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Zinc, SLC39A2 (ZIP2), and What Your Genotype May Mean for Inflammation and Health

Zinc is an essential mineral that supports immune function, wound healing, metabolism, and growth. The SLC39A2 gene encodes the ZIP2 protein, which helps move zinc from outside the cell into the cell interior where zinc performs many critical tasks. Variations in SLC39A2 can change how efficiently ZIP2 transports zinc. Reduced transport can lower cellular zinc even when dietary zinc seems adequate and may contribute to higher levels of inflammatory signaling molecules called cytokines.

How to read this report

  • rs2234632 is the genetic position tested in SLC39A2. Your genotype may be TT, GT, or GG.
  • Effect allele refers to the version of the gene linked to reduced zinc transport. Carriers of one or two effect alleles may have less efficient zinc uptake into cells.
  • This report is educational only. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always discuss test results, supplements, diet, and treatments with your healthcare provider.

Practical takeaways

  • Focus on zinc-rich foods: oysters, red meat, poultry, seafood, nuts, seeds, whole grains, dairy, and legumes.
  • Consider zinc supplementation only after discussing with your healthcare provider, especially if you carry effect alleles and have signs of inflammation or low zinc intake.
  • Support overall zinc status with balanced nutrition, adequate protein, regular exercise, sleep, and stress management.
  • Monitor relevant blood tests if advised by your clinician: serum zinc, complete blood count, markers of inflammation, and nutrient panels as appropriate.

Genetic interpretation

Two effect alleles (TT) — Reduced ZIP2 zinc transport efficiency

If your genotype is TT at rs2234632, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This variant is associated with reduced ZIP2 function, meaning zinc may be less efficiently transported into your cells. Even with adequate dietary zinc, lower cellular zinc can impair processes like immune response and wound repair and may increase production of inflammatory cytokines.

What this might mean for you

  • Higher risk of subtle increases in inflammation when zinc supply to cells is not optimized.
  • Potential benefit from targeted strategies to ensure adequate cellular zinc availability.

Diet and food strategies

  • Prioritize zinc-dense foods every day: oysters and shellfish, beef, lamb, poultry, and seafood.
  • Include plant sources: pumpkin seeds, cashews, chickpeas, lentils, quinoa, oats, and fortified whole grains.
  • Combine zinc foods with moderate protein intake and some animal protein when possible, as animal sources of zinc are better absorbed.
  • Limit excessive phytate-rich meals at every meal when relying on plant zinc. Soaking, fermenting, sprouting, and cooking can reduce phytates and improve zinc absorption.

Supplement and testing considerations

  • Discuss zinc supplementation with your healthcare provider. Supplements can help overcome reduced transport but dose and form matter.
  • Common supplement forms: zinc gluconate, zinc picolinate, zinc citrate. Your clinician can recommend a form and dose tailored to you.
  • Long term high dose zinc can interfere with copper absorption. If you take zinc supplements for an extended period, your clinician may check copper status or recommend a combined approach.
  • Testing options to discuss: serum zinc, inflammatory markers, and nutrient panels to guide supplement choice and dose.

Lifestyle

  • Regular moderate exercise supports immune balance and reduces chronic inflammation.
  • Manage stress with sleep, relaxation techniques, and consistent routines to help preserve nutrient balance and immune health.
  • Avoid excessive alcohol and smoking, which can reduce zinc absorption and increase inflammation.
One effect allele (GT) — Possible reduced ZIP2 zinc transport efficiency

If your genotype is GT at rs2234632, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This may lead to a partial reduction in ZIP2 transport efficiency. Your cells could be somewhat less able to bring zinc into the interior, which might raise inflammatory signaling in situations of marginal zinc intake.

What this might mean for you

  • You may benefit from paying closer attention to dietary zinc and factors that improve zinc absorption.
  • Supplementation could be helpful in some situations, but not everyone with this genotype will need supplements.

Diet and food strategies

  • Include a variety of zinc-rich foods: shellfish, poultry, beef, nuts, dairy, legumes, and whole grains.
  • Pair plant-based zinc sources with vitamin C or protein to help absorption when possible.
  • Use culinary techniques that reduce phytates for plant-based meals: soaking, sprouting, fermenting, and thorough cooking.

Supplement and testing considerations

  • Talk with your healthcare provider about whether a short trial of zinc supplementation is appropriate, particularly if dietary intake is low or you have signs of inflammation.
  • If supplements are used, follow professional guidance on dose and duration and consider monitoring serum zinc and related markers when indicated.

Lifestyle

  • Prioritize sleep, stress management, and consistent physical activity to reduce inflammatory load and support nutrient status.
  • Limit behaviors that impair zinc uptake, including heavy alcohol use and smoking.
No effect alleles (GG) — Typical ZIP2 zinc transport function

If your genotype is GG at rs2234632, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. Your ZIP2 protein is expected to function typically, supporting normal transport of zinc into cells. With effective zinc transport, dietary zinc can be used efficiently for immune function, metabolism, and tissue repair.

What this might mean for you

  • Your genetic profile does not indicate an inherited reduction in ZIP2-mediated zinc transport.
  • Standard nutrition and lifestyle approaches to maintain zinc status are recommended.

Diet and food strategies

  • Continue to include zinc-rich foods regularly: oysters, meat, poultry, dairy, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains.
  • Maintain balanced meals that support overall nutrient intake and absorption.

Supplement and testing considerations

  • Routine zinc supplementation is usually not necessary unless dietary intake is low, there are clinical signs of deficiency, or a clinician recommends it.
  • Follow clinician guidance for testing if you have symptoms or conditions that affect nutrient absorption.

Lifestyle

  • Continue healthy habits that support immune health: regular exercise, good sleep hygiene, stress reduction, and not smoking.

Additional notes on zinc and interactions

Some medications and health conditions affect zinc status. Proton pump inhibitors, long term diuretic use, chronic gastrointestinal disorders, and some bariatric surgeries can impair zinc absorption or increase needs. Because high dose zinc supplements can interfere with copper and iron balance, use them only under clinical supervision. If you have ongoing inflammation, infections, slow wound healing, or other health concerns, review your genotype and overall nutrient status with your healthcare provider to determine appropriate testing and interventions.

Final reminders

This information is educational and not medical advice. PlexusDx does not provide medical diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Genetic results are one piece of your health picture. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting new supplements, changing medications, or making major changes to your diet or health regimen. Your provider can help interpret these findings in the context of your medical history, current health, and any lab tests you may need.