10 Best Zinc Supplements of 2022: Type and Reviews
Zinc is a powerful immune nutrient known for its benefits for providing immune health support and inflammation reduction as well as for improving cold and respiratory symptoms, wound healing, acne reduction, and lowering the risk of age-related diseases. Research on atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus suggests that zinc deficiency may contribute to low-grade systemic inflammation.
Even more popular at the moment is the role of zinc and the potential benefits against COVID-19. This is probably one of the reasons that's driving the demand on zinc related products. In a ConsumerLab survey of 9,647 people who use dietary supplements shows that the supplements which experienced the greatest growth in popularity in 2020 were those being promoted to prevent or treat infection with SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Zinc supplements achieved the highest growth with 13.5% points.
Does zinc help treat COVID 19? As of September 2022, there are more than 30 studies that have been published on the benefits of Zinc against COVID-19.
Are all zinc supplements the same? The zinc supplements in this review are all manufactured by reputable companies that follow Good Manufacturing Processes (GMP), use high quality ingredients, and test for purity and quality.
Here are the best zinc supplements to help you meet your nutritional needs. As everyone has their own set of criteria, the best option for you might be different from another person.
Best Zinc Supplement 2022
1. Nature's Bounty Zinc 50 mg Caplets - Best Chelated Zinc and Best Seller
This product is the #1 best seller under the zinc mineral supplements on Amazon Best Sellers and has more than 100,000 customer reviews on Amazon.
- One vegetarian-friendly caplet a day contributes to carbohydrate, protein, fat and energy metabolism, and helps promote wellness in key areas of reproductive health for men.
- Plays a key role in the synthesis of testosterone.
- During the summer months products may arrive warm but Amazon stores and ships products in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations, when provided.
Amazon Reviews4.8 out of 5 - More than 50,000 customer reviews on Amazon
2. Nature's Bounty Immune 24 Hour + - Best Zinc Supplement for Seniors
This product is the #1 best seller under the zinc mineral supplements on Amazon Best Sellers and has more than 100,000 customer reviews on Amazon.
- One vegetarian-friendly caplet a day contributes to carbohydrate, protein, fat and energy metabolism, and helps promote wellness in key areas of reproductive health for men.
- Plays a key role in the synthesis of testosterone.
- During the summer months products may arrive warm but Amazon stores and ships products in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations, when provided.
Amazon Reviews
4.8 out of 5 - More than 50,000 customer reviews on Amazon
2. Nature's Bounty Immune 24 Hour + - Best Zinc Supplement for Seniors
Zinc dosage for senior: Men over age 60 do not usually meet their recommended daily zinc needs. On average, males in this demographic get 9.4 milligrams per day, slightly less than the recommendation, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. In some cases, your doctor may suggest taking a daily multivitamin or zinc supplement to further boost your zinc intake. Zinc can be toxic at high doses, causing severe gastrointestinal problems. It is unlikely to get excessive amounts of zinc from your diet, but you can overdose on supplements.
About this item:
- Softgels contain Zinc (15 mg per serving daily; 136% of daily value), Vitamin A, C, D3, B6, B12, Biotin, Folate, Panthotenic Acid, Magnesium, Echinacea, Elderberry, Astralagus.
- THE ONLY VITAMIN C WITH 24-HOUR IMMUNE SUPPORT: Nature's Bounty Immune 24 Hour + contains 1000mg of Ester-C, the only clinically studied Vitamin C with 24-hour immune support. Ester-C lasts up to 2x longer than regular Vitamin C
- PLUS VITAMIN D & ZINC, WITH ELDERBERRY AND ECHINACEA: Immune 24 Hour + provides Vitamin D, Vitamin A and Zinc for extra immune plus antioxidant support. Also contains Elderberry and Echinacea, plus 9 essential nutrients to help keep you healthy
- SUPPORTS UPPER RESPIRATORY HEALTH: Highly bioavailable Ester-C can increase Vitamin C levels in the body, which is important for white blood cell function, contributing to the health of the upper respiratory tract
- NON-GMO FORMULA: Nature's Bounty Immune 24 Hour + is Non-GMO and contains No artificial flavor or artificial sweeteners, no sugar, no starch, no milk, no lactose, no soy, no gluten, no wheat, no yeast, no fish, sodium free
- RAPID RELEASE SOFTGELS: For adults, Take 2 softgels daily, preferably with a meal.
