Compare zinc supplement options, forms, and observed retailer prices on Zynava. Filter by preference (form, diet, budget) and open AI-powered search for matching products. This mineral catalog page is educational comparison only — not medical advice.
Essential trace mineral for immune function, wound healing, and cellular metabolism. Learn about zinc's critical roles in growth, development, and disease prevention.
Explore zinc supplements and browse options based on ingredient research.
Zynava compared 8 zinc products across 4 participating retailers. Observed price range in catalog scan: $8.00 – $59.99. 28 listings have verified servings for price-per-serving display.
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Compare Zinc in search · Catalog page · Educational research guide
Zinc is an essential trace mineral required for numerous biological processes. It serves as a structural component of proteins and a cofactor for over 300 enzymes involved in metabolism, immune function, and gene expression. The body contains about 2-3 grams of zinc, primarily in muscles and bones.
Zinc's widespread roles in human physiology make it essential for immune health, growth, cognitive function, and numerous other processes.
Zinc is crucial for proper immune function. It supports the development and function of immune cells including T-lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and neutrophils. Adequate zinc levels help the body fight infections, while deficiency impairs immune responses and increases infection susceptibility.
Zinc is essential for wound healing through its roles in cell division, protein synthesis, and collagen formation. It supports epithelial cell growth and helps maintain skin integrity. Zinc deficiency significantly delays wound healing and impairs tissue repair.
Zinc is critical for growth and development, especially during infancy, childhood, and adolescence. It's required for DNA synthesis, cell division, and protein synthesis. Zinc deficiency during growth periods leads to stunted growth, delayed sexual maturation, and developmental delays.
Some research suggests zinc lozenges may reduce cold duration and severity when taken at the first sign of symptoms. Zinc may inhibit rhinovirus replication and reduce inflammation. However, evidence is mixed, and not all studies show benefits.
Zinc may benefit skin health, particularly for acne. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Some studies show zinc supplementation reduces acne severity, though it may be less effective than prescription treatments.
Zinc plays important roles in brain function and cognitive development. It's involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and receptor function. Some studies suggest adequate zinc intake may support cognitive function and potentially reduce age-related cognitive decline.
High concentrations of zinc in the eye suggest important roles in vision. Zinc may help protect against age-related macular degeneration when combined with other antioxidants. The AREDS studies included zinc for this purpose.
Zinc is found in a variety of foods, with oysters being the richest source. Other good sources include red meat, poultry, beans, and fortified cereals. Bioavailability varies significantly between sources.
| Food Source | Amount | Zinc Content | Bioavailability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oysters (cooked) | 3 oz (85g) | 74 mg | High |
| Beef (cooked) | 3 oz (85g) | 7 mg | High |
| Crab (cooked) | 3 oz (85g) | 6.5 mg | High |
| Pork (cooked) | 3 oz (85g) | 3.5 mg | High |
| Chicken (dark meat) | 3 oz (85g) | 2.4 mg | High |
| Pumpkin seeds | 1 oz (28g) | 2.2 mg | Medium |
| Chickpeas (cooked) | 1 cup | 2.5 mg | Medium |
| Fortified breakfast cereal | 1 serving | 3.8 mg | Medium |
| Yogurt (plain) | 1 cup (245g) | 2.2 mg | Medium |
| Cashews | 1 oz (28g) | 1.6 mg | Medium |
Zinc requirements vary by age, gender, and physiological state. The RDA accounts for typical absorption rates from mixed diets.
| Age Group | RDA (mg/day) | Upper Limit (mg/day) |
|---|---|---|
| Infants 0-6 months | 2 | 4 |
| Infants 7-12 months | 3 | 5 |
| Children 1-3 years | 3 | 7 |
| Children 4-8 years | 5 | 12 |
| Children 9-13 years | 8 | 23 |
| Males 14+ years | 11 | 34 |
| Females 14+ years | 9 | 34 |
| Pregnant women | 11 | 34 |
| Lactating women | 12 | 34 |
Zinc supplements are available in various forms, each with different bioavailability and uses.
Zinc absorption occurs primarily in the small intestine and is regulated by the body. Bioavailability varies from 15-50% depending on the form and dietary context. Chelated forms (picolinate, bisglycinate) typically have better absorption than inorganic forms.
Zinc deficiency is common worldwide and can affect multiple body systems. Symptoms may be subtle initially but can become severe if untreated.
High zinc intake (above 50 mg daily for extended periods) can interfere with copper absorption and lead to copper deficiency. This is why some zinc supplements include copper. Balance is important for optimal mineral status.
Zinc research has focused on immune function, wound healing, growth, and infection prevention.
Strong evidence supports zinc's role in immune function. Studies show zinc supplementation reduces infection incidence and duration, particularly in deficient populations. Zinc-deficient individuals have significantly impaired immune responses.
Some meta-analyses suggest zinc lozenges may reduce cold duration when taken within 24 hours of symptom onset. However, evidence is mixed, and not all formulations show benefits. More research is needed to clarify optimal dosing and timing.
Strong evidence supports zinc for wound healing, particularly in deficient individuals. Zinc supplementation accelerates healing of ulcers, surgical wounds, and burns. Topical zinc may also benefit wound healing.
Numerous studies demonstrate zinc's importance for growth and development. Zinc supplementation improves growth rates in deficient children and supports normal sexual maturation. The evidence is strongest for populations with high deficiency rates.
The World Health Organization recommends zinc supplementation for treating childhood diarrhea in developing countries. Studies show zinc reduces diarrhea duration and severity, particularly in malnourished children.
When selecting zinc supplements, consider form, dosage, and quality indicators.
For general health: 8-11 mg daily from diet and supplements
For immune support: 15-30 mg daily (short-term)
For deficiency treatment: 15-50 mg daily (under medical supervision)
For cold treatment: 75-100 mg lozenges (as directed, short-term only)
Avoid long-term doses above 40 mg without copper supplementation.
Use our research tool to explore zinc supplements and see what studies have examined.
Store zinc supplements in a cool, dry place. Keep lozenges in original packaging to maintain freshness. Follow expiration dates for optimal potency.
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