Why Plasma Zinc is the Best Marker of Zinc Status | Masterjohn Q&A Files #309

Why Plasma Zinc is the Best Marker of Zinc Status | Masterjohn Q&A Files #309

Author: Chris Masterjohn, PhD February 20, 2023 Duration: 22:56

Short Answer: Plasma zinc is the single most important marker of zinc status. Urine zinc may decline faster in deficiency. Hair zinc increases with supplementation but does not decrease in deficiency. Plasma zinc is decreased by inflammation, oxidative stress, the ovulatory and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle, probably pregnancy and oral contraceptive use, and any kind of stress that leads to an adrenal output. If plasma zinc declines despite supplementation, corroborate that this reflects zinc status by showing normal hair zinc and low urine zinc. Use symptoms as the ultimate arbiter of whether zinc supplementation is helping.

This is a clip from a live Q&A session open to CMJ Masterpass members. In addition to this episode, you can access two other free samples using this link:

https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/p/questions-on-statins-versus-sulfur

In that batch of free episodes you will also find the answers to these questions:

  • Statins Vs. Sulfur for Heart Disease
  • Glutathione Intolerance: Getting to the Bottom of It

If you want to become a Masterpass member so you can participate in the next live Q&A, or so you can have access to the complete recording and transcript of each Q&A session, you can save 10% off the subscription price for as long as you remain a member by using this link to sign up:

https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/qanda

Learn more about the Masterpass here:

https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/about

This snippet is from the October 12, 2022 AMA. The full recording and transcript is reserved for Masterpass members. Here is a preview of what's included:

  • NADH vs NMN vs NR
  • An unexplained rise in urine ketones
  • Spreading out calcium across meals
  • What should we have in our cold season cabinet?
  • What besides diet could cause my high morning glucose on a CGM?
  • Will some older people benefit from supplementing carnitine?
  • What do I think about the CGM fad?
  • Could my low triglycerides be cholestasis?
  • Why limit the dose of cod liver oil?
  • Why do I always feel better when my sulfur problems are worse?
  • Should I use one lab's reference range with another lab's results?
  • Is it safe to eat roasted potatoes?
  • How much weight should I give genetic SNPs in my nutrition?
  • High RBC magnesium but low serum: what could it mean?
  • Burning in the stomach: what could it be?
  • Should I treat low plasma amino acids by supplementing them?
  • Why would MK-4 cause heart palpitations?


Here's a link to the full AMA: https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/p/recording-and-transcript-of-the-october

Access the show notes, transcript, and comments here.

Chris Masterjohn, PhD, is the Founder and Scientific Director of the mitochondria test Mitome.


Chris Masterjohn, PhD hosts Mastering Nutrition, a podcast that digs into the science of how our bodies work at a fundamental level. The focus here is on mitochondrial health-the energy powerhouses within our cells-and how optimizing them forms the cornerstone of lasting vitality. Chris brings his background as a nutrition scientist and his experience founding BioOptHealth to these conversations, which move beyond generic diet advice. Instead, the podcast explores how individual differences, informed by tools like whole genome sequencing and detailed biochemical data, can reveal personalized paths to better metabolic function. Listeners will hear deep dives into cutting-edge research, practical interpretations of complex studies, and discussions on how to apply these insights in a real-world context. This isn't about quick fixes or trending superfoods; it's about building a coherent, scientifically-grounded understanding of nutrition from the cellular level up. Each episode aims to provide the kind of nuanced, evidence-based perspective that can help you make sense of conflicting health information. Whether the topic is a specific nutrient, a metabolic pathway, or a broader principle of wellness, Chris works to translate dense science into actionable knowledge. Tune in for a thoughtful, detailed exploration of what it truly means to master your own nutritional landscape.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Mastering Nutrition
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