Amazon Reviews4.8 out of 5 - More than 30,000 customer reviews on Amazon.com.
Zinc dosage for senior: Men over age 60 do not usually meet their recommended daily zinc needs. On average, males in this demographic get 9.4 milligrams per day, slightly less than the recommendation, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. In some cases, your doctor may suggest taking a daily multivitamin or zinc supplement to further boost your zinc intake. Zinc can be toxic at high doses, causing severe gastrointestinal problems. It is unlikely to get excessive amounts of zinc from your diet, but you can overdose on supplements.
About this item:
- Softgels contain Zinc (15 mg per serving daily; 136% of daily value), Vitamin A, C, D3, B6, B12, Biotin, Folate, Panthotenic Acid, Magnesium, Echinacea, Elderberry, Astralagus.
- THE ONLY VITAMIN C WITH 24-HOUR IMMUNE SUPPORT: Nature's Bounty Immune 24 Hour + contains 1000mg of Ester-C, the only clinically studied Vitamin C with 24-hour immune support. Ester-C lasts up to 2x longer than regular Vitamin C
- PLUS VITAMIN D & ZINC, WITH ELDERBERRY AND ECHINACEA: Immune 24 Hour + provides Vitamin D, Vitamin A and Zinc for extra immune plus antioxidant support. Also contains Elderberry and Echinacea, plus 9 essential nutrients to help keep you healthy
- SUPPORTS UPPER RESPIRATORY HEALTH: Highly bioavailable Ester-C can increase Vitamin C levels in the body, which is important for white blood cell function, contributing to the health of the upper respiratory tract
- NON-GMO FORMULA: Nature's Bounty Immune 24 Hour + is Non-GMO and contains No artificial flavor or artificial sweeteners, no sugar, no starch, no milk, no lactose, no soy, no gluten, no wheat, no yeast, no fish, sodium free
- RAPID RELEASE SOFTGELS: For adults, Take 2 softgels daily, preferably with a meal.
Amazon Reviews
4.8 out of 5 - More than 30,000 customer reviews on Amazon.com.
3. Sandhu's Zinc Quercetin (Best Zinc with Quercetin)
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A combination of quercetin and zinc to support immune health.
Each capsule contains 400 mg of quercetin and 11 mg of zinc. Cost per capsule: $0.16.
This product is the #3 best seller under the zinc mineral supplements on Amazon Best Sellers and has more than 7,000 customer reviews on Amazon.
For prevention of COVID-19, the FLCCC recommends 250 mg daily of quercetin and 30 mg of elemental zinc for prevention and the Zelenko protocol recommends 500 mg daily of quercetin and 25 mg of elemental zinc for prevention. If you wish to stick to the dosage which is within the range of the FLCCC - Zelenko protocols; that would be 250 mg to 500 mg daily for quercetin and 25 to 30 mg for zinc.
One capsule of Sandhus quercetin and zinc will meet the prevention protocol requirement dosage for quercetin on a daily basis but the dosage for zinc is on the lower side. Therefore, you might wish to supplement your zinc with foods that are rich in zinc.
Amazon Best Sellers: #3 Best Seller in Zinc Supplements. 4.8 out of 5 overall rating with more than 7,000 customer reviews.
Check Price on Amazon
A combination of quercetin and zinc to support immune health.
Each capsule contains 400 mg of quercetin and 11 mg of zinc. Cost per capsule: $0.16.
This product is the #3 best seller under the zinc mineral supplements on Amazon Best Sellers and has more than 7,000 customer reviews on Amazon.
