Thorne Research Zinc Picolinate provides a readily absorbable form of zinc
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Zinc is perhaps most commonly known for being a natural treatment for the common cold—if taken properly, it can help shorten the time you’re sick and reduce your symptoms. And, though it is technically called a “trace” mineral, meaning the body needs only a small amount, it’s instrumental in helping our bodies function properly in many other ways.
If you are vegetarian, have a digestive condition, or are pregnant or lactating, you may be at higher risk of a zinc deficiency. Signs of a zinc deficiency may include frequent colds, nausea, poor wound healing, skin rash or ulcers, weight loss, hair loss, sexual dysfunction, or worsening asthma symptoms. These symptoms may be tough to pinpoint as a zinc deficiency, so check with a healthcare provider to assess your symptoms.
Most people don't need to take a zinc supplement, and taking too much zinc, especially over a longer period of time, can be harmful. However, if you are looking to blunt the blow of a nasty cold or find yourself experiencing symptoms of a zinc deficiency, a zinc supplement may be beneficial. To recommend the best zinc supplements, our dietitian used her clinical training and the latest research to evaluate the best supplements on the market. In order to safely apply these insights and choose a zinc supplement, consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the ideal form and dose for you.
Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure that the supplement is appropriate for your individual needs, and to find out what dosage to take.
If you’re taking certain antibiotics, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, Cisplatin, NSAIDs or Penicillamine, taking a zinc supplement may be a contraindication. These drugs can interfere with absorption or impact blood levels of zinc.
Free of most common allergens
Thorne Research zinc picolinate is our top pick because it checks so many of our supplement boxes; it's third party certified, provides a readily accessible form of zinc, and is made by a reputable brand. When it comes to top quality supplements, we find that Thorne Research delivers. This zinc picolinate provides a form of zinc that the body can readily absorb, making it more likely to harness the nutrient's benefits. This supplement provides 30 mg of zinc, which does not exceed tolerable upper intake levels, and it comes in one convenient capsule.
The zinc picolinate is NSF Sport Certified, meaning it is not only NSF Certified, ensuring no unsafe levels of contaminants, but also it is free of 200 substances banned by athletic organizations. On top of that, it is ConsumerLab.com approved, gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free, and does not contain any artificial colors or flavors.
While it is slightly more expensive than the competition, you can rest assured you are getting a quality product from a trusted brand. If you have a sensitive stomach, this supplement may be less likely to cause nausea than other products, but if you experience digestive discomfort, we recommend taking it with food.
Price at time of publication: $17 ($0.28 per serving)
Serving size: 1 capsule | Zinc dose: 30 mg | Form: zinc picolinate | Other notable ingredients: None
If you don’t want an additional pill to swallow, we recommend a liquid form of zinc, such as Good State Liquid Ionic Zinc Ultra Concentrate. One of the advantages of taking zinc as a liquid is that you can customize the dose. For example, it is recommended adults use 10 drops to obtain the full dose of 15 mg of zinc sulfate, and for children over the age of 4 simply use five drops. Each BPA-free bottle contains 118 servings, so you end up wasting less packaging by choosing Good State’s Ultra Concentrate liquid zinc. On top of that, it is approved by ConsumerLab.com, one of the most reputable third-party testing organizations.
It’s incredibly easy to take; just mix it in with water or your favorite beverage. ConsumerLab.com writes that during their testing a very faint metallic taste was noted, so you might find that adding it to a flavored beverage helps it go down easily. Good State’s zinc is vegetarian and made in the USA.
Price at time of publication: $20 ($0.17 per serving)
Serving size: 10 drops | Zinc dose: 15 mg | Form: zinc sulfate | Other notable ingredients: None
If you’re taking a zinc supplement to manage your cold, we recommend Nature’s Way Zinc Lozenges. Taking zinc in the form of a slowly-dissolving lozenge within the first 24-48 hours of a cold has been shown to decrease the duration and severity of illness. Zinc citrate and gluconate, the two forms of zinc found in the Nature’s Way lozenges, are both effective for colds. With a pleasant mixed berry taste, it’s easy to take one lozenge every six hours as indicated on the bottle. Be sure to not exceed this amount, and be aware that these are not meant to be taken as a daily supplement as the dose is quite high.
Nature’s Way Zinc is ConsumerLab.com approved, vegan, and contains no yeast, wheat, soy, dairy, or preservatives. Of note, it also contains vitamin C and echinacea, which can be helpful for immune support as well. You will also find stevia leaf and some sugar alcohols (sorbitol and mannitol) for sweetness. Sugar alcohols may cause some stomach bloating, and it’s also been shown that zinc supplements that contain these ingredients may have different levels of effectiveness for people as opposed to zinc on its own.
Price at time of publication: $7 ($0.12 per serving)
Serving size: 1 lozenge | Zinc dose: 23 mg | Form: zinc citrate and gluconate | Other notable ingredients: 100 mg vitamin C, 20 mg echinacea
No artificial flavors, preservatives or colors
Should be taken with a meal and water
If you are looking for a budget-friendly zinc supplement, we recommend Nature Made Zinc 30mg tablet. This dose is below the 40 mg Tolerable Upper Intake Level for adults making it a good option for most people. The 30 mg dose provides 273% of your daily value of zinc. One thing to note: if you take other supplements with zinc, make sure your total amount of daily zinc is less than 40 mg unless otherwise directed from a healthcare professional.
We like that this choice is a low-cost option while still being USP third-party certified meaning you can trust the ingredient amounts are tested and verified. While this tablet should be well tolerated by most people, note it is recommended to take with food and water for best results. There are no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives added to this zinc supplement, and it is also gluten free.
Price at time of publication: $5 ($0.05 per serving)
Serving size: 1 tablet | Zinc dose: 30 mg | Form: zinc gluconate | Other notable ingredients: none
Dosage of zinc might be too high for some
Not suitable for vegans and those avoiding gelatin
Swanson Zinc Gluconate offers an absorbable form of zinc at a high dose and an inexpensive price point. Each capsule comes out to cost only a few cents, so it is a great way to add a supplement without spending too much. Chosen as a ConsumerLab.com Top Pick, this product delivers 50 mg of zinc gluconate, which, as a bonus, may help reduce inflammatory acne.
Be aware that 50 mg per capsule is a very high dose that exceeds the Tolerable Upper Intake Level for adults (40 mg), so it is only suitable for certain people. Be sure to check with a healthcare provider before taking this supplement to make sure it is dosed appropriately for you. Take it with food and water to avoid discomfort and for best absorption. This zinc choice has gelatin listed as an ingredient, so note is is not considered vegan and may not be suitable for those who don't eat pork products.
Price at time of publication: $10 ($0.04 per serving)
Serving size: 1 capsule | Zinc dose: 50 mg | Form: zinc gluconate | Other notable ingredients: gelatin
Contains copper to prevent depletion
High intakes of zinc can deplete copper and lead to symptoms of anemia as well as permanent neurological symptoms. So, some supplements provided a dose of copper alongside zinc to help prevent this from happening. Jarrow Formulas, a well-respected name in the supplement world, offers zinc L-methionine sulfate—a form of zinc that easily is absorbed in the intestines—plus copper in one convenient pill.
Jarrow’s Zinc Balance is NSF Certified, suitable for vegetarians/vegans, and is free from all major allergens. One thing to consider is that the dose of zinc is only 15 mg, which slightly exceeds the RDA and would still be suitable to be taken daily, but it may not be effective for colds or rapidly helping to correct a deficiency.
