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.
This benefit aims to improve overall skin health and appearance through increased hydration, reduced inflammation, improved elasticity, and protection from environmental damage. Healthy skin exhibits a smooth texture, even tone, and strong barrier function.
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.
Zinc supports the immune system by enhancing immune cell activity, reducing infection risk, and modulating inflammatory responses. Supplementation is particularly beneficial for individuals with zinc deficiencies, helping to restore optimal zinc levels and bolster immune response.
Supports the body's defense against pathogens, enhances immune cell activity, and reduces inflammation. Improved immune function leads to fewer infections and faster recovery.
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
Gastrointestinal upset involves a variety of digestive symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and may indicate an underlying condition if persistent.
Nausea is an unpleasant sensation of stomach unease, often preceding vomiting, caused by various factors like medications or infections. Prolonged nausea can lead to complications like dehydration.
Copper deficiency (hypocupremia) results from insufficient copper intake or absorption, leading to anemia, neurological issues, and impaired immunity. It's diagnosed via blood tests and treated with copper supplementation.
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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