For prevention of COVID-19, the FLCCC recommends 250 mg daily of quercetin and 30 mg of elemental zinc for prevention and the Zelenko protocol recommends 500 mg daily of quercetin and 25 mg of elemental zinc for prevention. If you wish to stick to the dosage which is within the range of the FLCCC - Zelenko protocols; that would be 250 mg to 500 mg daily for quercetin and 25 to 30 mg for zinc.
One capsule of Sandhus quercetin and zinc will meet the prevention protocol requirement dosage for quercetin on a daily basis but the dosage for zinc is on the lower side. Therefore, you might wish to supplement your zinc with foods that are rich in zinc.
Amazon Best Sellers: #3 Best Seller in Zinc Supplements. 4.8 out of 5 overall rating with more than 7,000 customer reviews.
4. WonderLabs Zinc Lozenges with Vitamin C - Best Zinc for Respiratory Viral Infections
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For prevention of respiratory viruses, zinc lozenges are preferred in order to spread the zinc through the tissues of the nose, mouth and throat. Unlike swallowed zinc, lozenges can spread zinc through these tissues quickly in response to symptoms, because their ability to spread zinc through these tissues is not limited by intestinal zinc transporters.
About this Item:- Nutritionally Supports a Healthy Immune System
- Formulated with a perfect balance of 25 mg of Zinc, 30 mg of Vitamin C, 2mg of Vitamin B6, and a Proprietary Blend of Royal Jelly, White Willow Bark Ext., and Slippery Elm Bark Powder
- Almost TWICE the amount of zinc per lozenge of cold-EEZE zinc lozenges
- Fruit Flavored to provide children zinc lozenges without a large amount of added sugars
- Internally tested and third party tested to ensure purity and potency so you get the highest quality vitamin
- Made in the USA in a FDA Registered & Inspected Facility, under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's)
Amazon Reviews: 4.4 out of 5 - More than 2,000 customer reviews.
Buy on Amazon - Amazon's Choice (Amazon's Choice highlights highly rated, well-priced products available to ship immediately)
For prevention of respiratory viruses, zinc lozenges are preferred in order to spread the zinc through the tissues of the nose, mouth and throat. Unlike swallowed zinc, lozenges can spread zinc through these tissues quickly in response to symptoms, because their ability to spread zinc through these tissues is not limited by intestinal zinc transporters.
About this Item:
- Nutritionally Supports a Healthy Immune System
- Formulated with a perfect balance of 25 mg of Zinc, 30 mg of Vitamin C, 2mg of Vitamin B6, and a Proprietary Blend of Royal Jelly, White Willow Bark Ext., and Slippery Elm Bark Powder
- Almost TWICE the amount of zinc per lozenge of cold-EEZE zinc lozenges
- Fruit Flavored to provide children zinc lozenges without a large amount of added sugars
- Internally tested and third party tested to ensure purity and potency so you get the highest quality vitamin
- Made in the USA in a FDA Registered & Inspected Facility, under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's)
Chelated zinc is a type of zinc supplement that uses a chelating agent to help your body absorb zinc more easily.
While there are several chelated zinc supplements on the market, one of the best options is NOW Foods’ Zinc Glycinate softgels.
Each softgel contains 30 mg of zinc glycinate — a form of zinc that human and animal studies suggest may be better absorbed than other types of zinc. (Trusted Source, Trusted Source).
All NOW Foods supplements are certified by Underwriters Laboratories and follow GMP to ensure the quality and accuracy of their products. Additionally, these supplements tend to be more affordable than many other high quality brands.
Amazon Reviews4.7 out of 5 - More than 600 customer reviews.
Chelated zinc is a type of zinc supplement that uses a chelating agent to help your body absorb zinc more easily.
While there are several chelated zinc supplements on the market, one of the best options is NOW Foods’ Zinc Glycinate softgels.
Each softgel contains 30 mg of zinc glycinate — a form of zinc that human and animal studies suggest may be better absorbed than other types of zinc. (Trusted Source, Trusted Source).
