Zinc sulfate solution can be used in testing for zinc deficiency.
Hold a teaspoonful of zinc sulfate solution in the mouth for 30 seconds and note the taste response from one of four categories:
- No specific taste or other sensation is noticed, even after 30 seconds.
- No immediate taste is noted, but after a few seconds a slight taste described as dry, mineral, furry, or even sweet is reported.
- A definite, although not strongly unpleasant, taste is noted almost immediately and tends to intensify with time.
- A strong, unpleasant taste is noted immediately and tends to intensify with time.
Swallow solution after 30 seconds. Individuals who fall into category 1 or 2 generally respond favorably to zinc supplementation.
Each teaspoon of the oral zinc sulfate solution contains 1.5 mg zinc.
Recommended dose for supplementation to reverse a deficiency is between 50-60 mg per day of zinc picolinate.
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