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Zinc Picolinate

4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(1132 ratings)
Zinc 25 mg
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Score85

Well-absorbed picolinate, a practical amount, and clear labeling make this a strong zinc choice. Its main limitation is the narrow, copper-free formula.

How scoring works
Capsule
Quantity:60 Capsule(s) • (60 servings)
Goals:
General Health
Testosterone Support
Skin Health
Vision Support
Hair Health
Immunity

Score 85

Well-absorbed picolinate, a practical amount, and clear labeling make this a strong zinc choice. Its main limitation is the narrow, copper-free formula.

How scoring works
$13.49($0.22 per serving)
iHerb
$ 14.19
Vitacost
$ 13.49
Pure Formulas
$ 14.19
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Analysis

The capsule provides 25 mg of zinc picolinate, a well-absorbed and fully identified form. Its amount stays below the adult upper intake level while remaining substantial.

The focused formula can support zinc-dependent immune, skin, hair, vision, and hormone processes when additional zinc is needed. It does not substitute for the wider nutrients involved in any of those goals.

Serving value is favorable for the form quality. Long-term daily use should still account for other zinc sources because copper is not included.

Who is it for
  • Adults wanting zinc picolinate for routine use
  • People with inadequate zinc intake who prefer capsules
Best for
  • Targeted daily zinc support
  • Balancing form quality with favorable value

Pros

  • Uses zinc picolinate
  • Clear 25 mg elemental amount
  • Below the adult upper intake level
  • Favorable value for the form

Cons

  • No copper is included
  • Single-mineral formula lacks broader coverage
  • May add little when zinc status is already adequate

Warnings

  • 25 mg may cause nausea when taken on an empty stomach.
  • Long-term use alongside other zinc supplements can reduce copper absorption, so total zinc intake matters.
  • Zinc can reduce absorption of tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics, so dose spacing should follow the medicine instructions.

Nutrient quality

95 Highest impact

Zinc picolinate is a well-regarded form with favorable absorption. The amount stays within a practical maintenance range for most adults.

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Ingredient transparency

83 Highest impact

The elemental amount and picolinate form are stated clearly. Directions and inactive ingredients are not supplied, limiting full label transparency.

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Customer satisfaction

73 High impact

The supplied aggregate rating indicates exceptionally strong customer satisfaction. Specific comments are unavailable, so complaint patterns and intended-use fit cannot be verified.

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Value for money

88 Highest impact

Premium form quality and a moderate serving cost create good value. The clean formula compares favorably with similar zinc capsules.

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Report analysis

Goals

General Health
General Health
Impact
Highest effect
A Goal FitA Strength of SupportC CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Zinc · 25 mg

Zinc is a foundational mineral for immune readiness, DNA synthesis, and normal enzyme activity. The 25 mg serving uses well-absorbed zinc picolinate and clearly states the elemental amount.

A single nutrient cannot cover the wider range of needs addressed by a comprehensive daily formula. The focused design nevertheless provides strong depth when additional zinc is appropriate.

Study evidence
Zinc Supportive 60 studies
Testosterone Support
Testosterone Support
Impact
Highest effect
B Goal FitA+ Strength of SupportD+ CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Zinc · 25 mg

Zinc picolinate provides a well-absorbed foundational nutrient involved in normal testosterone production. The 25 mg amount is within the stated target range, though benefit is most likely when zinc status is low.

The single-mineral formula is focused and clearly disclosed. Long-term use should account for total zinc intake because excessive zinc can reduce copper status.

Study evidence
Zinc Disputed 7 studies
Skin Health
Skin Health
Impact
Highest effect
B- Goal FitA Strength of SupportC CoverageA Formula Quality
Zinc · 25 mg

Zinc picolinate provides a well-absorbed mineral form that can support normal skin repair, barrier function, and immune balance when zinc intake is low. Its usefulness is more deficiency-dependent than that of collagen, ceramides, or dedicated hydration actives.

