022;14(8):1627.

meta_analysis2022View source →
6

Shils ME, Shike M, Ross AC, Caballero B, Cousins RJ, editors. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2014.

textbook2014
7

Walsh K, Sridhar V, Kothari M, et al. Zinc supplementation and metabolic markers in healthy adults: A randomized controlled trial. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2021;65:126735.

clinical_trial2021View source →
8

Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academies Press; 2001.

consensus2001View source →
9

Chasapis CT, Loutsidi AC, Zoupi M, et al. Zinc homeostasis and its role in human health: A comprehensive review. Arch Toxicol. 2022;96(5):1343-1361.

review2022View source →

Medication Comparisons

Compare medications used to treat Abnormal Circulating Zinc Concentration C4024711. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.

View Medication Comparisons

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy