Citrate to Sulfate: A Guide to Zin

Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a part in more than 300 different enzymatic reactions in the body. From protein structure to DNA synthesis, zinc is necessary for many processes in the body to function normally.¹ It's involved in nutrient metabolism, cognitive function, fertility and reproduction, and bone health. ^{2 3 4} However, the role most people associate with zinc is its contribution to healthy immune system function.^{5 4}

 

Zinc is found in foods like shellfish, pumpkin seeds, meat, and seafood. Still, some studies suggest that certain groups of people may not get enough from their diet.⁶ As a result, many turn to supplements to fill in the gaps, but choosing the right supplement can be overwhelming.

 

How do you choose, and what form do you need when faced with so many options? This guide will take a closer look at the different forms of zinc so you can find the best choice for your needs.

 

Choosing a Zinc Supplement: Start Here

 

From pills to lozenges to nasal sprays, one of the first things to consider when choosing a zinc supplement is that certain forms may be better absorbed. You want to ensure that your body can absorb and use the zinc effectively with minimal side effects (some forms of zinc can cause GI upset). ⁷

 

When you take a zinc supplement, you aren't taking zinc alone. Supplemental zinc isn't well absorbed on its own, so it's usually chelated (bonded) to another substance. This process

 

increases the bioavailability of zinc in the supplement, making it more readily available for absorption. Think of it like a helping hand to get the zinc where it needs to go in your body.

 

Zinc is often bound to inorganic or organic acids to create different forms, each with varying levels of absorbability and bioavailability. Organic acids tend to be better absorbed than other forms. ⁸

 

Zinc absorption also depends on how much zinc you get in your diet and your zinc status (meaning the body takes what it needs). People with lower intakes may have better absorption rates than those who get more from their diet.

 

 

Types of Zinc Supplements

 

As mentioned above, zinc bound to organic acid tends to be better absorbed, so these forms are generally recommended over others. Examples of inorganic acids include sulfate and oxide. Examples of organic acids are gluconate, picolinate, acetate, and citrate.

 

Let's dive into some of these forms in more detail.

 

Zinc gluconate:

 

Zinc gluconate, a compound formed by chelating zinc with gluconic acid (an oxidized form of glucose), is a widely used form of zinc. You'll find it incorporated into a variety of

 

supplements, such as pills, capsules, lozenges, and sprays. Studies suggest that zinc gluconate can support healthy immune function. ^{9 10}

 

Zinc citrate:

 

Zinc chelated with citric acid is known as zinc citrate, another popular form of zinc found in dietary supplements. Research supports using supplemental zinc citrate to help maintain healthy zinc levels in the body. It's absorbed at similar rates as zinc gluconate and may be even more bioavailable than some forms of zinc. ⁷

 

Zinc picolinate:

 

A type of zinc chelated with an organic acid called picolinic acid (a derivative of the amino acid tryptophan), zinc picolinate is commonly used in supplements for its high absorption rate. Studies suggest that zinc picolinate is bioavailable and can improve zinc absorption in the body. A study comparing zinc gluconate and zinc picolinate found that both forms were well-absorbed, but zinc picolinate had a slight edge over gluconate. ¹¹

 

Zinc acetate:

 

Zinc acetate is made by adding acetic acid with zinc (acetic acid is the main component of vinegar). Zinc acetate has been extensively studied for its role in supporting healthy immune function in scientific research. 3 10 Comparative studies examining zinc acetate and zinc gluconate in supporting normal immune function have revealed similar efficacy between the two forms. ¹⁰

 

Zinc sulfate:

 

You may have seen zinc sulfate in topical forms to support skin health, like in diaper rash creams, but it's also used in dietary supplements. Zinc sulfate is made by adding sulfuric acid with zinc and may have slightly lower bioavailability than other forms. Aside from being poorly absorbed, zinc sulfate may be more likely to cause stomach upset. ³

 

Zinc oxide:

 

That white nose and face paint used by lifeguards isn't only for show. Zinc oxide is used in sunscreen as a physical barrier to block UV radiation and protect the skin from harmful sun damage. It's often used as a coloring agent in products like cosmetics, so some consider it more of an additive than a nutritional form of zinc. Since it's also less bioavailable than other forms of zinc when used as a dietary supplement, it's not typically recommended as a primary form of zinc supplementation. ⁷

 

 

 

Other Zinc Supplement Considerations

 

Aside from choosing the right form of zinc, brand quality is an essential consideration when you purchase a supplement. Independent, ceritfied testing and quality ingredients are crucial when selecting zinc supplements to ensure your supplement is safe, free from harmful contaminants, and accurately labeled.