Price at time of publication: $12 ($0.12 per serving)
Serving size: 1 capsule | Zinc dose: 15 mg | Form: zinc L-methionine sulfate | Other notable ingredients: 1 mg copper
Contains nutrients we might not be getting enough of
Contains a moderate dose of zinc
Nutrient formulation may not be individualized to your needs
Many people will get sufficient zinc from eating a balanced diet, and others may benefit from a balanced diet along with a zinc-containing multivitamin supplement which contains many other nutrients aside from zinc. Thorne's Basic Research 2/Day provides a moderate dose of 15 milligrams of zinc along with other key vitamins and minerals that you may not be getting enough of. It's also NSF certified for sport, which means it's verified to contain what it says it contains with no harmful contaminants or substances banned for competitive athletes.
To name a few of the nutrients in this multivitamin, it contains vitamin K2, which may be hard to obtain enough of from the diet and may play a role in bone and cardiovascular health. It also contains vitamin D, which may work closely with K2. Our bodies make vitamin D following sun exposure, but most people do not spend enough time outside or live too far north to make enough vitamin D, and a supplement is commonly recommended.
It also contains a solid dose (600 milligrams) of vitamin B12, which is beneficial for vegetarians, vegans, and older adults, along with those with digestive conditions. This supplement also contains 140 milligrams of lutein, which, along with zinc, may benefit people with or at risk of age-related macular degeneration, and it may play a role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
We also love that this supplement comes in a two capsule dose, so those needing lower doses of these micronutrients can simply take one capsule. Keep in mind that, while impressively comprehensive, this multivitamin does not contain every micronutrient. If you need to supplement with minerals like calcium or iron, for example, you will have to take a separate supplement.
Price at time of publication: $36 ($1.20 per serving)
Serving size: 2 capsules | Zinc dose: 15 mg | Form: zinc bisglycinate chelate | Other notable ingredients: vitamins A,D,E,K, B vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, iodine, magnesium, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, boron, lutein
Those who have or are at risk of a zinc deficiency, those who are managing certain viruses, those looking to prevent or manage certain conditions, and older adults may benefit from zinc supplementation.
Correcting for a deficiency: Vegetarians, those with digestive conditions, and those who are pregnant or lactating may be at higher risk of a zinc deficiency and therefore may benefit from a supplement.
Treating a cold: Perhaps the most popularized use for zinc supplements is in treating cold symptoms and boosting the immune system. Zinc lozenges can help decrease the duration of a cold and reduce symptoms, but not prevent one from coming on. It is important to take zinc supplements properly when treating a cold:
COVID-19: Though there have been limited studies on the impact of zinc supplements on symptoms and death from COVID-19, it is likely that zinc may help prevent or treat the virus alongside other treatments.
Eye health: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in elderly people in the United States. Although zinc does not help in the early stages, high-dose zinc supplementation or zinc alongside antioxidants like vitamin C and E can slow the progression of advanced AMD.
Sperm health: If starting a family is on your to-do list, zinc might be a supplement that you, or your male partner, will want to consider for maximum sperm health. According to Mannaker, “sperm is extremely susceptible to cell damage, which can be a result of a variety of things, including being exposed to pollution, eating fried foods frequently, and living a stressful lifestyle.” Zinc acts as an antioxidant, helping support sperm health and reducing the risk of damage.
Blood sugar control: Low-dose zinc supplementation (less than 25 mg per day) for a long period of time may help lower blood sugar for those with type 2 diabetes.
Age-related decreases in zinc consumption: Older age can lead to challenges with appetite and adequate consumption. Up to 25% of adults, even those taking dietary supplements, may be under-consuming zinc and therefore might benefit from additional supplementation.
If you are taking certain medications, it’s important that you speak with a healthcare provider before considering taking a zinc supplement.
Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements; you can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here.
We support supplements that are evidence-based and rooted in science. We value certain product attributes that we find to be associated with the highest quality products.
It's important to note that the FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they go to market. Our team of experts has created a detailed, science-backed methodology to choose the supplements we recommend.
Supplements that are third-party tested are sent to a lab where they are tested to ensure they contain what they say they contain and are not contaminated with specific high-risk, common contaminants. However, it’s important to note:
According to ConsumerLab.com, of the zinc supplements that they tested, none were found to exceed reasonable contamination limits for heavy metals. This does not account for all of the zinc supplements on the market, however, so exercise caution when choosing a product.
