All Ingredients
MineralsPregnancy Safe
Zinc
Also known as: zn
Zinc is an essential trace mineral involved in immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. It's one of the most common deficiencies worldwide, especially in vegetarians and the elderly.
Key Benefits
- Supports immune cell function
- Accelerates wound healing
- Supports testosterone production
- May shorten cold duration
- Essential for taste and smell
Recommended Dosage
General Use
8-11 mg daily (varies by sex)
Upper Limit
40 mg daily
ColdTreatment
75 mg zinc acetate lozenges for short-term use only
Forms & Bioavailability
Best Forms
- ✓Zinc picolinate
- ✓Zinc glycinate
- ✓Zinc acetate (for colds)
Forms to Avoid
- ✗Zinc oxide — very poorly absorbed
- ✗Zinc sulfate — high GI distress
Safety Notes
- Chronic high doses cause copper deficiency
- Can cause nausea if taken on empty stomach
- Competes with iron and copper for absorption
- Long-term use above 40 mg needs copper supplementation
Drug Interactions
Consult your healthcare provider if you take any of the following:
Antibiotics (quinolones, tetracyclines)PenicillamineCopper supplementsIron supplements
Sources
- • NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
- • Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews