Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that is a component of more than 300 enzymes needed to repair wounds, maintain fertility in adults and growth in children, synthesize protein, help cells reproduce, preserve vision, boost immunity, and protect against free radicals, among other functions.
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Primary-Secondary-Other" rating system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Acne Vulgaris | 60 to 90 mg daily |  [3 stars] Several double-blind trials indicate that taking zinc reduces acne severity. Long-term use requires 1 to 2 mg of copper per day to prevent copper deficiency.
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Acrodermatitis | 30 to 150 mg per day under a doctor's supervision | [3 stars] Supplementing with the correct amount of zinc can completely resolve hereditary acrodermatitis enteropathica |
Common Cold and Sore Throat | Use 13 to 25 mg as gluconate, gluconate-glycine, or acetate in lozenges every two hours | as Zinc Lozenges[3 stars] Zinc lozenges used at the first sign of a cold have been shown to help stop the virus and shorten the illness. |
Down’s Syndrome | 1 mg per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of body weight daily | [3 stars] Zinc may improve immune function, reduce infection rates, and stimulate growth. Take under a doctor’s supervision. |
Male Infertility | 60 mg (plus 2 mg of copper, to prevent depletion) daily | [3 stars] Zinc deficiency leads to reduced numbers of sperm and impotence in men. Taking zinc may correct this problem and improve sperm quality. |
Night Blindness | If deficient: 15 to 30 mg daily (with 1 to 2 mg copper daily, to prevent depletion) | [3 stars] A lack of zinc may reduce the activity of retinol dehydrogenase, an enzyme needed to help vitamin A work in the eye. Zinc helps night blindness in people who are zinc-deficient. |
Wilson’s Disease | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | [3 stars] Supplementing with zinc may help reduce dietary copper absorption. |
Wound Healing | 30 mg daily (with 2 mg copper daily to prevent depletion), or apply topical zinc preparations regularly | [3 stars] Zinc is a component of enzymes needed to repair wounds, and even a mild deficiency can interfere with optimal recovery from everyday tissue damage. |
Acne Rosacea | 23 mg three times per day for three months |  [2 stars] In a double-blind study, zinc supplements decreased the rosacea severity by about 75%. Long-term zinc users should also take a copper supplement to prevent deficiency. |
Alcohol Withdrawal | Take under medical supervision: 135 to 215 mg daily | [2 stars] Supplementing with zinc may correct the deficiency common in alcoholic liver cirrhosis and may correct the impaired taste function that people with cirrhosis often experience. |
Anorexia | 50 mg a day (with 1 to 3 mg copper daily, to protect against depletion) | [2 stars] People with anorexia may be deficient in zinc, in which case supplementing with the mineral can restore levels and improve symptoms. |
Attention Deficit–Hyperactivity Disorder | If deficient: 15 mg per day | [2 stars] In one study, children with ADHD who received zinc showed significantly greater behavioral improvement, compared with children who received a placebo. |
Birth Defects | 15 mg daily | [2 stars] Many doctors recommend a zinc-containing multivitamin to all women of childbearing age who may become pregnant for its potential role in preventing neural tube defects. |
Bulimia | Refer to label instructions | [2 stars] People with bulimia may be deficient in zinc, in which case supplementing with the mineral can restore levels and improve symptoms. |
Canker Sores | 150 mg daily plus 1 to 2 mg of copper per day to prevent copper deficiency | [2 stars] Zinc deficiency has been linked with recurrent canker sores, so treating the deficiency may lead to relief. Long-term zinc supplementation requires extra copper to avoid deficiency.
