Zinc Taste Test is commonly used for the zinc taste test (ZTT) to determine zinc insufficiency. Those deficient in zinc encompasses a wide array of symptoms, and may be broad reaching. Some may experience white spots on fingernails, hair loss, acne, slower heal time for cuts and premature graying.

How to Perform the Zinc Taste Test (ZTT)

The ZTT is a valid assessment of patient zinc status with a basis in biochemistry. In 1981 Shatzman and Henkin Published results of their research regarding gustin concentration in patients with hypogeusia in the Proc Natl. Acad. Sci.. Vol. 78. No.6. pp. 3867-3871, June.

Patients should refrain from eating, drinking or smoking for at least a half-hour.

Place 1 to 2 tsp. of Aqueous Zinc in your mouth swirling it for 10 seconds and then swallow it or spit it out.

After 30 seconds the patient is asked to describe the taste and their response should be graded based on the following parameters:

• Optimal Zinc Levels - An immediate, unpleasant, obviously adverse taste, at which the patient normally grimaces.

• Adequate Zinc Levels - A definite but not strongly unpleasant taste is noted immediately and tends to intensify with time.

• Quite Zinc Deficient - No taste noted initially, but develops in 10-15 seconds.

• Very Zinc Deficient - Tasteless or “tastes like water”.