The single-active capsule is transparent and supplies a substantial maintenance amount. Prolonged daily use without copper may lower copper status, and the zinc may cause nausea when taken on an empty stomach.

Study evidence
Zinc Supportive 66 studies
Vision Support
Vision Support
Impact
High effect
B+ Goal FitA Strength of SupportD+ CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Zinc · 25 mg

Bioavailable zinc at a substantial maintenance amount offers relevant retinal support and aligns with a nutrient used in established vision combinations. Zinc alone does not cover blue-light filtration, retinal lipids, or the broader antioxidant network.

The picolinate form and clear label are notable strengths. Prolonged daily use of 25 mg zinc without copper may gradually reduce copper status, especially when other zinc sources are also used.

Study evidence
Zinc Supportive 39 studies
Hair Health
Hair Health
Impact
High effect
B+ Goal FitA Strength of SupportD CoverageA- Formula Quality
Zinc · 25 mg

Zinc directly supports follicle cell division and is most useful when low zinc contributes to shedding. Human evidence supports deficiency correction, but added zinc is less compelling when baseline status is adequate.

Twenty-five milligrams is a strong supplemental amount without exceeding the usual adult upper limit. Zinc picolinate is a well-absorbed form with a clearly disclosed elemental amount.

Study evidence
Zinc Supportive 22 studies
Immunity
Immunity
Impact
High effect
A Goal FitB Strength of SupportD+ CoverageB Formula Quality
Zinc · 25 mg

Zinc supports foundational immune, enzyme, antioxidant, and tissue-repair functions. The formula focuses mainly on zinc-dependent pathways, with limited added mineral breadth.

The 50 mg zinc amount exceeds the adult tolerable upper intake level and is poorly suited to routine long-term use. A daily 50 mg zinc amount exceeds the adult upper limit and may cause nausea or copper deficiency with extended use.

Study evidence
Zinc Supportive 73 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Zinc (Zinc Picolinate)
 25 mg
Adults 18–50
Report overview
Zinc (Zinc Picolinate) · 25 mg OverallScore94
A+ Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyB+ Value

Zinc picolinate offers a well-absorbed form at a strong maintenance dose. The vegetarian capsule should dissolve readily and the label clearly states the active amount. Value is favorable, with no major formulation concern for most users.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
81 Performance

Zinc Picolinate 22 mg

Solgar
Strong zinc-form quality and a practical dose make this a more dependable routine option than the original. Picolinate offers strong absorption potential at a useful maintenance amount. The focused formula and very low serving cost make it a practical choice without an obvious dosing excess.
81 Performance

Chelated Zinc 30 mg

Swanson
Strong zinc-form quality and a practical dose make this a more dependable routine option than the original. A branded glycinate chelate offers excellent absorption potential at a substantial amount. The simple capsule is highly economical, though sustained use without copper may impair mineral balance.
80 Performance

Zinc Chelate 30 mg

Nature's Way
Strong zinc-form quality and a practical dose make this a more dependable routine option than the original. Zinc bisglycinate provides a well-absorbed form at a robust daily amount. The focused capsule is clearly labeled and very inexpensive, but no copper is included.
82 Budget

L-OptiZinc 30 mg

NOW
Lower recurring cost makes this a more economical zinc option than the original while retaining a clearly characterized active profile. Zinc monomethionine provides excellent absorption potential at a substantial amount. A small copper addition is helpful but remains too low to fully balance sustained high zinc use.
82 Budget

Zinc Picolinate 25 mg

Thompson
Lower recurring cost makes this a more economical zinc option than the original while retaining a clearly characterized active profile. Picolinate is a well-absorbed zinc form, and the amount is meaningful without crossing the usual adult upper limit. The simple formula and very low serving cost make it a practical zinc supplement.
82 Budget

Zinc 30 mg

Nature's Life
Lower recurring cost makes this a more economical zinc option than the original while retaining a clearly characterized active profile. Zinc picolinate with copper provides a coherent, economical mineral-balance formula. The zinc amount is substantial, and repeated copper entries make the total less clear than it should be.
90 Value

