Zinc Status?!

Diet and Nutrition
1

I recently read (don’t remember now if it was on T-Nation or not) about a product called Zinc Status, which is a liquid zinc supplement (zinc sulfate) that you can use to find out whether or not you’re zinc deficient. You place about 2 teaspoons worth on your tongue. If you have adequate zinc levels, you should taste it right away. If you have a lack of taste or a delayed taste perception, than you’re apparently deficient in zinc.

I have a feeling my overall “T” levels have been sub-par lately and I’ve been trying to figure out why. I take ZMA (3 caps, as recommended) every night, and have literally for years. I also take a multi which contains an additional 25 mg of zinc every day.

So I put the stuff on my tongue . . . and waited. And waited. And waited. Nothing! It honestly tasted just like water!

So does anyone know if this product/test is at all reliable? I have read that some people recommend taking higher doses of ZMA depending on need. Is there any downside to taking 4 or 5 caps per day? Would that be too much of the magnesium and B6? Should I just supplement with some additional zinc (only zinc) during the day?

Thanks.

(Wow)!

2

I’ve heard something similar with an iodide deficiency and all sea-food tasting the same. Not sure how much water it holds.

3

I searched here and found this article: http://www.T-Nation.com/readTopic.do?id=459337

It mentions the taste test and also says that pH can determine your mineral absorbtion. Maybe you’re not eating enough veggies?

Also, you know about the whole calcium/ZMA thing right?

4

Thanks. Interesting stuff.

[quote]kevbo wrote:
I searched here and found this article: http://www.T-Nation.com/readTopic.do?id=459337

It mentions the taste test and also says that pH can determine your mineral absorbtion. Maybe you’re not eating enough veggies?

Also, you know about the whole calcium/ZMA thing right?[/quote]

5

And yeah, I was aware of the calcium/ZMA issue.

Anyone else know anything more about whether or not this test is worthwhile? I tried it again today and still tasted nothing.