10 Best Zinc Supplements 2024

Zinc is a powerful immune nutrient known for its benefits for providing immune health support and inflammation reduction as well as for improving cold and respiratory symptoms, wound healing, acne reduction, and lowering the risk of age-related diseases. Research on atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus suggests that zinc deficiency may contribute to low-grade systemic inflammation.

In a ConsumerLab survey of 9,647 people who use dietary supplements shows that the supplements which experienced the greatest growth in popularity in 2020 were those being promoted to prevent or treat infection with SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Zinc supplements achieved the highest growth with +13.5% points.

best zinc supplement

Best Zinc Supplements 2023: Summary

Here are our picks of the best zinc supplements, as well as tips on how to choose a product that’s right for you. As everyone has their own set of criteria, the best option for you might be different from another person.

Before adding a new supplement to your routine, discuss its use with your healthcare provider, especially if you have an underlying health condition or are taking medication.

While many of the zinc supplements may be available in your local stores, it may be more convenient or affordable to shop for them online on Amazon (US):
  1. Nature's Bounty Zinc 50 mg Caplets - Best Chelated Zinc and Best Seller
  2. Nature's Bounty Immune 24 Hour +  - Best Zinc Supplement for Seniors
  3. Sandhu's Zinc Quercetin - Best Zinc with Quercetin
  4. WonderLabs Zinc Lozenges with Vitamin C - Best Zinc for Respiratory Viral Infections
  5. NOW Foods Zinc Glycinate Softgels - Best Chelated Zinc (Zinc Bisglycinate)
  6. Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Zinc - Best Vegan Option
  7. Zinc Gummies - Best Chewable Zinc Gummy Supplement
  8. Quercetin Zinc Vitamins C & D3 Bromelain Magnesium by Mt. Angel Vitamins - Best Zinc for Immune Health Formulation
  9. Pure Encapsulations Zinc - Best Gluten-free Zinc
  10. Dr. Mercola Zinc Plus Selenium Dietary Supplement (Zinc Bisglycinate Chelate)

Benefits of Zinc

Zinc is an important element required for the chemical reactions of over 300 enzymes, according to Oregon State University (OSU).

1. Supports a Strong Immune System

Zinc is necessary for the proper functioning of your immune system. That's why zinc is most commonly used as a supplement to help improve immunity, William Li, MD, president and medical director of the Angiogenesis Foundation and author of Eat to Beat Disease, tells LIVESTRONG.com.

2. May Shorten the Life of a Cold

As we mentioned, taking zinc at the first sign of a cold (within the first 24 hours) could reduce both how long the cold lasts and the severity of symptoms, according to a November 2011 meta-analysis in ​The Journal of Family Practice​.

3. Supports Eye Health

Specifically, zinc supplements might help slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Dr. Li says.

Malnutrition in older adults is a concern and often a cause for zinc deficiency. As such, research indicates that zinc supplementation may be able to have positive effects on AMD, according to a July 2020 paper in the ​International Journal of Molecular Sciences​.

4. Aids in Wound Healing

Zinc is essential in the healing process. People who have skin ulcers or low levels of zinc may benefit from supplementing with zinc, per the Mayo Clinic.

5. May reduce your risk of getting severe COVID-19

Does zinc help treat COVID 19? As of September 2022, there are more than 30 studies that have been published on the benefits of Zinc against COVID-19.

Types of Zinc

What's the best absorbed zinc supplement form? In order to answer the question and to understand it, we have provided an overview on the types of zinc and a summary on each zinc type below.

There are several types of zinc supplements. Supplements contain several forms of zinc, including zinc gluconate, zinc citrate and zinc picolinate. The percentage of elemental zinc varies by form. 

Choosing a zinc supplement can be confusing because there are so many different types.
  • zinc acetate
  • zinc angstrom
  • zinc carbonate
  • zinc carnosine
  • zinc chelate
  • zinc chloride
  • zinc citrate
  • zinc glycinate
  • zinc gluconate
  • zinc lactate
  • zinc l-aspartate / zinc aspartate
  • zinc methionine & monomethionine
  • zinc orotate
  • zinc oxide
  • zinc picolinate
  • zinc sulfate
For details, check out Types of Zinc Supplementation and Absorption.

What is the Difference Between Zinc Citrate, Zinc Picolinate, Zinc Glycinate and Zinc Gluconate?

According to the Beth Israel Lahey Health Winchester Hospital, a person supplementing with zinc will find their best options in the form of zinc citrate, zinc acetate and zinc picolinate because these absorb the best. Zinc gluconate is not among the top three, but it is absorbed better than zinc oxide. As far as cost goes, zinc sulfate is the lowest-cost option among the supplements.

