zinc excretion
Last reviewed 11/2021
Zinc is excreted mainly via the gut:
- from non-absorbed (exogenous) sources because it is bound to metallothionein within enterocytes which slough
- from absorbed (endogenous) sources due to transfer from circulating zinc pools back to metallothionein within enterocytes
A small amount can be excreted via the kidneys.
However, the following pathological states can result in excessive zinc excretion:
- diarrhoea
- patients with high-output fistulas