Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBenefitsDeficiencyDietary SourcesDaily Zinc IntakeHow Much Is Too Much?Interactions

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Benefits

Deficiency

Dietary Sources

Daily Zinc Intake

How Much Is Too Much?

Interactions

Zinc is an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining health. While only a small amount is needed, it is vital for overall well-being. Your body cannot make zinc. Instead, you must get zinc from your diet.

Zinc is found in cells throughout your body. It is necessary for DNA synthesis and repair, fertility, growth and development, proper immune functioning, and wound healing, among other essential functions.

1. Zinc Supports the Immune System

Zinchelps your immune system fight and removepathogens. The body uses zinc to produce immune cells, and multiple steps in the immune response rely on it.Supplementing with zincalso reduces certain inflammatory markers.

Individuals frequently reach forzinc to relieve a cold. However, research is less conclusive on its benefits forcolds.

One large review found that zinc did not prevent a cold but shortened its duration. Supplementing with 45 milligrams (mg) of zinc once cold symptoms appear and for the remainder of the cold shortened its duration.

Supplement Safety

The 6 Best Immune-Supporting Supplements, According to a Dietitian

2. It Helps Wounds and Skin Health

Your skin contains about 5% of your body’s zinc stores.Extensive skin injuries, such as burns, can cause significant loss of zinc.

Low zinc levels lead to rough skin and negatively affect wound healing.Zinc’s role in immunity, cell growth, and development contributes to its beneficial effects on skin health.

Zinc may be an effective acne treatment. Oral and topicalzinc improve acne symptoms.

Research shows that zinc is vital in wound healing.Zinc is involved in every stage of the wound healing process, from blood clotting to the inflammatory response and wound closing.

Although zinc may not preventpressure injuries(a type of wound from increased pressure on the skin for a prolonged period), it can accelerate the healing process.Moreover, supplementing with zinc may be more effective with pressure injuries when a zinc deficiency is present.

Additionally, taking zinc after a significant skin injury, such as a burn, may reduce the risk of severe complications, such as infection.

3. Zinc Helps Hormonal Balance

Because zinc is essential for cell growth and development, it also plays a crucial role in hormone balancing and reproduction. Zinc regulatesthyroidhormone levels and influences male and female sex hormones.

Hormonal imbalances underliepolycystic ovarysyndrome (PCOS), resulting in abnormal menstrual cycles and other symptoms likeinsulin resistance(when cells can’t easily take up glucose from the blood, requiring the pancreas to make more insulin) and changes to blood cholesterol (waxy, fatty substance). Zinc levels tend to be low in people with PCOS. Some research suggests that supplementing with zinc may help balance hormones and improve PCOS symptoms.

4. It Helps Treat Diarrhea

Short-term zinc supplementation may reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea, and it may also help prevent future episodes.

Zinc supports immunity, growth, and development. It provides structural support for the intestinalmucosalbarrier and encourages the production of antibodies that protect against harmful pathogens.

5. It Helps Macular Degeneration

Maculardegeneration is the deterioration of part of the retina at the back of the eye. It generally occurs in people older than 50. It results in blurred vision and gradual vision loss of the central field (objects straight ahead).

Antioxidants may help prevent cellular damage and slow the progression of macular degeneration. Supplements often used toprevent and delay the progression of macular degenerationcontain zinc, vitamins E and C, and beta-carotene.In addition to its antioxidant properties, zinc also exists in the retina in high concentrations.

6. Zinc Is Vital for Thyroid Health

Zinc oversees the production and release of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones help regulate energy needs and fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Additionally, thyroid hormones are necessary for growth and development.

Some research indicates that low zinc levels negatively affect thyroid structure and hormone production. Moreover, zinc may be associated with thyroid hormone levels. Still, additional research is required in healthy individuals to understand the clinical effects of zinc on thyroid health.

7. It Helps Regulate Blood Sugar

Zinc helpsregulate blood sugar. Low levels are linked to reduced insulin secretion and sensitivity.Zinc in pancreatic cells (isletcells) helps produce insulin and is necessary for its release.

Emerging research suggests zinc supports the removal of glucose from the bloodstream into muscle cells for use.Additionally, zinc’s antioxidant properties may contribute to regulating blood sugar.

