Zinc
Also known as: Zinc Bisglycinate, Zinc Picolinate, Chelated Zinc
An essential mineral for immune function, testosterone production, wound healing, and skin health.
What it is
Zinc is an essential trace mineral involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions and structural proteins throughout the body. It cannot be synthesized internally and must be obtained through diet or supplementation. Deficiency is one of the most common micronutrient insufficiencies globally, affecting immune function, hormonal balance, and skin integrity.
How it works
Zinc functions as a catalytic cofactor for over 300 enzymes and plays structural roles in zinc-finger proteins that regulate DNA transcription. It is critical for T-cell development and NK cell activity, testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells, wound healing via keratinocyte proliferation, and the antioxidant enzyme copper-zinc superoxide dismutase.
Clinical dose range
8–30 mg elemental zinc/day
The RDA is 8 mg (women) to 11 mg (men). Therapeutic doses for immune support during illness: 15–30 mg/day. Do not exceed the UL of 40 mg/day from supplements without medical supervision.
Forms comparison
What to look for on the label
- Specifies the zinc compound form (not just 'zinc')
- Dose within 8–30 mg elemental zinc range
- Third-party tested — zinc products commonly contain unlisted metals
- GMP certified; free from magnesium stearate where possible
Health goals supported
Safety & dosing notes
Upper tolerable limit: 40 mg/day from supplements. Excess zinc competes with copper absorption — long-term high doses require copper co-supplementation. Common cause of supplement-induced copper deficiency.
SuppsBuddy verifies elemental zinc content matches the label claim and flags products using zinc oxide as the primary form. Products pairing zinc with copper receive an additional formulation quality signal.
Frequently asked questions
What is Zinc?
Zinc is an essential trace mineral involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions and structural proteins throughout the body. It cannot be synthesized internally and must be obtained through diet or supplementation. Deficiency is one of the most common micronutrient insufficiencies globally, affecting immune function, hormonal balance, and skin integrity.
How does Zinc work?
Zinc functions as a catalytic cofactor for over 300 enzymes and plays structural roles in zinc-finger proteins that regulate DNA transcription. It is critical for T-cell development and NK cell activity, testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells, wound healing via keratinocyte proliferation, and the antioxidant enzyme copper-zinc superoxide dismutase.
What is the typical clinical dose range for Zinc?
8–30 mg elemental zinc/day. The RDA is 8 mg (women) to 11 mg (men). Therapeutic doses for immune support during illness: 15–30 mg/day. Do not exceed the UL of 40 mg/day from supplements without medical supervision.
What forms of Zinc should I look for?
Bisglycinate (chelated): Highest bioavailability with minimal GI irritation | Picolinate: Well-studied, good absorption, common in high-quality products | Gluconate: Common in lozenges; acceptable bioavailability, lower cost | Sulfate: Effective but may cause nausea — take with food | Oxide: Very low bioavailability (~9–10%); used to inflate label numbers
Is Zinc safe?
Upper tolerable limit: 40 mg/day from supplements. Excess zinc competes with copper absorption — long-term high doses require copper co-supplementation. Common cause of supplement-induced copper deficiency. This information is educational and is not medical advice.
How does SuppsBuddy evaluate Zinc?
SuppsBuddy verifies elemental zinc content matches the label claim and flags products using zinc oxide as the primary form. Products pairing zinc with copper receive an additional formulation quality signal.
Related ingredients
This page is for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.