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Zinc, IL6, and What Your Genes May Mean for Inflammation and Zinc Status

Zinc is an essential mineral required for immune health, enzyme function, wound repair, DNA synthesis, and the senses of taste and smell. Your body cannot make zinc, so you must get it from food or supplements. The IL6 gene makes Interleukin 6, a signaling protein that helps regulate inflammation. Variations in IL6 can influence how much IL-6 your body produces. Low zinc can increase IL-6 activity and inflammation, and in some people genetic variation in IL6 may change how zinc interacts with inflammatory processes.

Why this matters

  • Zinc supports more than 300 enzymes and multiple immune functions.
  • Higher IL-6 levels can contribute to chronic inflammation and influence zinc distribution in the body.
  • Maintaining adequate zinc intake helps support immune balance and may reduce excess IL-6 activity tied to zinc deficiency.

How to use this information

This article explains how IL6 genotype at rs1800795 may relate to zinc and inflammation, and gives practical diet, supplement, lifestyle, and testing considerations. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always discuss genetic results and any changes to diet, supplements, or medications with your healthcare provider.

Genetic Interpretations

Two effect alleles (GG) — higher IL-6 expression

You carry two copies of the effect allele at rs1800795. This genotype is associated with higher IL-6 expression, which may influence zinc handling and inflammatory signaling. Research suggests certain IL6 variants can reduce zinc availability in tissues or increase the body’s zinc requirement during inflammatory states.

Practical implications

  • You may benefit from making sure dietary zinc intake meets or slightly exceeds recommendations, especially during illness or periods of increased inflammation.
  • Consider monitoring symptoms related to zinc deficiency such as slower wound healing, changes in taste or smell, frequent infections, or hair loss.
One effect allele (GC) — moderate IL-6 response

You carry one copy of the effect allele and one non-effect allele. This genotype is associated with a moderate IL-6 response and a balanced relationship between inflammation and zinc. Zinc deficiency can still increase IL-6 expression, so maintaining adequate zinc is important.

Practical implications

  • A balanced diet with reliable zinc sources should support normal immune function and keep IL-6 activity in a healthy range.
  • Be mindful of factors that impair zinc absorption such as high phytate intake, chronic alcohol use, or certain medications.
Zero effect alleles (CC) — lower IL-6 expression

You carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This genotype is associated with lower IL-6 expression and generally more stable zinc availability. Your genetic profile may make it somewhat easier to maintain balanced zinc status compared to other genotypes.

Practical implications

  • Even with this favorable genotype, zinc is essential and must be obtained through diet.
  • Continue consuming zinc-rich foods to support enzymes, immune health, and tissue repair.

Diet Recommendations

Focus on consistent dietary sources of zinc. Whole food sources also provide complementary nutrients that support immune health.

  • Top animal sources: oysters, beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and shellfish. Oysters are the richest per serving.
  • Plant sources: legumes, chickpeas, lentils, beans, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, hemp seeds, cashews, and whole grains.
  • Improve absorption from plant foods by soaking, sprouting, fermenting, or using leavened whole grain breads to reduce phytates.
  • Include a variety of protein sources and consider pairing plant zinc sources with vitamin C containing foods to support overall nutrient absorption.
  • Limit excessive alcohol consumption since alcohol can impair zinc absorption and increase losses.

Supplement Considerations

Supplements can help when dietary intake is insufficient, during increased needs, or when testing shows low zinc status. Discuss the following with your healthcare provider before starting supplements.

  • Common supplemental forms: zinc gluconate, zinc citrate, zinc picolinate. Picolinate and citrate forms may be better absorbed for some people.
  • Typical short term supplemental doses for deficiency range from 15 to 50 mg elemental zinc per day under medical supervision. Long term high dose zinc can cause copper deficiency and other issues.
  • When taking zinc long term, consider monitoring copper status and using a combined formula or periodic copper supplementation if recommended by a clinician.
  • Avoid taking high dose zinc at the same time as iron or calcium supplements if possible, as they can compete for absorption. Space doses by a few hours.

Lifestyle Recommendations

  • Stay hydrated to support metabolic processes that affect minerals.
  • Limit alcohol intake because alcohol can interfere with zinc status and increase inflammation.
  • Manage chronic inflammation through sleep, stress reduction, regular physical activity, and a diet rich in whole foods, antioxidants, and omega 3 fats.
  • Aim for regular moderate exercise which supports immune function, but avoid chronic extreme training without proper fueling and recovery as that can increase zinc needs.

Testing and Monitoring

  • Serum zinc can provide a snapshot of zinc status but may be affected by recent meals and inflammation. Discuss appropriate testing and timing with your provider.
  • If you have signs of deficiency or chronic inflammation, your clinician may check serum zinc, copper, CRP or other inflammatory markers, and a complete nutritional assessment.
  • Track symptoms such as frequent infections, delayed wound healing, hair thinning, taste changes, or appetite loss as signals to reassess zinc intake and health status.

When to Consult Your Healthcare Provider

  • If you are considering supplements especially at doses above standard dietary amounts.
  • If you have chronic inflammatory conditions, frequent infections, or symptoms that suggest zinc imbalance.
  • If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking prescription medications, or have chronic liver, kidney, or gastrointestinal disease.

Final Notes and Disclaimer

This information is educational and explains how IL6 variation at rs1800795 may relate to zinc status and inflammation. It is not medical advice. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider to interpret genetic results in the context of your health, to order or interpret tests, and before starting or changing supplements, medications, or treatment plans.