All NOW Foods supplements are certified by Underwriters Laboratories and follow GMP to ensure the quality and accuracy of their products. Additionally, these supplements tend to be more affordable than many other high quality brands.
While there are several chelated zinc supplements on the market, one of the best options is NOW Foods’ Zinc Glycinate softgels.
Each softgel contains 30 mg of zinc glycinate — a form of zinc that human and animal studies suggest may be better absorbed than other types of zinc. (Trusted Source, Trusted Source).
All NOW Foods supplements are certified by Underwriters Laboratories and follow GMP to ensure the quality and accuracy of their products. Additionally, these supplements tend to be more affordable than many other high quality brands.
Amazon Reviews
4.7 out of 5 - More than 600 customer reviews.
6. Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Zinc - Best Vegan Option
While it’s not always obvious, some supplements can contain animal-derived ingredients, making the product unsuitable for vegans.
Some commonly used ingredients that aren’t vegan-friendly include digestive enzymes like lipase, caprylic acid from milk, gelatin, and magnesium stearate, which is often pork-derived.
Garden of Life is a whole-foods-based supplement brand with products that are certified organic and non-GMO verified.
Their Vitamin Code Raw Zinc is a good option for vegans, as it’s third-party tested to ensure the product is vegan, as well as gluten-free.
In addition to providing 30 mg of plant-based zinc, each serving also contains vitamin C, a raw organic fruit and vegetable blend, and live probiotics and enzymes to support healthy digestion.
It’s recommended that adults take one serving of 2 capsules per day with or without meals. For those who have difficulty swallowing pills, the capsules can also be opened to pour the contents into a glass of water or other beverage.
Amazon Reviews4.8 out of 5 - More than 14,500 customer reviews.
While it’s not always obvious, some supplements can contain animal-derived ingredients, making the product unsuitable for vegans.
Some commonly used ingredients that aren’t vegan-friendly include digestive enzymes like lipase, caprylic acid from milk, gelatin, and magnesium stearate, which is often pork-derived.
Garden of Life is a whole-foods-based supplement brand with products that are certified organic and non-GMO verified.
Their Vitamin Code Raw Zinc is a good option for vegans, as it’s third-party tested to ensure the product is vegan, as well as gluten-free.
In addition to providing 30 mg of plant-based zinc, each serving also contains vitamin C, a raw organic fruit and vegetable blend, and live probiotics and enzymes to support healthy digestion.
It’s recommended that adults take one serving of 2 capsules per day with or without meals. For those who have difficulty swallowing pills, the capsules can also be opened to pour the contents into a glass of water or other beverage.
Some commonly used ingredients that aren’t vegan-friendly include digestive enzymes like lipase, caprylic acid from milk, gelatin, and magnesium stearate, which is often pork-derived.
Garden of Life is a whole-foods-based supplement brand with products that are certified organic and non-GMO verified.
Their Vitamin Code Raw Zinc is a good option for vegans, as it’s third-party tested to ensure the product is vegan, as well as gluten-free.
In addition to providing 30 mg of plant-based zinc, each serving also contains vitamin C, a raw organic fruit and vegetable blend, and live probiotics and enzymes to support healthy digestion.
It’s recommended that adults take one serving of 2 capsules per day with or without meals. For those who have difficulty swallowing pills, the capsules can also be opened to pour the contents into a glass of water or other beverage.
Amazon Reviews
4.8 out of 5 - More than 14,500 customer reviews.
7. Best Chewable Zinc Supplement 2020 - Best Zinc Gummy Supplement
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Gummies are definitely a better option for children or people who have trouble swallowing pills. However, keep in mind that gummies don’t offer the higher concentrated dosage as other types of zinc supplements.
