Zinc is an essential mineral contributing to our total physical and mental well-being. It is a key player in the optimal functioning of the reproductive organs, and an important element involved in basic cellular function. Zinc also aids to strengthen the human immune system and deter common skin conditions. It acts as a cofactor with more than 300 different enzymes, boosting the functioning of many of the body’s most basic chemical processes.
Types of Zinc
Zinc is not easily absorbed in the body unless first attached to another substance. For this reason, many zinc manufacturers have “chelated” zinc to organic and amino acids. Supplemental zinc is also available in what is called inorganic form, and is provided as a non-chelated type, usually called zinc sulfate or zinc oxide. Research studies on these forms of zinc show mixed results as whether they are beneficial to the human body.
1) Chelated Zinc:
This form of zinc has undergone a process called chelation, whereby the organic molecules have been given an electrical charge that allows them to positively attract the charged mineral (in this case zinc). This creates a temporary increase in the complexity and concentration of the mineral within the molecule.
In other words, each molecule packs more concentrations of zinc via a process of attaching the mineral to something else, such as an amino acid. The belief is that this helps the body better absorb the mineral. There is much debate as to whether the process actually increases absorption. Dr. Gabe Mirkin from the Baylor University School of Medicine feels that chelating minerals has an insignificant effect on absorption when compared to the general conditions in the digestive system.
2) Zinc Orotate (best form):
Zinc that has been chelated to orotic acid. This type of zinc is most readily absorbed by the human body’s cellular membranes. Research from Dr. Hans Nieper has found that orotate forms of zinc were more neutrally charged, as compared to other types of zinc. This allowed them to pass through the membranes of cells easily, and thus offered the highest amounts of accompanying mineral atoms into the cells, leading to higher tissue concentrations of zinc. Zinc orotates contain many antioxidant properties that can help protect your health, while offering your cells the most readily-absorbable form of zinc on the market today.
3) Zinc Picolinate:
A form of zinc that has been chelated to picolinic amino acids.
4) Zinc Gluconate:
One of the most popular forms of dietary zinc, zinc gluconates are created by a process of industrial manufacturing. This process essentially ferments a glucose, offering a supplemental product with an extremely long shelf-life. Unfortunately, gluconate supplements are just a chemical substitute for actual zinc.
Sadly, the body absorbs very little of this processed form, as the bio-availability of these chemicals is virtually none.
5) Zinc Acetate:
Another chemically-altered form of zinc, acetates are considered to be more absorbable than glutconates. This form of zinc, also known as zinc salt dihydrate and zinc diacetate, is created by adding acetic acid to zinc carbonate or zinc metal. I would not recommend this form of zinc although scientific studies do show that this form can aid in reducing the duration of the common cold, as well as offer treatment for Wilson’s disease, a genetic disorder whereby the body stores toxic levels of copper.
6) Zinc Oxide:
This inorganic compound of zinc is most commonly used in topical ointments for treating minor skin conditions such as burns and irritation. It is also a common ingredient in sunscreens. This type is a non-chelated, inorganic form of zinc. Studies show mixed results on the body’s ability to absorb and metabolize this form of inorganic zinc.
7) Zinc Sulfate:
Water-soluble and non-chelated, this is an inorganic form of zinc. Studies show mixed results on the body’s ability to absorb and metabolize this form of zinc.
Taking a Zinc Supplement
As you can see, there are many types of zinc. For supplementation, I would only recommend zinc orotate because it is neutrally charged, and is able to pass through the membranes of cells easily. I personally use this zinc supplement and have recommended it for years with great results. This form will provide the most health benefits to your body and help you fight off a zinc deficiency.
July 29th, 2011 at 8:46 am
Hello,
could you please verify the following information for me… I only have 2 forms available in my country, Chelated Zinc and Zinc Gluconate. However, i am not sure, whether or not this product actually IS chelated zinc. It says on it :
Amount Per Serving:
• Zinc (as 50% zinc arginate, 25% zinc histidinate & 25% zinc glycinate) 15mg
• Copper (as 50% copper lysinate & 50% copper glycinate) 2mg
Is this Chelated Zinc ? Is it a good product ? Or will at least make a difference compared to Gluconate form ?
Hoping on your reply,
Regards
[Reply to this comment]
September 23rd, 2010 at 3:43 pm
Hi, Mi names is Robert. I work in a zinc oxide production plant in Peru, our customers are mostly Medical and cosmetics companies, whom look for a medical quality zinc oxide. They use it in multivitaminic pills (yeah, I know about the mixed results on the body’s ability to absorbthe zinc oxide) and solar protection products.
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September 21st, 2010 at 9:12 pm
Any information about this zinc glycerate and zinc monomethionine? Anyway i have found out that there’s a strong relationship exists between zinc and copper. Too much of one can cause a deficiency in the other. Long-term use of zinc (including zinc in a multivitamin) should be accompanied by copper.
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April 30th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Hi,
You did not mention zinc-carnosine andI am very curious about it’s bioavailability. I tested as deficient in zn, have stomach/intestional issues. Other forms of zn makes me very nauseaus and I usually can not even keep it down. Zn-C does not have that affect on me. The one I just started taking is actually a mildly sweet chewable and supplies 16mg Zn (from 75 mg of Zn-C). Do you have any info?
Thanks!
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February 1st, 2010 at 4:12 am
i have never heard about such a wonderful information about zinc. But i am aware of health benefit of zinc. thanks for sharing
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January 15th, 2010 at 5:57 pm
Thanks for the article!
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January 13th, 2010 at 12:50 am
Zinc is essential too for a healthy thyroid, am I right?
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January 6th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
What about Zinc angstrom?
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December 26th, 2009 at 2:21 am
Before, I was made to believe that zinc is bad to the body but the zinc that are getting into your body are from the foods you eat. Taking a zinc supplement can be a good option despite others claim that it is harmful if taken internally.
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December 16th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
Wow! I knew that zinc was a little rough on your body, but I didn’t realize there were so many options! I’ve found, personally, that my body takes zinc better when it’s tied to magnesium….
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