Zinc Picolinate vs Zinc Citrate 2023
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.
What is Zinc Citrate?
Zinc citrate is the zinc salt of citric acid. This compound is well-known as a dietary supplement that is useful in preventing zinc deficiency. Typically, we take this orally as a capsule or as a tablet.
However, due to the presence of zinc, this may have a metallic taste. However, taking a small amount of beverage after taking the tablet can avoid this unusual taste. Moreover, this treatment may irritate the digestive tract, resulting in an upset stomach. Another important side effect is, we may get flu-like symptoms including fever, sore throat, chills, etc.
Zinc citrate is the form that's most commonly used in dental hygiene products like toothpaste and mouthwash to fight plaque and gingivitis.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2014 showed that zinc citrate, given as a supplement, is as well-absorbed as zinc gluconate but has a more appealing, less bitter taste. Zinc citrate is the best type of zinc for use in toothpastes and mouthwashes for dental health and as a breath freshener.
What is Zinc Picolinate?
This chelated form of zinc salt is made with picolinic acid and is popular for oral use to reverse zinc deficiency. One study comparing the absorption of zinc picolinate, zinc citrate and zinc gluconate shows that there’s no significant change in any of these forms, but zinc picolinate did improve zinc absorption in humans.However the study was from 1987 and for some people there are even better options now.
Elemental Zinc Amount: Zinc Picolinate vs Zinc Citrate
Different forms of zinc contain different amounts of elemental zinc, which refers to the weight of the zinc molecule by itself (Note: Most product labels tend to mark the elemental weight):- Zinc citrate is approximately 34% zinc by weight. For a dose of 50mg elemental zinc, take 146 mg zinc citrate. (Examine)
- Zinc picolinate (20% of elemental zinc) (Metabolics)
Zinc Picolinate vs Zinc Citrate
Both zinc picolinate and zinc citrate are used as dietary supplements to address zinc deficiency, support immune function, and promote overall health. They are both available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquid. They are widely available as over-the-counter (OTC) supplements and can be found in many health food stores, pharmacies, and online retailers.
However, there are a few differences between the two forms..
a. Chemical Composition
Zinc picolinate is a zinc salt of picolinic acid, while zinc citrate is a zinc salt of citric acid. The key difference is the type of acid to which the zinc is bound.
Picolinic acid is known to enhance the absorption of zinc in the body, potentially making zinc picolinate more bioavailable.
b. Bioavailability
Bioavailability refers to the amount of a nutrient that can be absorbed and used by the body. Zinc picolinate is believed to have higher bioavailability compared to zinc citrate due to its ability to enhance zinc absorption in the gut. However, the difference in bioavailability between the two forms may not be significant in practical terms.
Which is Better - Zinc citrate or Zinc picolinate?
Best Zinc Picolinate Supplements
1. Thorne Zinc Picolinate, 30 mg
- Zinc: 30mg of an optimally absorbed form of zinc to support general wellness, immune function, healthy skin and connective tissue, and eye health
- Immune Support: Zinc promotes the optimal functioning of the body’s immune response and promotes the activation of a type of white blood cell that helps moderate the body’s inflammatory response during times of immune stress
- Skin and Eyes: Zinc promotes healthy skin and eyes
- Optimal Absorption: Highly absorbable form of zinc
2. Pure Encapsulations Zinc 30 mg
- Zinc Picolinate Supplement for Immune System Support, Growth and Development, and Wound Healing, 60 capsules
- Immune Support: Zinc works to support the body's natural defense system which aids immune system function, wound healing and the absorption of B vitamins.
- Metabolism Booster: Zinc supports the digestion and metabolism of important vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and other essential nutrients.
- This mineral also supports normal fetal and reproductive development as well as healthy function.
3. Nutricost Zinc Picolinate, 50mg
- 240 Vegetarian Caps Per Bottle
- 50 mg of Zinc (from Zinc Picolinate) Per Serving
- 240 Servings of Zinc Picolinate Per Bottle
- Non-GMO and Gluten Free
- Manufactured In a GMP Compliant, FDA Registered Facility
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