Zinc picolinate, a highly bioavailable form of zinc, supports immune function, wound healing, and cell division.
Zinc picolinate is a zinc salt formed with picolinic acid, a natural chelator. It is promoted as a highly bioavailable form of zinc, an essential mineral involved in numerous biological processes, including immune function, wound healing, protein synthesis, and DNA synthesis. It's used to prevent or treat zinc deficiency, which can lead to impaired immune function, slow wound healing, and other health problems. While generally considered safe at recommended dosages, high doses can cause gastrointestinal upset and potentially interfere with the absorption of other minerals like copper. Individuals should consult with a healthcare professional before taking zinc supplements, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
Key Information
Inside Body Harmful Score
Common Dosage
15-50mg daily
Source Type
hybrid
Production Process
Zinc picolinate is produced by combining zinc with picolinic acid, often synthetically produced, to form a salt. The picolinic acid acts as a chelator, binding to the zinc to enhance its absorption.
Use Type
Inside BodyPotential Benefits
Enhances natural testosterone production for improved muscle mass, strength, energy, and libido. This benefit works by supporting Leydig cell function, reducing estrogen, and increasing free testosterone.
Immune support enhances the body's defense against pathogens by strengthening immune cells, promoting antibody production, and maintaining immune homeostasis. It aims to optimize immune function for a balanced and resilient response to threats.
Promotes healthy skin and reduces signs of aging.
Skin Health (Acne) focuses on managing acne by reducing inflammation, minimizing breakouts, promoting healing, and regulating sebum production for clearer skin and reduced scarring.
Accelerates and supports the body's natural wound repair processes. This includes reducing inflammation, promoting collagen synthesis, increasing cell proliferation, and facilitating angiogenesis, leading to faster wound closure, reduced scarring, and decreased infection risk.
Boosts immune function and reduces oxidative stress.
Supports healthy immune cell function
Enzymes are essential for life, catalyzing vital processes like digestion and metabolism. Supporting enzyme function ensures optimal health and prevents various health issues.
Possible Side Effects
May cause mild digestive discomfort.
Stomach upset, often related to dosage amount.
Can result from high zinc intake which inhibits copper absorption
Stomach upset involves abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and potential diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Severity varies depending on individual sensitivities and underlying conditions.
Drug interactions can alter a drug's effectiveness, leading to either increased risk of blood clots or bleeding, particularly with anticoagulants. Monitoring is essential to manage these interactions.
Metallic taste (dysgeusia) is a taste distortion characterized by a persistent metallic, tinny, or unpleasant taste in the mouth, often linked to substances like zinc gluconate supplements and their interaction with taste receptors. It can alter the perception of food and drinks and vary in severity.
Scientific Evidence
Numerous studies support zinc's role in immune function and wound healing. Research comparing the bioavailability of different zinc forms suggests that zinc picolinate may be better absorbed than some other zinc salts, although more research is needed to definitively confirm this advantage across various populations and dosages. Studies also highlight the potential for zinc supplementation to interfere with copper absorption at high doses and over extended periods.
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