Hi all, I saw on paleohacks, http://paleohacks.com/questions/102977/acne-and-high-testosterone-low-estrogen-what-will-help#axzz24BScQS1C

a woman had been taking zinc and was still low in it when her naturopath tested her zinc levels. The naturopath prescribed a new form, and she has been a lot better, acne-wise.

(1) I have been taking zinc picolinate...is there anything to this article, http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/types-of-zinc/

advocating zinc orotate?

I try to eat cooked oysters, twice a week. (2) Is there a difference in the bioavailability of cooked versus raw oysters?

I noticed my hair felt thicker after taking the zinc picolinate, and that my nails seemed better too, but I think one also has to be careful of overdoing it with supplements. (per the perfecthealthdiet, personal experience). It's too easy to think it's one deficiency when it's probably many.

http://www.acu-cell.com/znk.html "It should be noted though that those infamous "White Spots" on someone's nails are not caused by zincdeficiency, as they are just as common in people with excessively high zinc levels."

(3) How does one get their mineral levels tested? How much does it cost?

Thanks!