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Hair levels may show deficiencies or excesses but are generally not considered as reliable as other tests of zinc status. The test is based on the knowledge that the functions of taste and smell are dependent upon there being sufficient zinc available in the body. The solution should be removed from storage and left at room temperature for about two hours before carrying out the test. The defined standards are:- Grade one response: no specific taste sensation: tastes like plain water. This indicates a major deficiency of zinc requiring a supplement of at least 150mg of zinc per day.
- Grade two response: no immediate taste is noticed but, within the ten seconds of the test, a 'dry' or 'metallic' taste is experienced. This indicates a moderate deficiency requiring a supplement of 100mg of zinc per day.
- Grade three response: an immediate slight taste is noted, which increases with time over the ten second period. This indicates a deficiency of minor degree requiring a supplement of 50mg per day.
- Grade four response: an immediate, strong and unpleasant taste is experienced. This indicates that no zinc deficiency exists. If this is the response to the first test done then obviously the diet already contains sufficient zinc and no supplement need be taken. If this is the response, however, after a period of zinc supplementation then the diet, prior to the supplement being given, must be assumed to have been deficient. Thus, if a relapse to this deficient state is to be further prevented a regular maintenance dose of zinc is required. One 15-20mg dose per day is usually sufficient for this purpose.
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