Testing for Zinc deficiency

[Guest guest]

Does anyone know of a way to test for a zinc deficiency such as a

blood

test? Also, do you know about the DRI for Zinc? I beleive it is set

at

40 mg. Just want to be able to explain how this differs from the RDI

being 12mg for women and 15mg for men. A reference to the difference

between DRI and RDI would be helpful. I find that many people are

taking Zinc to help fight off colds and I would like to be able to

explain what is optimal. I do understand that too much Zinc hinders

Copper absorption and can therefore have the opposite effect on the

immune system.

I have looked at lists of food sources and find that apart from

Oysters, which are off the charts, Red meat and basically most

animal products, are the best sources. I follow a primarily

Vegetarian diet, and I do find it difficult to meet the optimal DRI

level for Zinc without ingesting supplements or red meat. I am a fan

of

food first and do not mind eating free range, organic animal

products

on occassion. Any idea how often one would need to do this in order

to

meet optimal Zinc intake without supplements. For example, animal

products once a week, once a month. I eat eggs daily but don't

recall

seeing those on the lists.

Comments, oppinions, etc, appreciated.

Sincerely,

Brown