Albumin-corrected Zn and available free Zn-binding capacity as indicators of Zn status – potential for clinical implementation

Abstract

We have established and describe two measurement procedures to diagnose possible zinc (Zn) deficiency; albumin-corrected Zn concentration and available free Zn-binding capacity. Reference intervals for both biomarkers were established in healthy adults from the Danish population. The clinical usefulness of the measurement procedures was investigated in patients with cirrhosis and in patients given parenteral nutrition due to short bowel syndrome. The results of both methods indicate that there is a risk of overdiagnosing Zn deficiency based on low plasma Zn concentrations. Needless Zn supplementation may thus be avoided by using the albumin-corrected Zn concentration or available free Zn-binding capacity.

Keywords:

• Zinc
• albumin
• zinc status
• reference interval

Acknowledgements

The authors thankfully acknowledge the laboratory work performed by technician Birgitte Meyer Petersen in regards to the Zn-binding capacity assay.

Disclosure statement

All authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by grants from the Region of Southern Denmark [Grant no. 17/33848] and Odense University Hospital [Grant no. 42-A2522] to O. S. d. M. Odense Universitetshospital; Region Syddanmark.