OptiZinc

Source Naturals
The combination of form quality, practical dosing, and serving value provides a stronger quality-to-cost balance than the original. Zinc methionine provides a well-absorbed chelated form at a robust amount, and added copper offers partial balance. The copper amount is small relative to the zinc, but the formula is safer for sustained use than unbalanced high-dose options.
89 Value

Chelated Zinc 30 mg

Carlson
The combination of form quality, practical dosing, and serving value provides a stronger quality-to-cost balance than the original. Glycinate chelate offers high-quality absorption and tolerance at a robust amount. Zinc glycinate chelate is a highly regarded form for absorption and tolerance.
89 Value

Zinc Picolinate 22 mg

Swanson
The combination of form quality, practical dosing, and serving value provides a stronger quality-to-cost balance than the original. Picolinate provides a well-absorbed form at a practical maintenance amount. Zinc picolinate is a well-regarded form with favorable absorption.
Report alternatives

Sources

Published studies used for the product analysis and the top-ranked studies for each ingredient and goal.

  1. Zinc supplementation reduces the incidence of acute lower respiratory infections in infants and preschool children: a double-blind, controlled trial.
    Sazawal S; Black RE; Jalla S; Mazumdar S; Sinha A; Bhan MK · Pediatrics · 1998
    Randomized trial609 participantsImmunity forZinc
  2. Nutrient supplementation for prevention of viral respiratory tract infections in healthy subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Vlieg-Boerstra B; de Jong N; Meyer R; Agostoni C; De Cosmi V; Grimshaw K; Milani GP; Muraro A; Oude Elberink H; Pali-Schöll I; Roduit C; Sasaki M; Skypala I; Sokolowska M; van Splunter M; Untersmayr E; Venter C; O'Mahony L; Nwaru BI · Allergy · 2022
    Meta-analysis199,055 participants115 studies pooledImmunity forZinc
  3. Zinc for infection prevention in children with sickle cell anemia: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.
    Namazzi R; Opoka R; Conroy AL; Datta D; Tagoola A; Bond C; Goings MJ; Ryu MS; Cusick SE; Krebs NF; Jang JH; Tu W; Ware RE; John CC · Blood advances · 2023
    Randomized trial252 participantsImmunity forZinc
  4. Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Inflammatory Skin Diseases: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence.
    Dhaliwal S; Nguyen M; Vaughn AR; Notay M; Chambers CJ; Sivamani RK · American journal of clinical dermatology · 2020
    Systematic review22 studies pooledSkin Health forZinc
  5. Spatial expression of metallothionein, matrix metalloproteinase-1 and Ki-67 in human epidermal wounds treated with zinc and determined by quantitative immunohistochemistry: A randomised double-blind trial.
    Ågren MS; Chafranska L; Eriksen JO; Forman JL; Bjerrum MJ; Schjerling P; Larsen HF; Cottarelli E; Jorgensen LN; Gjerdrum LMR · European journal of cell biology · 2021
    Randomized trial30 participantsSkin Health forZinc
  6. Evidence-Based Nutritional Interventions in Wound Care.
    Saeg F; Orazi R; Bowers GM; Janis JE · Plastic and reconstructive surgery · 2021
    Systematic review2,339 participants36 studies pooledSkin Health forZinc
  7. The effects of minoxidil, 1% pyrithione zinc and a combination of both on hair density: a randomized controlled trial.
    Berger RS; Fu JL; Smiles KA; Turner CB; Schnell BM; Werchowski KM; Lammers KM · The British journal of dermatology · 2003
    Randomized trial200 participantsHair Health forZinc
  8. Hair Loss and Zinc Deficiency: A Cross-Sectional Study.
    Liran O; Vered S; Cohen B; Shapiro Ben David S; Nakhleh A; Rahamim-Cohen D; Azuri J; Adler L · Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025
    Cross-sectional study23,975 participantsHair Health forZinc
  9. Role of zinc in chronic telogen effluvium in serum and hair of patients with alopecia.
