Mineral

Zinc

Last reviewed September 28, 20261 sources
In short

Zinc is a trace mineral involved in immune function, wound healing and many enzymes. Supplements and lozenges use several zinc salts with different elemental percentages.

Research in progress. This ingredient page doesn’t yet meet SuppScout’s bar for a complete reference (sourced evidence summary, considerations and sufficient detail), so search engines are asked not to index it. The information shown is sourced where cited.

Quick facts

Adult RDA
8 mg/day (women), 11 mg/day (men)[1]
Upper limit
40 mg/day for adults[1]

Common zinc supplement forms

  • Zinc gluconate
  • Zinc sulfate
  • Zinc acetate
  • Zinc picolinate
  • Zinc citrate

Detailed form pages for Zinc are being researched.

What researchers have studied it for

Common cold (lozenges)

Mixed evidence

Some trials of zinc lozenges started early in a cold report shorter duration; results vary by formulation.[1]

Evidence labels summarize the overall body of published research for each topic; they are not a recommendation and do not mean a supplement is appropriate for you. Published research

Typical amounts in supplements

Supplements often provide 15–50 mg elemental zinc per serving.

[1]

These describe what supplements commonly contain and published reference values — not a recommendation for you.

Food sources

  • Oysters
  • Beef and crab
  • Fortified cereals
  • Pumpkin seeds

Potential considerations

  • Long-term intake above the upper limit can cause copper deficiency.
  • Intranasal zinc products have been linked to loss of smell.

Products containing zinc

No products listed yet

SuppScout hasn’t added zinc products yet.

Shopping for zinc?

Before you buy, check the label for the form and amount per serving, look for a USP, NSF or Informed Choice seal, and compare cost per serving rather than bottle price.

See zinc on Amazon

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Sources & references

  1. Zinc: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. ods.od.nih.govGovernment

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This page is educational and is not medical advice. Talk to a healthcare professional before starting a supplement, especially if you have a medical condition, take medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Medical disclaimer.