Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace mineral involved in numerous bodily functions, acting as a cofactor for over 300 enzymes. It plays a critical role in immune system function, helping to fight off infections and support the development and function of immune cells. Zinc is also vital for cell growth and division, DNA synthesis, and protein synthesis, making it essential for overall development and tissue repair. Beyond its fundamental roles, zinc contributes significantly to wound healing, often used topically and orally for skin health. It is also crucial for sensory functions, particularly taste and smell, and a deficiency can lead to altered perception of these senses. Furthermore, zinc is important for normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence, and contributes to reproductive health. Maintaining adequate zinc levels is important for antioxidant defense, as it helps reduce oxidative stress, and for proper thyroid function. Its widespread involvement in metabolic processes underscores its importance for maintaining overall health and well-being.
OystersRed meat (beef, pork)PoultryBeansNuts (cashews, almonds)Whole grainsDairy products (milk, yogurt)Certain seafood (crab, lobster)Fortified cereals
Cheapest Zinc supplements
Discover and compare the cheapest Zinc supplements to find the best value for your health needs and budget.
Best Zinc supplements
Explore our top picks for zinc supplements, essential for boosting immunity, enhancing skin and hair health, and supporting vital bodily functions.
Value Zinc Supplements Comparison
Compare the best value Zinc supplements on the market to support your immune system, skin health, cognitive function, and overall well-being with informed choices.
RDA (Men)11 mg
RDA (Women)8 mg
RDI11 mg
Minimum15 mg
Maximum30 mg
Upper Limit (UL)40 mg
Toxicity Threshold100 mg
Toxicity EffectNausea, vomiting, immune suppression
Impact
Highest effect
Typical dose:15–30 mg
Zinc is a key cofactor for enzymes involved in cell repair and regeneration. It plays a direct role in regulating the stability of intestinal tight junctions, and deficiency can lead to increased gut permeability. A well-absorbed form like zinc carnosine is particularly effective.
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Impact
Highest effect
Typical dose:15–30 mg
Zinc is vital for DNA and RNA production, which is required for the normal division of hair follicle cells, leading to healthier hair growth. It also helps balance hormones and keep the oil glands around the follicles working properly. Supplementation can be highly effective for hair loss caused by zinc deficiency.
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Impact
Highest effect
Typical dose:15–50 mg
Zinc is a critical cofactor for hundreds of enzymes and is vital for immune cell (T-cells, NK cells) proliferation and communication. Adequate levels are required for a proper immune response, while acute supplementation can inhibit viral replication in the upper respiratory tract.
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Impact
Highest effect
Zinc is required for the synthesis of Thyroid Releasing Hormone (TRH) and for the proper function of thyroid receptors. It also plays a key role in insulin synthesis, storage, and secretion. A deficiency in zinc can directly impair both thyroid function and insulin sensitivity, making adequate levels foundational for a healthy metabolism.
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Impact
Highest effect
Zinc is highly concentrated in the brain and plays a vital role in synaptic plasticity and communication between neurons. It also acts as an antioxidant. Deficiency can impair learning, memory, and mood, making adequate levels a key component of optimal cognitive function.
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add_circle_outline Positive Interactions
Vitamin C
Both zinc and Vitamin C are crucial for immune function and are often taken together for synergistic immune support.
Vitamin A
Zinc is necessary for the metabolism and utilization of Vitamin A, including its transport from the liver and conversion to its active form.
Biotin
Zinc is a cofactor for enzymes involved in biotin metabolism.
Folate
Zinc is involved in the absorption and metabolism of folate.
Vitamin B6
Zinc and Vitamin B6 are cofactors for many enzymes and work synergistically in various metabolic pathways.
Vitamin D
Both zinc and Vitamin D are important for immune function and bone health, potentially offering complementary benefits.
Magnesium
Zinc and Magnesium often work together in various enzymatic reactions and cellular processes, supporting overall metabolic health.
Selenium
Both zinc and selenium are important antioxidants and support immune function, often found together in immune support formulations.
remove_circle_outline Negative Interactions
Iron
High doses of zinc can inhibit the absorption of iron, and vice versa. It's often recommended to take them at different times or in balanced ratios.
Copper
High doses of zinc can interfere with copper absorption, potentially leading to copper deficiency. Zinc supplements sometimes include copper to maintain balance.