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Celiac Disease | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | [2 stars] The malabsorption that occurs in celiac disease can lead to multiple nutritional deficiencies. Supplementing with zinc may correct a deficiency. |
Cold Sores | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | [2 stars] Topically applied zinc appears to inhibit the replication of the herpes virus and help prevent future outbreaks. Use topical zinc only under a doctor’s supervision. |
Common Cold and Sore Throat | For prevention: 15 mg daily; for treating colds: 30 mg daily at the onset | as Zinc Oral[2 stars] In one study, oral zinc supplementation significantly reduced both the incidence and duration of the common cold. |
Crohn’s Disease | 25 to 50 mg of zinc (with 2 to 4 mg of copper to avoid depletion) per day | [2 stars] Zinc is needed to repair intestinal cells damaged by Crohn’s disease. Supplementation may offset some of the deficiency caused by Crohn’s-related malabsorption. |
Genital Herpes | Apply a topical preparation containing 0.025 to 0.9% zinc several times per day | [2 stars] Applying zinc topically may help prevent outbreaks and has been shown to stop the pain, burning, and tingling of a herpes outbreak. |
Halitosis | Regularly use a mouthrinse or toothpaste containing zinc | as Zinc Chloride[2 stars] Zinc is able to reduce the concentration of volatile sulfur compounds in the mouth, thus lessening halitosis. |
Hepatitis and Hepatitis C | Take zinc L-carnosine supplying 17 mg zinc twice per day | [2 stars] In a preliminary trial, supplementing with betaine improved signs of liver inflammation in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, a type of liver inflammation. |
HIV and AIDS Support | 12 to 45 mg daily | [2 stars] Zinc levels are frequently low in people with HIV infection. Zinc supplements have been shown to reduce the number of infections in people with AIDS. |
Infection | Refer to label instructions | [2 stars] Zinc deficiencies can impair immune function. Supplementing with zinc has been shown to increase immune function in healthy people. Zinc lozenges have been found helpful in against the common cold. |
Infectious Diarrhea | Refer to label instructions | [2 stars] Two of the nutrients that may not be absorbed efficiently as a result of diarrhea are zinc and vitamin A, both needed to fight infections. |
Liver Cirrhosis | Take under medical supervision: 135 to 215 mg daily | [2 stars] Supplementing with zinc may correct the deficiency common in alcoholic liver cirrhosis and may correct the impaired taste function that people with cirrhosis often experience. |
Macular Degeneration | 45 mg daily (with 1 to 2 mg of copper to protect against depletion) | [2 stars] Two important enzymes in the retina that are needed for vision require zinc. In one trial, zinc supplementation significantly reduced the rate of visual loss in people with macular degeneration. |
Peptic Ulcer (L-Carnosine) | 150 mg of zinc carnosine complex twice per day | [2 stars] Studies have shown that a zinc salt of the amino acid carnosine protects against ulcer formation and promotes the healing of existing ulcers. |
Peptic Ulcer | 25 to 50 mg daily | [2 stars] Supplementing with zinc may help speed the repair of damaged stomach tissue. |
Pregnancy and Postpartum Support | Use a prenatal supplement that includes zinc | [2 stars] In one study, women who used a zinc-containing nutritional supplement before and after conception had a 36% decreased chance of having a baby with a neural tube defect. |
Rheumatoid Arthritis | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | [2 stars] Deficient zinc levels have been reported in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Some trials have found that supplementing with zinc reduces rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. |
Sickle Cell Anemia | Take under medical supervision: 100 mg of zinc (plus 2 mg of copper daily to protect against depletion) | [2 stars] Supplementing with zinc appears to help prevent cell damage and speed healing of leg ulcers associated with sickle cell anemia. |
Skin Ulcers | Take under medical supervision: 50 mg of zinc (plus 1 to 3 mg of copper daily, to prevent depletion) and apply zinc-containing bandages or tape to the area | [2 stars] Supplementing with zinc may help some types of skin ulcer by facilitating tissue growth. |
Sprains and Strains | Take under medical supervision: 25 to 50 mg daily ( plus 1 to 3 mg of copper daily, to prevent depletion) | [2 stars] Zinc helps with healing. Even a mild deficiency can interfere with optimal recovery from everyday tissue damage and more serious trauma. |
Thalassemia | If deficient: 22.5 to 90 mg daily | [2 stars] Researchers have reported improved growth rates in zinc-deficient thalassemic children who were given zinc supplements. |