Zinc Gluconate vs zinc picolinate - Zinc picolinate and zinc gluconate are zinc salts. One key difference between zinc picolinate and zinc gluconate is that zinc picolinate is derived from picolinic acid, whereas zinc gluconate is derived from gluconic acid. Zinc picolinate is 20% elemental zinc whereas zinc gluconate has 13% of elemental zinc.

Another difference between zinc gluconate and picolinate is that zinc gluconate, along with zinc acetate, has antiviral properties. This makes it a good form for making lozenges and nasal gels that don't contribute to the amount of iron digested and absorbed by the body, but it can fight viruses infecting the nose and throat.

The Mayo Clinic explains that zinc-based lozenges and syrups can be effective if they are used within the first 24 hours of the sign of symptoms. However, be careful — use of intranasal zinc has been linked with the loss of smell.

Although different forms of zinc have different amounts of elemental zinc that can be used by the body, the National Institutes of Health explains that there is not enough research indicating whether there are any superior forms in terms of absorption, bioavailability or tolerability.

One older study — published in the June 1987 issue of Agents Actions — did look at the effectiveness of three forms of zinc supplement and may shed a little bit of light on choosing zinc glycinate versus picolinate. The study looked at only 15 healthy human subjects who were divided into four groups. Over the course of four weeks, the four groups were tested with zinc picolinate, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate or a placebo.

Based on the zinc measurements in their hair, urine, erythrocyte and serum both before and after, zinc picolinate was the only form to raise zinc levels, at least in the hair, urine and erythrocyte. 

Based on these results, it seems as if zinc picolinate is most likely to absorb into a person's body, and zinc gluconate is the least likely. 

Zinc glycinate or zinc picolinate? In terms of zinc glycinate versus picolinate, the picolinate wins this one. Still, more research would be needed to know more about zinc glycinate versus picolinate, especially because this study was done so long ago.

Best Zinc Supplements

1. Nature's Bounty Zinc 50 mg Caplets - Best Chelated Zinc and Best Seller



This product is the #1 best seller under the zinc mineral supplements on Amazon Best Sellers and has more than 100,000 customer reviews on Amazon.
  • One vegetarian-friendly caplet a day contributes to carbohydrate, protein, fat and energy metabolism, and helps promote wellness in key areas of reproductive health for men.
  • Plays a key role in the synthesis of testosterone.
  • During the summer months products may arrive warm but Amazon stores and ships products in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations, when provided.
Amazon Reviews
4.8 out of 5 - More than 50,000 customer reviews on Amazon

2. Nature's Bounty Immune 24 Hour + - Best Zinc Supplement for Seniors


Zinc dosage for senior: Men over age 60 do not usually meet their recommended daily zinc needs. On average, males in this demographic get 9.4 milligrams per day, slightly less than the recommendation, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. In some cases, your doctor may suggest taking a daily multivitamin or zinc supplement to further boost your zinc intake. Zinc can be toxic at high doses, causing severe gastrointestinal problems. It is unlikely to get excessive amounts of zinc from your diet, but you can overdose on supplements. 

About this item:
  • Softgels contain Zinc (15 mg per serving daily; 136% of daily value), Vitamin A, C, D3, B6, B12, Biotin, Folate, Panthotenic Acid, Magnesium, Echinacea, Elderberry, Astralagus.
  • THE ONLY VITAMIN C WITH 24-HOUR IMMUNE SUPPORT: Nature's Bounty Immune 24 Hour + contains 1000mg of Ester-C, the only clinically studied Vitamin C with 24-hour immune support. Ester-C lasts up to 2x longer than regular Vitamin C
  • PLUS VITAMIN D & ZINC, WITH ELDERBERRY AND ECHINACEA: Immune 24 Hour + provides Vitamin D, Vitamin A and Zinc for extra immune plus antioxidant support. Also contains Elderberry and Echinacea, plus 9 essential nutrients to help keep you healthy
  • SUPPORTS UPPER RESPIRATORY HEALTH: Highly bioavailable Ester-C can increase Vitamin C levels in the body, which is important for white blood cell function, contributing to the health of the upper respiratory tract
  • NON-GMO FORMULA: Nature's Bounty Immune 24 Hour + is Non-GMO and contains No artificial flavor or artificial sweeteners, no sugar, no starch, no milk, no lactose, no soy, no gluten, no wheat, no yeast, no fish, sodium free
  • RAPID RELEASE SOFTGELS: For adults, Take 2 softgels daily, preferably with a meal.

Amazon Reviews
4.8 out of 5 - More than 30,000 customer reviews on Amazon.com.


3. Sandhu's Zinc Quercetin (Best Zinc with Quercetin)

Check Price on Amazon 

A combination of quercetin and zinc to support immune health.

Each capsule contains 400 mg of quercetin and 11 mg of zinc. Cost per capsule: $0.16.