Calcium
Very high doses of calcium might slightly interfere with zinc absorption, though this interaction is generally less significant compared to iron or copper.
78 Value 
Zinc Gluconate 50 mg
AN Amazing Nutrition Amazing Formulas
4.6
★★★★★
(2350 ratings)
Zinc: 50 mg
A very economical 50mg zinc gluconate supplement, offering a large quantity for long-term, high-dose zinc support.
20 Best 
Cal/Mag Zinc
NaturesPlus
4.7
★★★★★
(1301 ratings)
Zinc: 75 mg
This supplement uses highly bioavailable amino acid chelate forms for calcium, magnesium, and zinc, but the magnesium (500mg) and especially zinc (75mg) dosages are excessively high, with zinc exceeding safe limits, posing significant health risks for regular use.
75 Best 
Mega Zinc 100 mg
NaturesPlus
4.8
★★★★★
(1101 ratings)
Zinc: 100 mg
NaturesPlus Mega Zinc delivers an extremely high 100mg dose of bioavailable chelated zinc, intended only for targeted, short-term use under professional guidance.
72 Value 
Zinc 50 mg
NOW
4.7
★★★★★
(87649 ratings)
Zinc: 50 mg
An extremely economical 50mg zinc supplement, suitable for those needing a high dose at a budget-friendly price, though the zinc form is not specified.
75 Budget 
Prenatal Multivitamin/Multimineral with Folate
Spring Valley
4.7
★★★★★
(2403 ratings)
Zinc: 25 mg
<p>This prenatal multivitamin delivers a key set of vitamins and minerals, including a good amount of folate and iron, tailored to support nutritional needs during pregnancy at a very affordable price.</p>
82 Value 
Zinc Gluconate 30 mg
Swanson
4.7
★★★★★
(1346 ratings)
Zinc: 30 mg
Swanson's Zinc Gluconate delivers 30mg of zinc in a common form at an outstanding price, ideal for economical daily support.
78 Value 
Zinc 50 mg
Nature's Bounty
4.7
★★★★★
(211993 ratings)
Zinc: 50 mg
An extremely popular and budget-friendly 50mg zinc gluconate supplement, offering strong support for general health and immunity.
62 Best 
Female Reproductive Factors
Michael's Naturopathic Programs
4.6
★★★★★
(11 ratings)
Zinc: 75 mg
This product delivers a high-potency mix of B vitamins, antioxidants, and zinc in a tablet form, but a large proprietary blend keeps its full composition unclear, making it more of a general wellness support rather than a narrowly focused 'female reproductive factor' supplement.
80 Value 
Zinc 30 mg
Nature Made
4.7
★★★★★
(18064 ratings)
Zinc: 30 mg
An extremely affordable and popular 30 mg Zinc Gluconate supplement, offering a standard and well-tolerated form for daily zinc needs.
65 Value 
Zinc 50 mg
Spring Valley
4.7
★★★★★
(4077 ratings)
Zinc: 50 mg
Spring Valley's Zinc offers a high 50mg dose at an incredibly low price, but the unspecified zinc form raises concerns about its quality and absorption.
88 Best 
PreserVision AREDS 2 Formula
Bausch & Lomb
4.9
★★★★★
(5663 ratings)
Zinc: 80 mg
This product provides a focused blend of vitamins, minerals, lutein, and zeaxanthin in softgel form, intended for individuals seeking specific nutritional support for eye health.
72 Value 
Complete Multivitamin Adults 50+
Equate
4.8
★★★★★
(2164 ratings)
Zinc: 11 mg
This multivitamin is designed for adults over 50, offering higher Vitamin D3 and eye-supporting nutrients at a very cost-effective price, providing good daily nutritional support.
70 Best 
Zinc 100 mg
Mason Natural
4.7
★★★★★
(738 ratings)
Zinc: 100 mg
Mason Natural's Zinc delivers a very high 100mg dose of Zinc Gluconate at a low price, best for specific, high-need situations rather than regular daily use.
78 Value 
Zinc Citrate 50 mg
21st Century
4.8
★★★★★
(50757 ratings)
Zinc: 50 mg
A highly economical and popular zinc citrate supplement providing a strong 50 mg dose for robust support.