- The First Gummy Supplement of its Kind - Zinc 50mg Gummy with Vitamin D3, Echinacea (2 Month Supply) - Made in USA
- Vitamin D with Zinc - Zinc Gummies 50mg for Adults Kids are an essential mineral supplement that are a powerful part of a healthy lifestyle. Zinc supplements are powerful antioxidants that support a strong immune response, wound healing, cell production and many other vital functions of your body just like Elderberry, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin C & D3
- Powerful Zinc Chewable Immune Support - Taking Zinc Chewable Gummies each day can help make up for a lack of other nutrients in the diet such as vitimin D, vitamin C, vitamin A as well as Elderberry. Zinc immune support has been shown to be a highly absorbable form of zink, allowing for faster protection against normal illnesses.
- Zinc Supplements Gummies - Zinc Vitamins for Adults and Zinc Gummies for Kids can promote the production of collagen, and they may play a role in keeping your skin radiant and smooth. Immune Support Gummies Zinc wound-healing properties can be beneficial to maintaining skin’s elasticity throughout aging.
- Vegan Zinc Supplements - Taking zinc gummy vitamins for men women everyday may help promote longer deep sleep periods throughout the night. As a result, this zinc gummie supplement mineral vitamin helps to support your cognitive ability, mood, and energy levels. Zinc gummie absorb faster into the bloodstream, since they are chewed, rather than taking zinc lozenge, pills or capsules, or liquid zinc.
Gummies are definitely a better option for children or people who have trouble swallowing pills. However, keep in mind that gummies don’t offer the higher concentrated dosage as other types of zinc supplements.
- The First Gummy Supplement of its Kind - Zinc 50mg Gummy with Vitamin D3, Echinacea (2 Month Supply) - Made in USA
- Vitamin D with Zinc - Zinc Gummies 50mg for Adults Kids are an essential mineral supplement that are a powerful part of a healthy lifestyle. Zinc supplements are powerful antioxidants that support a strong immune response, wound healing, cell production and many other vital functions of your body just like Elderberry, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin C & D3
- Powerful Zinc Chewable Immune Support - Taking Zinc Chewable Gummies each day can help make up for a lack of other nutrients in the diet such as vitimin D, vitamin C, vitamin A as well as Elderberry. Zinc immune support has been shown to be a highly absorbable form of zink, allowing for faster protection against normal illnesses.
- Zinc Supplements Gummies - Zinc Vitamins for Adults and Zinc Gummies for Kids can promote the production of collagen, and they may play a role in keeping your skin radiant and smooth. Immune Support Gummies Zinc wound-healing properties can be beneficial to maintaining skin’s elasticity throughout aging.
- Vegan Zinc Supplements - Taking zinc gummy vitamins for men women everyday may help promote longer deep sleep periods throughout the night. As a result, this zinc gummie supplement mineral vitamin helps to support your cognitive ability, mood, and energy levels. Zinc gummie absorb faster into the bloodstream, since they are chewed, rather than taking zinc lozenge, pills or capsules, or liquid zinc.
8. Quercetin Zinc Vitamins C & D3 Bromelain Magnesium by Mt. Angel Vitamins - Best Zinc for Immune Health Formulation
- 300 capsules: 5 - 10 months supply
- FORTIFIED FUNCTION – Sick of stuffy, sneezy, seasonal illnesses? Fight flare-ups with Mt. Angel Vitamins’ quercetin supplement! This nutrient blend helps boost better health so you can feel your best!
- OVERALL AID – Bolster your body AND mind! Quercetin with vitamin C and zinc are proven not only to provide immune support but also to improve metabolism, circulatory supporty, and cognitive clarity!
- BREATHE & BOUND – Revive your vitality! By fostering cellular functioning, your zinc quercetin capsules’ antioxidants enhance respiratory health and energy levels so you can enjoy activities!
- TAKE IT EASY – Support, meet simplicity. To enjoy extra defense, take 1 of your quercetin with bromelain and zinc capsules twice daily. Bursting with 300 capsules, your bottle lasts longer than most brands’.
- 300 capsules: 5 - 10 months supply
- FORTIFIED FUNCTION – Sick of stuffy, sneezy, seasonal illnesses? Fight flare-ups with Mt. Angel Vitamins’ quercetin supplement! This nutrient blend helps boost better health so you can feel your best!
