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How the CA1 Gene and rs1532423 Affect Zinc in Your Body

Zinc is an essential mineral that plays many roles in the body. It supports immune function, metabolism, wound healing, and the senses of taste and smell. Zinc also acts as an antioxidant and is required to build proteins and DNA. The CA1 gene produces Carbonic Anhydrase 1, an enzyme that depends on zinc to carry out important jobs such as maintaining acid-base balance and supporting respiration. Variations in the CA1 gene, including the rs1532423 variant, can influence how this enzyme functions and how zinc is handled in the body.

Why this matters for your health

Because Carbonic Anhydrase 1 binds zinc as part of its normal activity, genetic differences that alter this enzyme can influence circulating zinc levels. That in turn can subtly affect processes that rely on zinc: immune responses, tissue repair, antioxidant protection, hormone signaling, and sensory function. Knowing your rs1532423 genotype can help you understand whether you are likely to have higher, typical, or intermediate serum zinc levels so you can make informed choices about diet, supplements, and lifestyle.

Genetic Interpretations

Two effect alleles (AA) — Higher serum zinc

If your genotype is AA for rs1532423, you carry two copies of the effect allele associated with higher serum zinc levels. This suggests your Carbonic Anhydrase 1 enzyme may interact with zinc in a way that results in more zinc circulating in the bloodstream.

Potential implications

  • Likely higher serum zinc compared with typical population levels.
  • Most zinc-dependent processes should be supported, but higher circulating zinc may influence absorption or balance of other minerals such as copper.
  • Still important to avoid excessive supplemental zinc because high intake can cause side effects and nutrient imbalances.

Practical suggestions

  • Focus on a balanced diet that includes zinc-rich foods rather than routine high-dose supplementation.
  • If considering supplements or higher zinc intake, consult your healthcare provider and consider monitoring serum zinc and copper if long-term supplementation is planned.
  • Watch for signs of zinc excess such as nausea, changes in taste, or copper deficiency symptoms, and seek medical advice if these occur.
One effect allele (AG) — Likely higher serum zinc

If your genotype is AG for rs1532423, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with a likely tendency toward higher serum zinc compared with individuals without the effect allele.

Potential implications

  • Moderately increased serum zinc is possible, supporting zinc-dependent functions.
  • Imbalances are unlikely from genetics alone, but additive factors such as high-dose supplements could push zinc levels higher than optimal.

Practical suggestions

  • Prioritize zinc from food sources and use supplements only when recommended by a healthcare provider.
  • If you take zinc supplements, follow recommended dosages and consider periodic testing if you use them long term.
  • Maintain a diet that supplies copper and other trace minerals to support balance.
No effect alleles (GG) — Typical zinc processing

If your genotype is GG for rs1532423, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This is associated with typical processing of zinc through the Carbonic Anhydrase 1 enzyme and average serum zinc levels.

Potential implications

  • Standard CA1 enzyme function and expected zinc handling compared with the general population.
  • Zinc remains essential for immune function, metabolism, wound healing, and cellular protection.

Practical suggestions

  • Maintain a balanced diet with regular zinc-containing foods to meet daily needs.
  • Adults generally need about 11 mg daily for men and 8 mg daily for women, though individual needs vary with age, health status, and life stage.
  • Supplement only when a healthcare provider recommends it, or when dietary intake is insufficient.

Dietary Recommendations

Food-first strategies are the safest and most sustainable way to manage zinc status. Aim to include a variety of zinc-rich foods in your meals:

  • Meats: beef, pork, and poultry are concentrated sources of bioavailable zinc.
  • Seafood: oysters are exceptionally high in zinc; other fish and shellfish also contribute.
  • Legumes: beans, lentils, and chickpeas provide zinc plus fiber and plant protein. Note that phytates in some legumes can reduce zinc absorption; soaking, sprouting, or fermenting reduces phytate levels.
  • Nuts and seeds: pumpkin seeds, cashews, and hemp seeds add zinc and healthy fats.
  • Whole grains: whole wheat, oats, and brown rice offer zinc along with other nutrients.
  • Dairy: milk and cheese supply zinc with good absorption and add to overall intake.

Supplement Guidance

Supplements can correct or prevent deficiency when diet alone is insufficient, but they should be used cautiously:

  • Do not exceed recommended dosages without medical supervision. Excessive zinc can cause nausea, impair immune function, and interfere with copper absorption.
  • Typical over-the-counter zinc doses for short-term use are often 15 to 30 mg per day. Long-term high doses above 40 mg daily increase risk of adverse effects for many people.
  • If you carry genetic variants associated with higher zinc, avoid routine high-dose zinc supplementation unless a clinician advises it.
  • If zinc supplementation is indicated, consider forms that are well absorbed such as zinc picolinate, zinc gluconate, or zinc citrate, and discuss copper monitoring for long-term users.

Lifestyle and Monitoring

Small lifestyle choices support healthy zinc status and overall wellness:

  • Eat a varied diet with protein and plant sources to supply zinc and other trace minerals.
  • Prepare legumes and whole grains with techniques that reduce phytates to improve mineral absorption.
  • Limit chronic high-dose zinc supplements unless monitored by a provider.
  • If you have health conditions or take medications that affect nutrition, discuss zinc testing with your clinician.
  • Consider periodic blood tests if you use long-term supplementation, have unexplained symptoms related to zinc or copper imbalance, or if your clinician recommends monitoring.

When to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

Contact your clinician if you are considering starting or stopping zinc supplements, if you have symptoms that could be related to zinc excess or deficiency, or if you have a health condition that affects nutrient absorption. Examples of symptoms that warrant evaluation include persistent changes in taste or smell, delayed wound healing, frequent infections, gastrointestinal upset after supplements, or signs of copper deficiency such as unusual fatigue.

Important Disclaimer

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions only. This content does not constitute medical advice and is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always talk with your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, or medical care, especially if you have medical conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take medications.