This product is the #3 best seller under the zinc mineral supplements on Amazon Best Sellers and has more than 7,000 customer reviews on Amazon.

For prevention of COVID-19, the FLCCC recommends 250 mg daily of quercetin and 30 mg of elemental zinc  for prevention and the Zelenko protocol recommends 500 mg daily of quercetin and 25 mg of elemental zinc for prevention. If you wish to stick to the dosage which is within the range of the FLCCC - Zelenko protocols; that would be 250 mg to 500 mg daily for quercetin and 25 to 30 mg for zinc. 

One capsule of Sandhus quercetin and zinc will meet the prevention protocol requirement dosage for quercetin on a daily basis but the dosage for zinc is on the lower side. Therefore, you might wish to supplement your zinc with foods that are rich in zinc.

Amazon Best Sellers: #3 Best Seller in Zinc Supplements. 4.8 out of 5 overall rating with more than 7,000 customer reviews.

4. WonderLabs Zinc Lozenges with Vitamin C - Best Zinc for Respiratory Viral Infections


 
Buy on Amazon - Amazon's Choice (Amazon's Choice highlights highly rated, well-priced products available to ship immediately)

For prevention of respiratory viruses, zinc lozenges are preferred in order to spread the zinc through the tissues of the nose, mouth and throat. Unlike swallowed zinc, lozenges can spread zinc through these tissues quickly in response to symptoms, because their ability to spread zinc through these tissues is not limited by intestinal zinc transporters.

About this Item:
  • Nutritionally Supports a Healthy Immune System
  • Formulated with a perfect balance of 25 mg of Zinc, 30 mg of Vitamin C, 2mg of Vitamin B6, and a Proprietary Blend of Royal Jelly, White Willow Bark Ext., and Slippery Elm Bark Powder
  • Almost TWICE the amount of zinc per lozenge of cold-EEZE zinc lozenges
  • Fruit Flavored to provide children zinc lozenges without a large amount of added sugars
  • Internally tested and third party tested to ensure purity and potency so you get the highest quality vitamin
  • Made in the USA in a FDA Registered & Inspected Facility, under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's)
Amazon Reviews: 4.4 out of 5 - More than 2,000 customer reviews.

5. NOW Foods Zinc Glycinate Softgels - Best Chelated Zinc

Chelated zinc is a type of zinc supplement that uses a chelating agent to help your body absorb zinc more easily.

While there are several chelated zinc supplements on the market, one of the best options is NOW Foods’ Zinc Glycinate softgels.

Each softgel contains 30 mg of zinc glycinate — a form of zinc that human and animal studies suggest may be better absorbed than other types of zinc. (Trusted SourceTrusted Source).

All NOW Foods supplements are certified by Underwriters Laboratories and follow GMP to ensure the quality and accuracy of their products. Additionally, these supplements tend to be more affordable than many other high quality brands.

Amazon Reviews
4.7 out of 5 - More than 600 customer reviews.

6. Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Zinc - Best Vegan Option

While it’s not always obvious, some supplements can contain animal-derived ingredients, making the product unsuitable for vegans.

Some commonly used ingredients that aren’t vegan-friendly include digestive enzymes like lipase, caprylic acid from milk, gelatin, and magnesium stearate, which is often pork-derived.

Garden of Life is a whole-foods-based supplement brand with products that are certified organic and non-GMO verified.

Their Vitamin Code Raw Zinc is a good option for vegans, as it’s third-party tested to ensure the product is vegan, as well as gluten-free.

In addition to providing 30 mg of plant-based zinc, each serving also contains vitamin C, a raw organic fruit and vegetable blend, and live probiotics and enzymes to support healthy digestion.

It’s recommended that adults take one serving of 2 capsules per day with or without meals. For those who have difficulty swallowing pills, the capsules can also be opened to pour the contents into a glass of water or other beverage.

Amazon Reviews
4.8 out of 5 - More than 14,500 customer reviews.