70 Budget 
Complete Multivitamin Adults 50+
Equate
4.7
★★★★★
(2059 ratings)
Zinc: 11 mg
This multivitamin for adults 50+ offers a foundational blend of essential vitamins, minerals, and key carotenoids like Lutein and Lycopene, supporting general health, bone density, and vision at a very accessible price.
78 Value 
Chelated Zinc 50 mg
21st Century
4.7
★★★★★
(26153 ratings)
Zinc: 50 mg
This product delivers a high dose of chelated zinc for targeted support of various bodily functions, complemented by a smaller amount of calcium for general mineral intake.
65 Best 
Wellness Zinc Lozenges 23 mg Peach-Raspberry
Source Naturals Wellness
4.6
★★★★★
(1008 ratings)
Zinc: 23 mg
A peach-raspberry flavored zinc lozenge with multiple zinc forms and Vitamin C, designed for oral and immune support, but at a moderately higher price.
68 Budget 
Daily Vits
NOW
4.7
★★★★★
(11036 ratings)
Zinc: 10 mg
This multivitamin is a convenient, basic option covering fundamental vitamin needs with some well-absorbed minerals, although doses for key minerals like calcium and magnesium are quite low.
88 Best 
Wellness Formula
Source Naturals
4.8
★★★★★
(7486 ratings)
Zinc: 23 mg
A comprehensive blend of high-dose vitamins, minerals, and numerous herbal extracts, primarily aimed at supporting immune health and general wellness.
83 Best 
Men Multivitamin + Supporting Herbs Iron Free
Super Nutrition SimplyOne
4.7
★★★★★
(985 ratings)
Zinc: 23 mg
A comprehensive, iron-free multivitamin for men, providing a broad range of vitamins, minerals, and supportive botanicals in generally strong dosages.
68 Best 
Super Adrenal Cleanse
Health Plus
4.6
★★★★★
(14 ratings)
Zinc: 23 mg
This supplement provides a diverse blend of B vitamins and traditional adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha and Ginseng, aiming to support energy, stress response, and general well-being.
88 Budget 
Zinc (Citrate) 30 mg
Swanson Premium Brand
4.8
★★★★★
(2259 ratings)
Zinc: 30 mg
An extremely affordable and effective 30mg Zinc Citrate supplement from Swanson, ideal for daily immune and general health support.
75 Budget 
Zinc Citrate 50 mg
Swanson Premium Brand
4.8
★★★★★
(1458 ratings)
Zinc: 50 mg
A high-dose zinc citrate supplement that is very economical, suitable for those looking for broad mineral support.
89 Best 
Healthy Gut Vegan Formula
Terra Origin
4.8
★★★★★
(1948 ratings)
Zinc: 215 mg
This vegan formula provides comprehensive digestive support with a strong combination of L-Glutamine, the gut-specific PepZinGI zinc, prebiotics, and soothing botanicals.
70 Value 
Sentry Adults
21st Century
4.7
★★★★★
(25285 ratings)
Zinc: 11 mg
A very affordable and broad-spectrum daily multivitamin and multimineral for adults, offering foundational nutritional support for overall well-being.
Average$28.44
Median$24.19
Average$0.71
Median$0.58
Average$0.44
Median$0.33
Reference amount: 10 mg
Zinc citrate is a salt of zinc and citric acid. It is known for its good bioavailability and is often chosen for dietary supplements due to its effectiveness and generally good tolerability.
- Good absorption rate
- Generally well-tolerated
- Cost-effective
- May cause mild GI upset in sensitive individuals or at high doses
Avg$30.92
Med$25.99
Avg$0.90
Med$0.62
Avg$0.38
Med$0.27
Price distribution
Zinc oxide is a widely used ingredient in topical preparations like sunscreens and diaper rash creams due to its protective and soothing properties. However, its oral absorption for systemic zinc supplementation is very poor, making it less effective than other forms for internal use.
- Very inexpensive
- Excellent for topical applications (sunscreen, skin protectant)
- Antiseptic and astringent properties when applied externally
- Extremely poor oral bioavailability for systemic zinc supplementation
- Less effective for addressing internal zinc deficiencies
Avg$22.42
Med$19.18
Avg$0.44
Med$0.25
Avg$0.25
Med$0.13
Price distribution
Zinc picolinate is formed by binding zinc to picolinic acid, a natural chelate produced in the body. Research suggests it offers superior absorption compared to other common forms like zinc gluconate or citrate, making it highly effective for supplementing zinc levels.
