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Zinc and Your Genes: What the PPCDC Variant Means for Your Zinc Status

Zinc is an essential mineral that plays many roles in the body. It supports immune function, wound healing, growth and repair of cells, DNA synthesis, and the senses of taste and smell. Because the body cannot make zinc, regular intake from food or supplements is necessary. Variations near the PPCDC gene can influence how your body processes zinc and may be associated with differences in serum zinc levels.

How PPCDC Relates to Zinc

The PPCDC gene contributes to making coenzyme A, a molecule central to energy metabolism. Some variants in or near PPCDC are linked with altered zinc metabolism. Depending on your genotype at rs2120019, you may have a higher or lower likelihood of lower circulating zinc levels. Knowing your genotype can help you tailor diet and lifestyle choices to support healthy zinc status.

Genetic Interpretation

2 effect alleles — CC (decreased serum zinc)

If you have the CC genotype at rs2120019 you carry two copies of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with decreased serum zinc levels. The variant may affect how your body processes or utilizes zinc, potentially resulting in lower amounts of zinc circulating in your blood compared with people without this variant.

Practical steps to support zinc status

  • Prioritize zinc-rich foods each day: red meat, poultry, seafood (especially oysters), dairy, and eggs.
  • Include plant sources: nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains, but be aware that plant zinc is less well absorbed due to phytates.
  • Improve plant zinc absorption: soak, sprout, ferment, or leaven whole grains and legumes to reduce phytates.
  • Consider a zinc supplement if dietary intake is inadequate. Do not exceed 40 mg elemental zinc per day without discussing with your healthcare provider.
  • Monitor symptoms that may suggest low zinc such as slow wound healing, frequent infections, or changes in taste and smell, and discuss testing with a clinician if concerned.
1 effect allele — CT (likely decreased serum zinc)

If you have the CT genotype at rs2120019 you carry one copy of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with a likely decrease in serum zinc levels. The variant may modestly influence zinc processing, possibly resulting in lower circulating zinc compared with people without the effect allele.

Practical steps to support zinc status

  • Include zinc-rich animal proteins regularly: poultry, lean red meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy. These sources deliver zinc that is easier for the body to absorb.
  • Complement with plant-based zinc sources: legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, while using preparation methods that reduce phytates.
  • Balance meals to include a source of vitamin C and adequate protein, which can support nutrient absorption and overall immune health.
  • If you suspect low zinc or have symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider about a blood zinc test before starting supplements.
  • A supplement can be useful if diet alone is not meeting needs, but avoid exceeding 40 mg elemental zinc daily without medical supervision.
0 effect alleles — TT (typical zinc processing)

If you have the TT genotype at rs2120019 you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This genotype is associated with typical zinc processing and serum zinc levels. At this specific genetic location your profile does not indicate a predisposition to decreased zinc levels.

Practical steps to maintain healthy zinc status

  • Eat a balanced diet with regular servings of zinc-containing foods such as meat, seafood, dairy, eggs, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains.
  • If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, plan for higher intake of zinc-rich plant foods and use techniques like soaking and sprouting to improve absorption.
  • Be mindful of factors that can reduce zinc status such as chronic diarrhea, gastric bypass surgery, or long-term use of certain medications. Discuss monitoring with your clinician if relevant.
  • Supplements are generally unnecessary if you meet needs through food, but may be recommended in specific circumstances. Do not exceed 40 mg elemental zinc per day without medical advice.

Dietary Recommendations

  • Top food sources of zinc: oysters, beef, pork, lamb, chicken, yogurt, cheese, eggs, pumpkin seeds, cashews, chickpeas, lentils, and whole grains.
  • For higher absorption choose animal proteins when possible. If plant-forward, pair zinc foods with vitamin C sources and use processing methods that lower phytate content.
  • Distribute zinc-containing foods across meals rather than concentrating at one meal to support steady intake.
  • Aim for a varied diet so other nutrients that work with zinc, such as copper and iron, remain balanced.

Supplement Guidance

  • Only consider a zinc supplement if dietary intake is insufficient, you have a clinical diagnosis of zinc deficiency, or a healthcare provider recommends one.
  • Common supplemental forms include zinc gluconate, zinc picolinate, and zinc citrate. Absorption varies slightly by form, but the overall daily elemental zinc amount is the primary consideration.
  • Upper limit: avoid more than 40 mg elemental zinc daily unless under medical supervision. Excess zinc can cause nausea, interfere with copper absorption, and affect immune function.
  • If taking long term, periodic monitoring of zinc and copper levels with your clinician is recommended to avoid imbalances.

Lifestyle and Testing Considerations

  • Be aware of factors that reduce zinc absorption or increase loss: high phytate diets, gastrointestinal disorders, chronic diarrhea, and some medications.
  • If you have persistent symptoms that could relate to low zinc such as poor wound healing, recurrent infections, hair loss, or taste changes, discuss serum zinc testing with your healthcare provider.
  • Work with your clinician to interpret test results. Blood zinc levels can fluctuate with inflammation and time of day, so clinical context matters.
  • Combine dietary strategies with general healthy habits: adequate sleep, stress management, and balanced macronutrient intake support overall nutrient status and immune function.

Final Notes and Important Disclaimer

This information is intended to educate about genetic associations and how they may relate to zinc status. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting supplements, making major changes to your diet, or using genetic information to guide clinical decisions. Your healthcare provider can order appropriate tests, help interpret results, and recommend personalized interventions based on your overall health, medications, and medical history.