7. Zinc Gummies - Best Zinc Gummy Supplement

Buy on Amazon 

Gummies are definitely a better option for children or people who have trouble swallowing pills. However, keep in mind that gummies don’t offer the higher concentrated dosage as other types of zinc supplements.
  • The First Gummy Supplement of its Kind - Zinc 50mg Gummy with Vitamin D3, Echinacea (2 Month Supply) - Made in USA
  • Vitamin D with Zinc - Zinc Gummies 50mg for Adults Kids are an essential mineral supplement that are a powerful part of a healthy lifestyle. Zinc supplements are powerful antioxidants that support a strong immune response, wound healing, cell production and many other vital functions of your body just like Elderberry, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin C & D3
  • Powerful Zinc Chewable Immune Support - Taking Zinc Chewable Gummies each day can help make up for a lack of other nutrients in the diet such as vitimin D, vitamin C, vitamin A as well as Elderberry. Zinc immune support has been shown to be a highly absorbable form of zink, allowing for faster protection against normal illnesses.
  • Zinc Supplements Gummies - Zinc Vitamins for Adults and Zinc Gummies for Kids can promote the production of collagen, and they may play a role in keeping your skin radiant and smooth. Immune Support Gummies Zinc wound-healing properties can be beneficial to maintaining skin’s elasticity throughout aging.
  • Vegan Zinc Supplements - Taking zinc gummy vitamins for men women everyday may help promote longer deep sleep periods throughout the night. As a result, this zinc gummie supplement mineral vitamin helps to support your cognitive ability, mood, and energy levels. Zinc gummie absorb faster into the bloodstream, since they are chewed, rather than taking zinc lozenge, pills or capsules, or liquid zinc.

8. Quercetin Zinc Vitamins C & D3 Bromelain Magnesium by Mt. Angel Vitamins - Best Zinc for Immune Health Formulation

  • 300 capsules: 5 - 10 months supply
  • FORTIFIED FUNCTION – Sick of stuffy, sneezy, seasonal illnesses? Fight flare-ups with Mt. Angel Vitamins’ quercetin supplement! This nutrient blend helps boost better health so you can feel your best!
  • OVERALL AID – Bolster your body AND mind! Quercetin with vitamin C and zinc are proven not only to provide immune support but also to improve metabolism, circulatory supporty, and cognitive clarity!
  • BREATHE & BOUND – Revive your vitality! By fostering cellular functioning, your zinc quercetin capsules’ antioxidants enhance respiratory health and energy levels so you can enjoy activities!
  • TAKE IT EASY – Support, meet simplicity. To enjoy extra defense, take 1 of your quercetin with bromelain and zinc capsules twice daily. Bursting with 300 capsules, your bottle lasts longer than most brands’.

9. Pure Encapsulations Zinc - Best Gluten-free Zinc

Buy on Amazon

If you’re looking for a gluten-free zinc supplement, Pure Encapsulations is one of your best options.

This product is the #4 best seller under the zinc mineral supplements on Amazon Best Sellers and has more than 6,000 customer reviews on Amazon.

The products are not only made in a facility that’s NSF-registered GMP but also certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). Plus, they contain zinc picolinate to help optimize digestion and absorption.

For optimal results, it’s recommended to take one 30-mg zinc picolinate capsule daily with food.

10. Dr. Mercola Zinc Plus Selenium - Best Zinc with Selenium


Your age, your diet, your current health status, your lifestyle, and even your zip code may be placing you at a greater risk for a deficiency that doesn’t need to happen.

With Zinc Plus Selenium, you get bioavailable forms of zinc, selenium, and copper to help you maintain a healthy mineral balance to support your:
  • Healthy cell growth and replication*
  • Healthy immune response*
  • Brain and cognitive health*
  • Respiratory health*
  • Healthy metabolism*
  • Strong, healthy bones*
  • Vision and eye health*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Amazon Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 - more than 1,400 ratings.

Related Products for Immune Support:

Best Form of Zinc to Take?

Many forms of zinc supplements are available, some better than others for certain conditions. It's useful to understand your choices when deciding which is the best form of zinc for you. Many forms of zinc supplements are available, some better than others for certain conditions. It's useful to understand your choices when deciding which is the best form of zinc for you.

The best form of zinc is one that's chelated to ensure absorbability. Some good forms of this type of supplement include:
  • ​Zinc gluconate​, one of the most popular forms of over-the-counter supplements. It is made by fermenting glucose, so it has a long shelf life.
  • Zinc acetate is the best zinc supplement to treat the ​common cold​. Findings of a study published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases in 2017 recommended using acetate lozenges within 24 hours of the onset of a cold for a three-fold increase in the rate of recovery.
  • ​Zinc orotate​, made by binding zinc to orotic acid. It is the ​most readily absorbed​ zinc supplement on the market, according to Global Healing.
Inorganic zinc is not as effective or useable by your body as chelated zinc sources. For example, zinc sulfate​ is an inorganic form of zinc or zinc salt. Sulfate conflicts with calcium and may cause stomach irritation. 

Toxicity and Precautions

According to the National Institutes of Health, the upper tolerable daily limit for adults is ​40 milligrams​ of zinc. Intake of zinc above the recommended upper level could result from a combination of dietary supplements, multivitamins, food and food additives, ingestion of zinc-containing medications or household products.

Conclusion

If you think a zinc supplement is right for you, talk to your doctor about which form you should take. This is especially important because zinc can interfere with your body's absorption of copper and iron, so you might need to supplement those minerals as well.






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