- OVERALL AID – Bolster your body AND mind! Quercetin with vitamin C and zinc are proven not only to provide immune support but also to improve metabolism, circulatory supporty, and cognitive clarity!
- BREATHE & BOUND – Revive your vitality! By fostering cellular functioning, your zinc quercetin capsules’ antioxidants enhance respiratory health and energy levels so you can enjoy activities!
- TAKE IT EASY – Support, meet simplicity. To enjoy extra defense, take 1 of your quercetin with bromelain and zinc capsules twice daily. Bursting with 300 capsules, your bottle lasts longer than most brands’.
9. Pure Encapsulations Zinc - Best Gluten-free Zinc
If you’re looking for a gluten-free zinc supplement, Pure Encapsulations is one of your best options.
This product is the #4 best seller under the zinc mineral supplements on Amazon Best Sellers and has more than 6,000 customer reviews on Amazon.
The products are not only made in a facility that’s NSF-registered GMP but also certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). Plus, they contain zinc picolinate to help optimize digestion and absorption.
For optimal results, it’s recommended to take one 30-mg zinc picolinate capsule daily with food.
The products are not only made in a facility that’s NSF-registered GMP but also certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). Plus, they contain zinc picolinate to help optimize digestion and absorption.
For optimal results, it’s recommended to take one 30-mg zinc picolinate capsule daily with food.
10. Dr. Mercola Zinc Plus Selenium - Best Zinc with Selenium
Your age, your diet, your current health status, your lifestyle, and even your zip code may be placing you at a greater risk for a deficiency that doesn’t need to happen.
With Zinc Plus Selenium, you get bioavailable forms of zinc, selenium, and copper to help you maintain a healthy mineral balance to support your:
- Healthy cell growth and replication*
- Healthy immune response*
- Brain and cognitive health*
- Respiratory health*
- Healthy metabolism*
- Strong, healthy bones*
- Vision and eye health*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Amazon Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 - more than 1,400 ratings.
Related Products for Immune Support:
Your age, your diet, your current health status, your lifestyle, and even your zip code may be placing you at a greater risk for a deficiency that doesn’t need to happen.
With Zinc Plus Selenium, you get bioavailable forms of zinc, selenium, and copper to help you maintain a healthy mineral balance to support your:
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.With Zinc Plus Selenium, you get bioavailable forms of zinc, selenium, and copper to help you maintain a healthy mineral balance to support your:
- Healthy cell growth and replication*
- Healthy immune response*
- Brain and cognitive health*
- Respiratory health*
- Healthy metabolism*
- Strong, healthy bones*
- Vision and eye health*
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Amazon Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 - more than 1,400 ratings.
Related Products for Immune Support:
How to Choose Zinc Supplements?
When choosing a zinc supplement, it’s important to consider the type of zinc, dosage, and supplement form.There are several types of zinc supplements. Some, such as zinc picolinate, may be better absorbed, while zinc acetate may be more effective at shortening the duration of the common cold (Trusted Source, Trusted Source).
Regarding the form, zinc supplements are available as capsules, lozenges, and liquids. For those who are unable or prefer not to swallow pills, liquid forms are likely a better option.
Before buying any supplement, it’s important to research high quality, trustworthy brands to ensure both safety and accuracy.
Look for supplements that are produced by reputable manufactures and free of large amounts of added ingredients like fillers, additives, and preservatives.
A good way to ensure the quality of a product is to look for ones that have been certified by a third-party company, such as NSF International or Underwriters Labs.
Before buying any supplement, it’s important to research high quality, trustworthy brands to ensure both safety and accuracy.
Look for supplements that are produced by reputable manufactures and free of large amounts of added ingredients like fillers, additives, and preservatives.
A good way to ensure the quality of a product is to look for ones that have been certified by a third-party company, such as NSF International or Underwriters Labs.