- Excellent bioavailability and absorption
- Well-researched for superior uptake
- Generally well-tolerated
- Potentially higher cost than less bioavailable forms
Avg$32.01
Med$24.32
Avg$0.63
Med$0.51
Avg$0.35
Med$0.26
Price distribution
Zinc gluconate is a zinc salt of gluconic acid. It is one of the most popular forms of zinc used in dietary supplements and cold lozenges due to its good absorption and reasonable cost. It's generally well-tolerated and effective for routine zinc supplementation.
- Widely available and cost-effective
- Good absorption
- Commonly used in lozenges for immune support
- Absorption may be slightly lower than highly chelated forms (e.g., picolinate, bisglycinate)
- Can cause mild GI upset in some individuals
Avg$22.51
Med$19.95
Avg$0.68
Med$0.58
Avg$0.36
Med$0.30
Price distribution
Zinc bisglycinate, also known as zinc glycinate, is a chelated form where zinc is bound to two glycine amino acid molecules. This chelation protects zinc from inhibitors in the gut, leading to superior absorption and significantly reduced gastrointestinal upset compared to other forms. It is considered one of the most effective and well-tolerated zinc supplements.
- Superior bioavailability and absorption
- Excellent gastrointestinal tolerability (less stomach upset)
- Effective at lower doses
- Suitable for sensitive individuals
- Generally higher cost than unchelated or less bioavailable forms
Avg$28.32
Med$26.68
Avg$0.58
Med$0.60
Avg$0.38
Med$0.40
Price distribution
Zinc amino acid chelate refers to zinc bound to amino acids (e.g., glycine, methionine, aspartate). This chelation process protects zinc from dietary inhibitors, improving its absorption and bioavailability compared to inorganic forms like zinc oxide. The specific amino acid(s) used can influence the exact absorption profile and tolerability.
- Improved absorption and bioavailability over inorganic forms
- Generally well-tolerated with reduced GI upset
- Offers a balance of efficacy and cost-effectiveness
- Specific bioavailability can vary depending on the amino acid used for chelation
- Less specific than named chelates (e.g., bisglycinate, picolinate)
Avg$28.45
Med$23.93
Avg$0.76
Med$0.49
Avg$0.51
Med$0.30
Price distribution
Zinc bisglycinate chelate is a premium form of zinc where zinc is molecularly bonded to two glycine molecules. This stable chelate structure ensures it passes through the digestive tract largely intact, preventing interactions with other dietary components that could inhibit absorption. This leads to superior bioavailability and exceptional gastrointestinal tolerability, making it ideal for those seeking maximum efficacy and minimal stomach upset.
- Superior bioavailability and absorption due to stable chelate structure
- Excellent gastrointestinal tolerability (minimal stomach upset)
- Effective at lower doses, ideal for sensitive individuals
- Often a preferred choice for high-quality supplementation
- Generally higher cost than less bioavailable or unchelated forms
Avg$30.20
Med$27.16
Avg$0.71
Med$0.52
Avg$0.51
Med$0.38
Price distribution
Zinc aspartate is a form of zinc where the mineral is chelated with aspartic acid, an amino acid. This chelation enhances its absorption compared to inorganic forms, making it a bioavailable option for zinc supplementation. It is often included in mineral complexes.
- Good absorption and bioavailability
- Generally well-tolerated
- Often combined with other minerals (e.g., ZMA formulations)
- Less widely researched or common compared to gluconate or picolinate for individual supplementation
- May cause mild GI upset in sensitive individuals or at high doses
Avg$23.00
Med$23.08
Avg$0.64
Med$0.66
Avg$0.32
Med$0.19
Price distribution
Zinc monomethionine is a unique chelated form where zinc is bound to the amino acid L-methionine. This specific chelate is designed for superior absorption and retention in the body compared to other zinc forms. Brands like OptiZinc® are known for utilizing this form, emphasizing its enhanced bioavailability and sustained benefits.
- Excellent bioavailability and absorption
- Good retention in the body for sustained benefits
- Generally well-tolerated
- Often considered a premium form for efficacy
- Typically higher cost due to specialized chelation and often proprietary formulations
Avg$32.38
Med$28.57
Avg$1.02
Med$0.73
Avg$0.38
Med$0.24
Price distribution