As with most vitamin and mineral supplements, there are many forms of zinc that you may find on the pharmacy shelves.
Zinc acetate: The other most commonly used form for cold-related products, also effective at reducing symptoms
Zinc sulfate: Inexpensive and effective form used in some supplements..
Zinc citrate and picolinate are other forms of zinc supplements that are considered to be well absorbed, and the zinc oxide form is likely not absorbed as well.
Zinc most commonly comes in the form of lozenges, pills, capsules, or drops. Zinc nasal sprays and gels may cause loss of smell and so should be avoided.
It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included, relative to the recommended daily value of that ingredient. Please bring the supplement label to your healthcare provider to review the different ingredients contained in the supplement and any potential interactions between these ingredients and other supplements and medications you are taking.
Added sweeteners: Zinc lozenges are often made with a sweetener, whether that is corn syrup or sucrose, so take that into consideration if you are concerned about your sugar intake.
Vitamin C: Some zinc supplements may also contain vitamin C, which is thought to add additional immune-boosting qualities.
Taken in large amounts, zinc may cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting within 3-10 hours of taking the supplement.
According to the Institute of Medicine, the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for zinc are as follows:
For infants up to 6 months there is no RDA established, so this level reflects the Adequate Intake level, which is a level assumed to be adequate to meet nutrient needs.
When shopping for supplements, consider that the percentage of elemental zinc varies by form. The elemental content is what appears on the supplement label, so it’s easy to understand exactly how much you are getting and see that you are taking a safe dose.
The Tolerable Upper Intake Level for zinc is:
Symptoms of too much zinc may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, headaches, or loss of appetite. Doses of 100-300 mg/day may cause a copper deficiency, with anemia, impaired immune function, and blood lipid imbalances, namely decreased HDL (the “good”) cholesterol.
If taking zinc lozenges for a cold, you should allow the lozenge to dissolve slowly in your mouth over a few minutes for optimal absorption. For capsule forms, it’s best to separate your zinc from phytate-containing foods like grains, beans, nuts, seeds, or potatoes.
If you can, take your zinc supplement with water or juice separately from meals. If you experience nausea, take the supplement with a meal—you may be able to increase absorption by including a source of animal protein such as beef, chicken, pork, or seafood. If you're taking a zinc supplement, talk to a healthcare provider about also taking copper, as too much zinc can cause a copper deficiency.
Zinc is absorbed well at all times of day, so no need to time your supplement for a specific hour. If you are fighting off a cold, perhaps it’s best to start taking your zinc lozenges early in the day for maximal relief.
Taking very high doses of zinc may cause an upset stomach and nausea, so it’s recommended to not exceed your recommended dose and to not take your supplement on an empty stomach if you experience nausea. When it comes to itching, zinc may actually help provide relief for itching related to varicose veins and for patients on hemodialysis (shown with a very high dose of zinc, or 440 milligrams per day).
Zinc supplements likely start to work within 12-24 hours and cold symptoms can start to decrease within days after taking a supplement.
The length of time to take a zinc supplement is going to vary from person to person according to their needs. It is likely safe to take zinc daily if the supplement does not exceed the tolerable upper intake level. However, it is not recommended to supplement with a high dose of zinc for an extended period of time, and it is recommended to take breaks from taking a regular zinc supplement. Always check with a healthcare provider when it comes to how much and how often you should be taking any supplements.
The cost of a zinc supplement can range from just a few cents per serving to over $1 per serving. Our best budget pick, Nature Made Zinc 30 mg, is only about $0.04 per tablet. Our best overall, Thorne Research Zinc Picolinate, is more expensive at $0.30 per capsule serving. However, the higher cost may be worth it due to the highly absorbable form of zinc it contains, and Thorne Research has high quality third-party testing. If you take zinc as part of a multivitamin, the cost can be over $1 per daily serving, like in our top multivitamin with zinc pick Thorne Research Basic 2/Day.
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