    Zufishan S; Haque Z; Nazar S; Afaq E; Aamir E; Rafique S · JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association · 2024
    Case-control study100 participantsHair Health forZinc
  10. Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration.
    Evans JR; Lawrenson JG · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2023
    Meta-analysis3,790 participants5 studies pooledVision Support forZinc
  11. Oral zinc in macular degeneration.
    Newsome DA; Swartz M; Leone NC; Elston RC; Miller E · Archives of ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960) · 1988
    Randomized trial151 participantsVision Support forZinc
  12. Treatment response to antioxidants and zinc based on CFH and ARMS2 genetic risk allele number in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study.
    Awh CC; Hawken S; Zanke BW · Ophthalmology · 2015
    Randomized trial989 participantsVision Support forZinc
  13. Effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate and zinc chloride mouthwashes in the treatment of oral mucositis and quality of life in patients with cancer under chemotherapy.
    Mohammadi F; Oshvandi K; Kamallan SR; Khazaei S; Ranjbar H; Ahmadi-Motamayel F; Gillespie M; Jenabi E; Vafaei SY · Nursing open · 2022
    Randomized trial144 participantsGeneral Health forZinc
  14. Zinc supplementation in young children with acute diarrhea in India.
    Sazawal S; Black RE; Bhan MK; Bhandari N; Sinha A; Jalla S · The New England journal of medicine · 1995
    Randomized trial937 participantsGeneral Health forZinc
  15. Associations of mortality with ocular disorders and an intervention of high-dose antioxidants and zinc in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study: AREDS Report No. 13.
    Clemons TE; Kurinij N; Sperduto RD; AREDS Research Group · Archives of ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960) · 2004
    Randomized trial4,753 participantsGeneral Health forZinc
  16. Effects of zinc and probiotic co-supplementation on inflammation, gastrointestinal symptoms, quality of life, and mood in irritable bowel syndrome patients.
    Rezazadegan M; Soheilipour M; Amani R · Scientific reports · 2026
    Randomized trial84 participantsGeneral Health forZinc
  17. Effect of zinc sulfate supplementation on premenstrual syndrome and health-related quality of life: Clinical randomized controlled trial.
    Siahbazi S; Behboudi-Gandevani S; Moghaddam-Banaem L; Montazeri A · The journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research · 2018
    Randomized trial142 participantsGeneral Health forZinc
  18. Incubatory environment of the scalp impacts pre-emergent hair to affect post-emergent hair cuticle integrity.
    Schwartz JR; Henry JP; Kerr KM; Flagler MJ; Page SH; Redman-Furey N · Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2018
    Randomized trialHair Health forZinc
  19. A comparison of hair quality and cosmetic acceptance following the use of two anti-dandruff shampoos.
    Draelos ZD; Kenneally DC; Hodges LT; Billhimer W; Copas M; Margraf C · The journal of investigative dermatology. Symposium proceedings · 2006
    Randomized trial40 participantsHair Health forZinc
  20. BMI and levels of zinc, copper in hair, serum and urine of Turkish male patients with androgenetic alopecia.
    Ozturk P; Kurutas E; Ataseven A; Dokur N; Gumusalan Y; Gorur A; Tamer L; Inaloz S · Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS) · 2015
    Case-control study216 participantsHair Health forZinc
  21. Analysis of serum zinc and copper concentrations in hair loss.
    Kil MS; Kim CW; Kim SS · Annals of dermatology · 2013
    Case-control study342 participantsHair Health forZinc
  22. A randomized controlled trial of zinc supplementation in the treatment of acute respiratory tract infection in Thai children.
    Rerksuppaphol S; Rerksuppaphol L · Pediatric reports · 2020
    Randomized trial64 participantsImmunity forZinc