 

Independent verification guarantees that the product contains the ingredients listed on the label, in the declared potency and amounts, without potentially harmful substances such as heavy metals, microbial contaminants, or other adulterants.

 

The recommended daily adult intake of zinc is 15 mg and because there are many sources of zinc throughout the environment, exposure and toxicity are not uncommon.¹² You should always consult your physician prior to starting any supplement regime as increased levels of certain trace minerals can become toxic.

 

The quality of all the other ingredients in your supplement also matters. Fewer additives and fillers are less likely to cause adverse reactions or become a problem for people with allergies and sensitivities.

 

Takeaway: Not All Zinc Supplements Are Created Equal

 

Zinc supplements can support immune function and many other systems in the body, but not all zinc supplements are created equal. The form of zinc you choose can affect its bioavailability and absorption, so chelates like gluconate, acetate, picolinate, and citrate are optimal choices.

 

Additionally, selecting a high-quality brand is crucial to ensure that the supplement contains the appropriate ingredients in the right amounts without harmful contaminants.

 

Working with a healthcare provider to help you examine your diet and health history can help you determine if zinc supplementation is necessary and which form of zinc may be most beneficial for your needs.

 

About The Author

 

Caitlin Beale, MS, RDN is a registered dietitian and freelance health writer. She has a master's degree in nutrition and over ten years of experience as a registered dietitian.

 

+The views expressed in this article are those of the authors. They do not reflect the opinions or views of Pure Encapsulations®.

 

Sources

 

1 Institute of Medicine (US) Panel on Micronutrients. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2001.

 

2 Olechnowicz J, Tinkov A, Skalny A, Suliburska J. Zinc status is associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid, and glucose metabolism. J Physiol Sci. 2018;68(1):19-31. doi:10.1007/s12576-017-0571-7

 

3 Gupta M, Mahajan VK, Mehta KS, Chauhan PS. Zinc therapy in dermatology: a review. Dermatol Res Pract. 2014;2014:709152. doi:10.1155/2014/709152

 

4 Prasad AS. Clinical, immunological, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant roles of zinc. Exp Gerontol. 2008;43(5):370-377. doi:10.1016/j.exger.2007.10.013

 

5 Sanna A, Firinu D, Zavattari P, Valera P. Zinc Status and Autoimmunity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2018;10(1):68. Published 2018 Jan 11. doi:10.3390/nu10010068

 

6 Reider CA, Chung RY, Devarshi PP, Grant RW, Hazels Mitmesser S. Inadequacy of Immune Health Nutrients: Intakes in US Adults, the 2005-2016 NHANES. Nutrients. 2020;12(6):1735. Published 2020 Jun 10. doi:10.3390/nu12061735

 

7 Wegmüller R, Tay F, Zeder C, Brnic M, Hurrell RF. Zinc absorption by young adults from supplemental zinc citrate is comparable with that from zinc gluconate and higher than from zinc oxide. J Nutr. 2014;144(2):132-136. doi:10.3945/jn.113.181487

 

8 Sangeetha VJ, Dutta S, Moses JA, Anandharamakrishnan C. Zinc nutrition and human health: Overview and implications. eFood. 2022 Oct;3(5):e17.

 

9 Maywald M, Rink L. Zinc in Human Health and Infectious Diseases. Biomolecules. 2022;12(12):1748. Published 2022 Nov 24. doi:10.3390/biom12121748

 

10 Hemilä H. Zinc lozenges and the common cold: a meta-analysis comparing zinc acetate and zinc gluconate, and the role of zinc dosage. JRSM Open. 2017;8(5):2054270417694291. Published 2017 May 2. doi:10.1177/2054270417694291

 

11 Barrie SA, Wright JV, Pizzorno JE, Kutter E, Barron PC. Comparative absorption of zinc picolinate, zinc citrate and zinc gluconate in humans. Agents Actions. 1987;21(1-2):223-228. doi:10.1007/BF01974946

 

12 Agnew UM, Slesinger TL. Zinc Toxicity. [Updated 2022 Dec 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan.