Zinc Status is basically a liquid zinc supplement. It works on the principle that when you are deficient in zinc your sense of taste is diminished. So you put some liquid Zinc Status in your mouth, maybe the bottle says a tablespoon, and let it stay there for something like 10 seconds before swallowing. If you don't taste anything you know you have a zinc deficiency. Some people may experience a delayed tasted. That too indicates a deficiency.

A blood test does not indicate a deficiency state, but is only telling your the levels in your bloodstream at the time that blood was drawn.

I don't recommend that you use the Zinc Status as a supplement because it is calibrated to be a lower dose than other supplements. (Too high a dose and I think everyone would taste it.) The taste is nasty, basically metallic. If you give it to your child just watch their face; you will know if they DON'T have a deficiency because they will make a face if they can taste it.

But, it works and can be useful to have around to test your zinc levels. Balancing copper and zinc is important. If these two are not balanced you may have problems with MT (metallothionein) a group of proteins that helps your body rid itself of heavy metals, other toxins, bacteria, yeast, viruses, etc.

But taking zinc supplements is not something I recommend you do without consulting your doctor or doing more research on this. It is possible to supplement zinc and cause a copper deficiency.

Thanks, I'll do moe research. I think I need to do more with supplements (pretty sure I'm missing some things, my diets so wacky; I have a VERY sensitive corn allergy which limits my supplement options as well as my daily diet) But, my dr's faces tend to glaze over and they shrug and hem and haw and say things like "Sure, that sounds like a good idea." when I start asking for vitamin advice.

(What I really want to know is why my blood calcium levels are elevated, but my dentist says I really need calcium supplements. None of the drs can answer that.) My theory is that theres something else thats either blocking absorption or using up calcium stores. *sigh* You need a degree just to be a patient, sometimes.

You might have to research this further but calcitonin can be tested for in your blood. High calcium means you may be low in calcitonin, since calcitonin puts calcium in your blood.

But, I think sometimes those blood tests are not that significant, esp. when it comes to calcium. Your body is trying to maintain homeostasis so blood levels are tightly controlled. The amount of calcium in your blood is NO indication of the amount in your bones. The amount in your bones is what you should worry about, not the amount in your blood.

It is like having low potassium levels mean you have some serious problems going on that may need more than just a simple potassium supplement. Some minerals in the blood are more important than others. Calcium is one I wouldn't stress about so much.

You might shop around for a better doctor. Most doctors focus on getting their patients in and out in about 20 minutes. That really limits the quality of the care. Doctors want to make money, so they don't spend the time with you to explain stuff or explore other possible options for you. You do almost need a biology degree or something to sort out health care issues.

But you could always ask around for a different doctor. Or, some offices have physician assistants who will be more helpful.

I've been working my way through the specialists. Currently my drs listen to me...they just don't seem to have answers. And I am a bit intimidated by "doc-hopping" since finding out "neurosis" is in my chart. (abnormal labs during periods of major symptoms, hmmm, must be in my head!) I "fired" that doc, but...

Do you like tuna or other fish or meat? You could do it without meat if you want.

Do you have a sandwich press?

I puree 2 eggs, a can of tuna and a cup of rice (other grain would be fine). Dump it on the sandwich press and put some toppings on if I want (olives and tomato). (Salt, pepper and a bit of dill and cumin for a bit of lemon taste because I think ds might react to lemon.)

My kid who hates tuna actually asked for a 'tuna pizza pocket' for dinner.

You never know what'll hit them just right.

Sorry about the 2 eggs... you should be able to substitute some flax and water for them.

According to this Mayo site, the most common cause of elevated calcium level is hypoparathyroidism. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypercalcemia/AN00342
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hyp...396/DSECTION=1
Have you had your parathyroid hormone level checked? PTH

Anne

Thanks for the suggestions. I think as soon as the weather gets a bit cooler soup sounds like a great idea for breakfast. I could get my protein and salt in that pretty easily. Yams also sound like a good idea.

Ortho- So far my husband, daughter, and I have tried the zinc tally. I tasted it only as I swallowed it. No one else tasted it. I will have to see if either of my 2 sons can taste it this weekend.
I started to take the digestive enzyme Azeo-Pangen in July when I cut out the foods I have a delayed reaction to. Azeo-Pangen contains protease, amylase and lipase and was recommended by my son's nutritionist. Between the diet and enzymes I have noticed a substantial decrease in the tingling in my legs (which I have had for over 5 years). The tingling still is occurs but I certainly notice I can do things that always used to trigger it and sometimes I do not have it. I am hopeful that with time I will have more improvement.

--Judy

I think a zinc deficiency is likely for those with either gluten or cesium issues, at least that is what I read. The right nutritional supplements can help with reducing the allergic reaction in some people. But, the hardest part is getting a doctor who can help with the right combination of nutritional supplements you need.

Enzymes may help the allergy/sensitivity issue OR just help your digestion overall. I think adults can probably benefit from taking enzymes if they have some food issues or even digestive problems. Again, finding the right enzymes can be the hardest part sometimes. Trial and error is needed because everyone is different, really.

But employing all of the things that can help is probably the best method; that means nutritional support, improving digestion with enzymes and possibly bi-carbonate too, and perhaps some diet adjustments, like a rotation diet for some or avoiding addictives and artificial colorings.

Sometimes using enzymes on an empty stomach can also help. The allergic response is an inflammatory response and proteolytic enzymes are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. So using systemic enzymes can be helpful too.

I think you can pretty much do the same thing with a regular zinc supplement - just put it on your tongue. When my chiropractor was muscle testing me for zinc, I made a face at the awful taste, and he said that was a good sign. I can't remember if I was deficient for zinc at that point or not.

Claire