Zinc
Zinc is a metal that about 100 enzymes need to work; immune cells and tissue repair both use these enzymes.
Full ranking Dose tool Products (5,642)
Key facts
Sources: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/ · FDA DV 11 mg (https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-facts-label/daily-value-nutrition-and-supplement-facts-labels); pre-2016 DV [15] (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/05/27/2016-11867/food-labeling-revision-of-the-nutrition-and-supplement-facts-labels); adult UL 40 mg
How it works: Why is zinc linked to immunity and wound healing?
- Zinc is absorbed in the small intestine; phytates (in grains and legumes) reduce absorption.
- Zinc is needed for the catalytic activity of about 100 enzymes and for protein and DNA synthesis.
- Zinc is involved in immune function and wound healing.
Schematic only; positions and scale are not anatomical.
Daily dose across products (mg/day)
Label data from official national databases and brand websites, as declared; not lab-verified.
Common forms
| Form | Products | Median | P5–P95 | Elemental fraction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc citrate | 1223 | 7.5 mg | 1 – 35 | 32.1% [source] |
| Zinc oxide | 918 | 10 mg | 1 – 30 | 80.3% [source] |
| Zinc gluconate | 635 | 5.3 mg | 0.99 – 40 | 14.3% [source] |
| Zinc bisglycinate | 535 | 10 mg | 2.5 – 25 | — |
| Zinc picolinate | 496 | 15 mg | 2.5 – 50 | 21.1% [source] |
| Zinc sulfate | 282 | 7.5 mg | 1.1 – 20 | — |
| Zinc aspartate | 48 | 15 mg | 3 – 30 | — |
| Zinc carnosine | 20 | 74 mg | 8 – 75 | — |
| Zinc acetate | 10 | 5 mg | 1.85 – 60 | — |
Common questions
What is the Daily Value for Zinc?
The US FDA Daily Value for adults and children aged 4 and over is 11 mg. It is a labelling reference, not a personal recommendation. [source]
Is there an upper limit for Zinc?
The adult Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) is 40 mg per day. Going above it long term raises the risk of adverse effects. See the linked source. [source]
How much Zinc do products usually contain per day?
As of 2026-11-01, 5,642 products list a comparable daily dose (5,764 dose records; one product can have several). The median is 8 mg per day, and 90% of records fall between 1.1 and 32 mg. Figures come from labels and are not lab-tested. [source]
Why is zinc linked to immunity and wound healing?
Zinc is a metal that about 100 enzymes need to work; immune cells and tissue repair both use these enzymes. Adult UL: 40 mg per day. Long-term high-dose zinc reduces copper absorption and can cause copper deficiency. [source]
What are the side effects of Zinc?
Signs of too much zinc include nausea, dizziness, headaches, upset stomach, vomiting and loss of appetite. (Source: NIH ODS) [source]
What happens if you take too much Zinc?
The adult UL is 40 mg a day from all sources. Too much for a long time can lower immunity, lower HDL (good) cholesterol and cause low copper; very high doses also reduce magnesium absorption. Using far more zinc-containing denture cream than the label says can also cause copper deficiency and nerve problems. (Source: NIH ODS) [source]
Is Zinc safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
The recommended amount in pregnancy is 12 mg (teens) and 11 mg (women); while breastfeeding it is 13 and 12 mg. Needs rise in pregnancy and breastfeeding. (Source: NIH ODS) [source]
Does Zinc interact with medications or other supplements?
Quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics and zinc reduce each other's absorption; take the antibiotic at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after zinc. Zinc reduces penicillamine absorption, so keep them at least 1 hour apart. Long-term thiazide diuretics increase zinc loss in urine. (Source: NIH ODS) [source]
Top ranked
| Rank | Brand | Product | Per day | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Metagenics | Zinc A.G. | 40 mg | 100.0 |
| 1 | Metagenics | Zinc Drink | 15 mg | 100.0 |
| 1 | XYMOGEN | Zinc Glycinate | 20 mg | 100.0 |
| 4 | Pure Encapsulations | Zinc 15 | 30 mg | 94.4 |
| 4 | Pure Encapsulations | Zinc 30 | 30 mg | 94.4 |