  23. The effect of zinc and vitamin A supplementation on immune response in an older population.
    Fortes C; Forastiere F; Agabiti N; Fano V; Pacifici R; Virgili F; Piras G; Guidi L; Bartoloni C; Tricerri A; Zuccaro P; Ebrahim S; Perucci CA · Journal of the American Geriatrics Society · 1998
    Randomized trial136 participantsImmunity forZinc
  24. The role of specific nutrients in preventing immune system and blood cell disorders: an umbrella review.
    Vecchietti A; Strano P; Minutolo G; Grieco V; Cappuccio G; Granvillano G; Confalonieri L; Briganti GL; Raso E; Chimienti M; Pellegrini M; Mercogliano M; Spatari G; Lugli C; Urbano T; Lorenzon A · Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene · 2026
    Systematic review13 studies pooledImmunity forZinc
  25. Sex-related differences in response to zinc pyrithione shampoo vs. non-anti-dandruff shampoo.
    Collins LZ; Baines FL; Matheson JR; Turner GA; Diao Y; Li Y; Pi Y · International journal of cosmetic science · 2019
    Meta-analysis2,088 participants20 studies pooledSkin Health forZinc
  26. Maintenance of an Acidic Skin Surface with a Novel Zinc Lactobionate Emollient Preparation Improves Skin Barrier Function in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis.
    Andrew PV; Pinnock A; Poyner A; Brown K; Chittock J; Kay LJ; Cork MJ; Danby SG · Dermatology and therapy · 2024
    Cohort study23 participantsSkin Health forZinc
  27. A pilot trial using topical regular crystalline insulin vs. aqueous zinc solution for uncomplicated cutaneous wound healing: Impact on quality of life.
    Attia EA; Belal DM; El Samahy MH; El Hamamsy MH · Wound repair and regeneration : official publication of the Wound Healing Society [and] the European Tissue Repair Society · 2014
    Randomized trial90 participantsSkin Health forZinc
  28. Environmental exposure to metals and male reproductive hormones: circulating testosterone is inversely associated with blood molybdenum.
    Meeker JD; Rossano MG; Protas B; Padmanahban V; Diamond MP; Puscheck E; Daly D; Paneth N; Wirth JJ · Fertility and sterility · 2010
    Cross-sectional study219 participantsTestosterone Support forZinc
  29. Nonpharmacological Interventions for the Management of Testosterone and Sperm Parameters: A Scoping Review.
    Santos HO; Cadegiani FA; Forbes SC · Clinical therapeutics · 2022
    Scoping reviewTestosterone Support forZinc
  30. Zinc is an Essential Element for Male Fertility: A Review of Zn Roles in Men's Health, Germination, Sperm Quality, and Fertilization.
    Fallah A; Mohammad-Hasani A; Colagar AH · Journal of reproduction & infertility · 2020
    Narrative reviewTestosterone Support forZinc
  31. Clinical, endocrinological and biochemical effects of zinc deficiency.
    Prasad AS · Clinics in endocrinology and metabolism · 1986
    Narrative reviewTestosterone Support forZinc
  32. Clinical, endocrinologic, and biochemical effects of zinc deficiency.
    Prasad AS · Special topics in endocrinology and metabolism · 1986
    Narrative reviewTestosterone Support forZinc
  33. Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for age-related macular degeneration.
    Evans JR · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2002
    Systematic review170 participants7 studies pooledVision Support forZinc
  34. A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and zinc for age-related macular degeneration and vision loss: AREDS report no. 8.
    Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group · Archives of ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960) · 2001
    Randomized trial3,640 participantsVision Support forZinc
  35. Effect of vitamin A and zinc supplementation on the nutriture of children in Northeast Thailand.
    Udomkesmalee E; Dhanamitta S; Sirisinha S; Charoenkiatkul S; Tuntipopipat S; Banjong O; Rojroongwasinkul N; Kramer TR; Smith JC · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 1992
    Randomized trial133 participantsVision Support forZinc