the zinc taste test

Testing is probably the best policy if you have a bloodborne odor problem. Any home test is likely to be more popular. If you have a bloodborne odor problem, it may be worthwhile ruling any deficiences out. In the case of vitamins and minerals testing, this is a home test that is supposed to give a general rough assessment of your zinc status. The senses of taste and smell are supposed to be associated with gustin, a polypeptide dependent on zinc that is suspected to be a taste bud growth factor. The 'taste test' was devised by Professor Derek Bryce-Smith of Reading University. The zinc solution can be bought online. In the USA there is a brand called Zinc Tally, but there are probably cheaper brands.

External Body Odor has been (tenuously ?) associated with zinc, and zinc is also associated with smell/taste function, but it should be deemed very unlikely zinc deficiency play a role in a bloodborne odor problem. Also, the dosages suggested in the link are not a recommendation here. Zinc toxicity can make you feel unwell.

This site explains the Zinc taste test protocol...
http://www.uspharmacist.com/index.asp?show=article&page=8_1546.htm

1)Optimal zinc levels—An immediate, unpleasant, obviously adverse taste.
2)Adequate Zinc Levels—A definite but not strongly unpleasant taste is noted immediately and tends to intensify with time.
3)Quite Zinc Deficient—No taste noted initially, but develops in 10-15 seconds.
4)Very Zinc Deficient—Tasteless or “tastes like water”

related links:
pubmed search : zinc taste test
video: http://tuesdayminute.net/zinc.html(not an endorsement)
http://www.horstpharmacy.com/Zinc.asp
zinc and taste perception : http://www.greenmarket.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/10/110.cfm
gustin study: http://www.tasteandsmell.com/jun04.htm

Poll : see below