Zinc
Essential mineral involved in immune function, wound healing, and cell division.
How it works
Mechanism of Action
Zinc is a cofactor for over 300 enzymes and plays roles in immune cell development, antioxidant defence, and protein synthesis.
Evidence-based uses
What Zinc Is Used For
Zinc deficiency is linked to hair loss. Don't exceed 40mg/day without medical supervision.
Clinical Evidence
Study found significantly lower zinc levels in alopecia patients vs controls. Supplementation with 50mg zinc gluconate for 12 weeks improved hair regrowth in zinc-deficient participants.
Helps with acne and wound healing. Zinc picolinate is well-absorbed.
Clinical Evidence
RCT found 30mg/day zinc supplementation for 8 weeks significantly reduced inflammatory acne lesions and improved overall skin appearance compared to placebo.
Zinc lozenges within 24 hours of cold onset may reduce duration.
Clinical Evidence
Meta-analysis of 16 RCTs found zinc lozenges (75mg+/day) taken within 24h of symptom onset reduced cold duration by 33% and severity by 40%.
Zinc acetate lozenges (75mg+/day) shortened colds by 33% on average. The effect was dose-dependent, with higher doses providing greater benefit when started within 24 hours of symptom onset.
Safety
Interactions & Warnings
Zinc can reduce absorption of fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Take at least 2 hours apart.
Zinc significantly reduces absorption of penicillamine. Take at least 2 hours apart if both are necessary.
Zinc can reduce absorption of certain antibiotics. Take at least 2 hours apart.
Compare prices
Buy Zinc in Australia
6 products compared across Australian retailers. Sorted by price per serve.
| Product | Price | /serve | |
|---|---|---|---|
Best NOW Foods Zinc Picolinate 50 mg, 120 Veg Capsules iHerb | $11.99 | $0.10 | Buy |
Blackmores Bio Zinc 168 Tablets Chemist Warehouse | $16.99 | $0.10 | Buy |
Nature's Own Zinc 30mg 120 Tablets Aussie Health Products | $14.95 | $0.12 | Buy |
Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Zinc 60 Capsules Garden of Life | $19.99 | $0.33 | Buy |
Thorne Thorne Zinc Picolinate 30mg Thorne | $22.00 | $0.37 | Buy |
Ethical Nutrients Ethical Nutrients Mega Zinc Mr Vitamins | $28.95 | $0.48 | Buy |
Prices in AUD. Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Should you take Zinc?
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement. Evidence ratings are based on peer-reviewed clinical research. Individual results may vary.