Zinc
Warnings
Zinc may interact with medications like antibiotics, cisplatin, penicillamine, retinoids, and certain HIV medications. Prolonged use of zinc supplements without adequate copper intake could result in copper deficiency.
Synergists & Antagonists
Zinc synergizes with vitamins A, B6, D, E, selenium, chromium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and glutathione to support immune function, growth, and tissue repair. Its absorption may be hindered by vitamin B1, PABA, vitamin B12, calcium, copper, iron, phosphorus, phytates in grains & legumes, and heavy metals like aluminum & mercury.
Zinc synergizes with vitamins A, B6, D, E, selenium, chromium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and glutathione to support immune function, growth, and tissue repair. Its absorption may be hindered by vitamin B1, PABA, vitamin B12, calcium, copper, iron, phosphorus, phytates in grains & legumes, and heavy metals like aluminum & mercury.
Typical Dose
15–25 mg/day
When To Take It
Zinc is best taken in the morning on an empty stomach for optimal absorption, though it may be taken with food to reduce stomach discomfort in some individuals.
Category
Minerals
Best Forms to Use (in order)
Zinc bisglycinate, zinc picolinate, zinc citrate
Benefits
Immune support: Supports normal immune function and everyday defense readiness
Skin support: Helps support clearer-looking skin and normal wound healing
Taste and smell support: Supports normal taste and smell function when status is low
Hormone and fertility support: Supports normal reproductive health and hormone-related function, especially in men
Antioxidant enzyme support: Acts as a cofactor for antioxidant enzymes that protect cells from oxidative stress
Disclaimer
Information on this page is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. Supplements can interact with medications and may not be appropriate for everyone; consult a qualified clinician before use if pregnant/breastfeeding, under 18, managing a medical condition, or taking prescription medications. Do not exceed label directions unless professionally guided, and stop use and seek medical advice if adverse effects occur.
References
[1] Duchateau J, Delepesse G, Vrijens R, Collet H. Beneficial effects of oral zinc supplementation on the immune response of old people. Am J Med. 1981;70(5):1001-1004.
[2] Weismann K, Wadskov S, Sondergaard J. Oral zinc sulphate therapy for acne vulgaris. Acta Derm Venereol. 1977;57(4):357-360.
[3] Verma KC, Saini AS, Dhamija SK. Oral zinc sulphate therapy in acne vulgaris: a double-blind trial. Acta Derm Venereol. 1980;60(4):337-340.
[4] Desneves KJ, Todorovic BE, Cassar A, Crowe TC. Treatment with supplementary arginine, vitamin C and zinc in patients with pressure ulcers: a randomised controlled trial. Clin Nutr. 2005;24(6):979-987.
[5] Cereda E, Klersy C, Serioli M, Crespi A, D'Andrea F; OligoElement Sore Trial Study Group. A nutritional formula enriched with arginine, zinc, and antioxidants for the healing of pressure ulcers: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2015;162(3):167-174.
[6] Yoshida S, Endo S, Tomita H. A double-blind study of the therapeutic efficacy of zinc gluconate on taste disorder. Auris Nasus Larynx. 1991;18(2):153-161.
[7] Heckmann SM, Hujoel P, Habiger S, Friess W, Wichmann M, Heckmann JG, Hummel T. Zinc gluconate in the treatment of dysgeusia--a randomized clinical trial. J Dent Res. 2005;84(1):35-38.
[8] Hunt CD, Johnson PE, Herbel J, Mullen LK. Effects of dietary zinc depletion on seminal volume and zinc loss, serum testosterone concentrations, and sperm morphology in young men. Am J Clin Nutr. 1992;56(1):148-157.
[9] Wong WY, Merkus HM, Thomas CM, Menkveld R, Zielhuis GA, Steegers-Theunissen RP. Effects of folic acid and zinc sulfate on male factor subfertility: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Fertil Steril. 2002;77(3):491-498.
[10] Schisterman EF, Sjaarda LA, Clemons T, Carrell DT, Perkins NJ, Johnstone E, Lamb D, Chaney K, Van Voorhis BJ, Ryan G, Summers K, Hotaling J, Robins J, Mills JL, Mendola P, Chen Z, DeVilbiss EA, Peterson CM, Mumford SL. Effect of Folic Acid and Zinc Supplementation in Men on Semen Quality and Live Birth Among Couples Undergoing Infertility Treatment: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2020;323(1):35-48.
[11] Nazem MR, Asadi M, Jabbari N, Allameh A. Effects of zinc supplementation on superoxide dismutase activity and gene expression, and metabolic parameters in overweight type 2 diabetes patients: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Clin Biochem. 2019;69:15-20.
[12] Jafari A, Noormohammadi Z, Askari M, Daneshzad E. Zinc supplementation and immune factors in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2022;62(11):3023-3041.
[13] Nault D, Machingo TA, Shipper AG, Antiporta DA, Hamel C, Nourouzpour S, Konstantinidis M, Phillips E, Lipski EA, Wieland LS. Zinc for prevention and treatment of the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2024;5(5):CD014914.
[14] Mozaffar B, Ardavani A, Muzafar H, Idris I. The Effectiveness of Zinc Supplementation in Taste Disorder Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Nutr Metab. 2023;2023:6711071.
[15] Zhao J, Dong X, Hu X, Long Z, Wang L, Liu Q, Sun B, Wang Q, Wu Q, Li L. Zinc levels in seminal plasma and their correlation with male infertility: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2016;6:22386.
[16] Marreiro DN, Cruz KJC, Morais JBS, Beserra JB, Severo JS, de Oliveira ARS. Zinc and Oxidative Stress: Current Mechanisms. Antioxidants (Basel). 2017;6(2):24.
[17] Tanaka H, Mori E, Yonezawa N, Sekine R, Nagai M, Tei M, Otori N. Efficacy of Normalising Serum Zinc Level for Patients with Olfactory Dysfunction and Zinc Deficiency. ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec. 2024;86(2):73-81.
[18] National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Zinc - Health Professional Fact Sheet. NIH ODS. Updated January 6, 2026.
[19] National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Copper - Health Professional Fact Sheet. NIH ODS. Updated October 18, 2022.
[20] University of Liverpool. Liverpool HIV Interactions: Dolutegravir/Lamivudine (DTG/3TC) and Zinc. Liverpool HIV Drug Interactions. 2026.
Zinc is a supplement providing an essential mineral required for over 200 enzyme functions, supporting various biological processes. It contributes to immune defense, aids wound healing, and plays a role in protein synthesis and cell growth. This mineral is also involved in reproductive health, sensory function, and antioxidant activity, helping maintain physiological stability. Widely used in dietary supplementation, zinc remains an essential nutrient for enzymatic reactions and metabolic processes, ensuring adequate intake for overall nutritional balance.
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