Groups at High Risk
While there are many food sources of zinc, including meat and shellfish, some people may be at a higher risk of not getting enough zinc in their diets (PubMed).
Zinc deficiency in Infants and children
Young children are at greater risk of zinc deficiency because of increased zinc requirements during growth. Exclusively breast-fed infants of mothers with adequate zinc nutrition obtain sufficient zinc for the 1st 5-6 months of their life [PubMed]. After this age, complementary foods containing absorbable zinc are required to satisfy their requirements. In many low-income countries, complementary feeding is delayed and cereal foods are then used for feeding. These foods have low content of total and absorbable zinc and thus, fail to meet the needs for zinc. Conversely, early introduction of such foods may interfere with the absorption of zinc from breast milk due to their high phytate content [PubMed].
Zinc deficiency in AdolescentsThe physiological requirements for zinc peak during adolescence at the time of the pubertal growth spurt, which generally occurs in girls between 10 years and 15 years and in boys between 12 years and 15 years. Even after the growth spurt has ceased, adolescents may require additional zinc to replenish depleted tissue zinc pools. [PubMed]
Zinc deficiency during Pregnancy and Lactation
Increased nutritional demands during pregnancy and lactation predispose women to zinc deficiency [PubMed]. These demands are greater during lactation, although, physiological adjustments in zinc absorption help to meet the needs for lactation. A number of studies have demonstrated a negative impact of therapeutic supplemental iron on zinc absorption during pregnancy [PubMed] and lactation [PubMed]. In pregnant women where dietary intakes of zinc were low, supplemental iron, in dosages as low as 60 mg/day prevented them from meeting their needs for zinc [PubMed].
Zinc deficiency in Elderly
Diet surveys indicate that zinc intakes by elderly persons are often inadequate, even in rich countries [PubMed]. Several factors may contribute to poor zinc nutrition among the elderly, in particular, reduced consumption of zinc-rich foods such as red meat. In addition, there is some evidence that the efficiency of zinc absorption may decrease with age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Side Effects: Can You Take Too Much Zinc Supplement?
Taking zinc long term is typically safe for healthy adults, as long as the daily dose is under the set upper limit of 40 mg of elemental zinc (PubMed). Be aware that typical daily doses of zinc provided by zinc lozenges generally exceed tolerable upper limits for zinc, and for this reason, they should not be used for longer than about a week.
Taking too much zinc can cause adverse side effects, such as decreased immune function, low copper levels, and reduced HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
Foods that are high in zinc include oysters, crab, lobster, mussels, red meat, and poultry. Cereals are often fortified with zinc. Most multivitamin and nutritional supplements also contain zinc.
Zinc Benefits
Zinc is vital for many aspects of health and has been associated with a variety of benefits.- May Improve Immune Function
- May Promote Blood Sugar Control
- Helps Fight Acne
- May Improve Heart Health
- Slows Macular Degeneration
Interactions between zinc, copper, iron and phosphorus
Do not take zinc supplements and copper, iron, or phosphorus supplements at the same time. It is best to space doses of these products 2 hours apart, to get the full benefit from each dietary supplement.Copper and zinc compete for absorption sites in the small intestine. If there's a lot of zinc around, copper tends to lose out and a copper deficiency may develop.
The bottom line
Zinc is an essential nutrient that you need to get enough of in your diet. However, as not everyone is able to meet their need through foods alone, supplements can help reduce the risk of a zinc deficiency.
Of course, not all supplements are created equal. It’s important to look for high quality products that have been tested to ensure quality and accuracy.
If you’re concerned about your zinc intake, it’s worth speaking with your healthcare provider to see if a zinc supplement is a good option, as well as to determine an optimal dose.
Of course, not all supplements are created equal. It’s important to look for high quality products that have been tested to ensure quality and accuracy.
If you’re concerned about your zinc intake, it’s worth speaking with your healthcare provider to see if a zinc supplement is a good option, as well as to determine an optimal dose.
Related: Best Zinc Supplement for Seniors
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