Tinnitus | Take under medical supervision: 90 mg daily (with 2 or 3 mg per day of copper to prevent depletion) | [2 stars] For people deficient in zinc, supplementing with zinc may help improve their tinnitus. |
Type 1 Diabetes | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | [2 stars] Supplementing with zinc may lower blood sugar levels and improve immune function in people with type 1 diabetes. |
Type 2 Diabetes | 15 to 25 mg per day | [2 stars] People with type 2 diabetes tend to be zinc deficient, supplementing with zinc may help restore levels. |
Warts | Take under medical supervision: 2.25 mg per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) body weight, up to 135 mg per day | [2 stars] In one study, supplementing with zinc, resulted in complete disappearance of warts in 87% of people treated. |
Athletic Performance | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] Exercise depletes zinc, and severe zinc deficiency can compromise muscle function. One trial found that zinc improved muscle strength, and another study of athletes with low zinc levels found that zinc improved red blood cell flexibility during exercise, which could benefit blood flow to the muscles. |
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Zinc has been shown to reduce prostate size in some studies. If you are taking 30 mg or more of zinc per day, most doctors recommend adding 2 to 3 mg of copper to avoid deficiency. |
Childhood Diseases | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Zinc is a mineral antioxidant nutrient that the immune system requires. Supplementing with it increases immune activity in people with certain illnesses. |
Cystic Fibrosis | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] The malabsorption produced by cystic fibrosis may adversely affect zinc absorption. Supplementing with zinc can help counteract this deficiency. |
Dermatitis Herpetiformis | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Supplementing with zinc can counteract the nutrient deficiency that often occurs as a result of malabsorption. |
Ear Infections | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Zinc stimulates immune function, so some doctors recommend zinc supplements for people with recurrent ear infections. |
Gastritis | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Zinc is helpful in healing peptic ulcers, which can occur in some types of gastritis. |
Gestational Hypertension | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] In one study, supplementing with zinc reduced the incidence of gestational hypertension in a group of pregnant Hispanic women who were not zinc deficient. |
Goiter | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Deficiencies of zinc can contribute to iodine-deficiency goiter. Supplementing with zinc may help. |
Hypoglycemia | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Zinc helps control blood sugar levels in diabetics, and since there are similarities in the way the body regulates high and low blood sugar levels, it might be helpful for hypoglycemia as well. |
Hypothyroidism | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] In people with low zinc, supplementing with zinc may increased thyroid hormone levels. |
Immune Function | 25 mg daily | [1 star] Zinc supplements have been reported to increase immune function. Some doctors recommend zinc supplements for people with recurrent infections. |
Insulin Resistance Syndrome | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Low zinc intake appears to be associated with several of the risk factors common in IRS, and a low blood level of zinc is associated with insulin resistance in overweight people. |
Osgood-Schlatter Disease (Manganese, Vitamin B6) | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Some doctors have reported good results using a combination of zinc, manganese, and vitamin B6 for people with Osgood-Schlatter disease. |
Osteoporosis | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Supplementing with zinc appears to be helpful in both preventing and treating osteoporosis. |
Pre- and Post-Surgery Health | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Zinc is important for proper immune system function and wound healing. Zinc supplements taken before surgery may prevent zinc deficiency and promote healing. |
Prostatitis | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Zinc has antibacterial activity and is a key factor in the natural resistance of male urinary tract infections. Supplementing with it may improve postatitis. |
Common Cold and Sore Throat | Not recommended due to a potenially serious side effect | as Zinc Nasal SprayZinc nasal sprays appear to be effective at shortening the duration of cold symptoms, however, some people have experienced long-lasting or permanent loss of smell after using the spray. |
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2014.