One meta-analysis observed significant reductions in fasting glucose andhemoglobinA1c (HbA1c) with 35 mg of zinc supplementation daily. This analysis showed no difference in blood sugar markers with supplementation for less than or more than one month.

8. It’s Critical for Cell Growth and Division

Zinc participates in cell division and growth. Each stage of cell division requires zinc. Cell division is how the body repairs itself from any damage.

Zinc contributes to essential functions such as DNA and RNA synthesis and protein formation. It’s also a necessary component of enzymes. Enzymes are proteins that assist reactions in the body. Countless reactions in the body rely on enzymes to speed up chemical reactions.

Pregnancy is a time of significant growth. Zinc is essential at each stage of pregnancy, from the creation of the egg to its fertilization and the development of the embryo and fetus.

9. Zinc Is Crucial for Growth

Because of its role in cell growth and division, zinc also improves growth markers in children. Zinc supplementation increases height in both healthy and undernourished children.

10. It Benefits Fertility

Zinc is an important nutrient for male and female reproduction. It supports sperm health, namely sperm count and motility (independent movement).Sperm tails have zinc receptors. When zinc attaches to these receptors, sperm motility increases. This may influence fertility.

Some of zinc’s benefits on male reproduction may be due to its antioxidant-like effects. Zinc prevents cell damage, enhancing sperm quality.

Zinc is closely involved in female reproduction. It supports egg growth, maturation, and fertilization. Zinc aids in the development of the embryo, fetus, andplacenta.

11. Zinc Impacts Brain Health

Most of the body’s zinc is stored in the brain. Zinc plays a vital role in learning and memory, the function of neurotransmitters (special brain chemicals), and the creation of new neurons in the brain.

Changes in zinc levels in the brain—having too much or too little—influence the development and progression of specific nervous system health issues, such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), and schizophrenia.

For example, too much zinc contributes to cell damage and increases the risk of stroke. Conversely, low zinc levels may accelerate memory deficits and cognitive decline linked toAlzheimer’sdisease.

Zinc Deficiency Symptoms

Because zinc has numerous functions, a deficiency affects multiple body systems.Symptoms of zinc deficiencycan involve the skin, bones, digestive tract, and reproductive, nervous, and immune systems.

The following groups of individuals are typically at a greater risk of zinc deficiency:

Dietary Sources of Zinc

Most people consume enough zinc. Manyfoods contain zinc, and supplements are available for a nutrient boost when diet alone can’t meet needs.

One advantage of zinc-rich foods is that they contain other macro- and micro-nutrients that can support your health. However, zinc supplements may be necessary with restrictive diets or specific medical conditions like those impacting your digestive tract.

Adequate levels of zinc support your immune function, wound healing, and overall health. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends the following daily zinc intake for adults.

Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for Zinc in AdultsPopulationZinc RDAFemales 19 and older8 mgMales 19 and older11 mgAdults who are pregnant11 mgAdults who are lactating12 mgHow Much Zinc Is Too Much?It is possible to consume too much zinc. The tolerable upper limit (UL) for zinc is 40 mg daily for males and females 19 years and older. The UL reflects how much zinc people can regularly consume without impacting their copper levels.High zinc supplementation (usually greater than 100 mg daily) for a prolonged period contributes to copper deficiency. Additionally, too much zinc may impact iron absorption.Zinc doses greater than 150 mg dailyimpairyour immune function.Still, many supplements or supplement regimens may use zinc dosages greater than the upper limit. Consuming more than 50 mg of zinc can cause nausea, dizziness, headaches, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.Supplements are the most common cause of zinc toxicity, which occurs with prolonged excessive use. Symptoms of toxicity may not appear until intake exceeds 1 to 2 grams daily.InteractionsZinc supplements can interact with certain medications, which may affect absorption and effectiveness.For example,antibioticsand zinc taken together decrease the absorption of both, which may reduce their benefits. Zinc also decreases the absorption ofpenicillamine, a medication used to decrease copper levels in Wilson’s disease. This can lead to the medication not working as well.Thiazide diureticsdecrease zinc levels in the body.Consult with your healthcare provider to ensure adequate zinc intake and to effectively manage any potential interactions.SummaryZinc has many health benefits, from supporting fertility to speeding up wound healing. Zinc’s health benefits result from its role in cell growth and development and its antioxidant properties.Zinc food sources abound. Consuming enough dietary sources of zinc is essential for maintaining health. When food sources are not enough, a zinc supplement may be beneficial. However, be mindful of the supplement dosage because of zinc’s tolerable upper limit and toxicity level.Always consult your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement to ensure it will be safe and effective for you.

How Much Zinc Is Too Much?

It is possible to consume too much zinc. The tolerable upper limit (UL) for zinc is 40 mg daily for males and females 19 years and older. The UL reflects how much zinc people can regularly consume without impacting their copper levels.

High zinc supplementation (usually greater than 100 mg daily) for a prolonged period contributes to copper deficiency. Additionally, too much zinc may impact iron absorption.Zinc doses greater than 150 mg dailyimpairyour immune function.

Still, many supplements or supplement regimens may use zinc dosages greater than the upper limit. Consuming more than 50 mg of zinc can cause nausea, dizziness, headaches, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.

Supplements are the most common cause of zinc toxicity, which occurs with prolonged excessive use. Symptoms of toxicity may not appear until intake exceeds 1 to 2 grams daily.

Zinc supplements can interact with certain medications, which may affect absorption and effectiveness.

For example,antibioticsand zinc taken together decrease the absorption of both, which may reduce their benefits. Zinc also decreases the absorption ofpenicillamine, a medication used to decrease copper levels in Wilson’s disease. This can lead to the medication not working as well.

Thiazide diureticsdecrease zinc levels in the body.

Consult with your healthcare provider to ensure adequate zinc intake and to effectively manage any potential interactions.

Summary

Zinc has many health benefits, from supporting fertility to speeding up wound healing. Zinc’s health benefits result from its role in cell growth and development and its antioxidant properties.

Zinc food sources abound. Consuming enough dietary sources of zinc is essential for maintaining health. When food sources are not enough, a zinc supplement may be beneficial. However, be mindful of the supplement dosage because of zinc’s tolerable upper limit and toxicity level.

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement to ensure it will be safe and effective for you.

23 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Stiles LI, Ferrao K, Mehta KJ.Role of zinc in health and disease.Clin Exp Med. 2024;24(1):38. doi:10.1007/s10238-024-01302-6Wessels I, Fischer HJ, Rink L.Dietary and physiological effects of zinc on the immune system.Annu Rev Nutr. 2021;41:133-175. doi:10.1146/annurev-nutr-122019-120635Jafari A, Noormohammadi Z, Askari M, et al.Zinc supplementation and immune factors in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2022;62(11):3023-3041. doi:10.1080/10408398.2020.1862048Nault D, Machingo TA, Shipper AG, et al.Zinc for prevention and treatment of the common cold.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2024;5(5):CD014914. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD014914.pub2Lin PH, Sermersheim M, Li H, et al.Zinc in wound healing modulation.Nutrients. 2017;10(1):16. doi:10.3390/nu10010016Kurmis R, Greenwood J, Aromataris E.Trace element supplementation following severe burn injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis.J Burn Care Res. 2016;37(3):143-159. doi:10.1097/BCR.0000000000000259Song YP, Wang L, Yu HR, et al.Zinc therapy Is a reasonable choice for patients with pressure injuries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Nutr Clin Pract. 2020;35(6):1001-1009. doi:10.1002/ncp.10485Cervantes J, Eber AE, Perper M, et al.The role of zinc in the treatment of acne: A review of the literature.Dermatol Ther. 2018;31(1):10.1111/dth.12576. doi:10.1111/dth.12576Langer G, Wan CS, Fink A, et al.Nutritional interventions for preventing and treating pressure ulcers.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2024;2(2):CD003216. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003216.pub3Nasiadek M, Stragierowicz J, Klimczak M, et al.The role of zinc in selected female reproductive system disorders.Nutrients. 2020;12(8):2464. doi:10.3390/nu12082464Lazzerini M, Wanzira H.Oral zinc for treating diarrhoea in children.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;12(12):CD005436. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005436.pub5Evans JR, Lawrenson JG.Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023;9(9):CD000254. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000254.pub5Beserra JB, Morais JBS, Severo JS, et al.Relation between zinc and thyroid hormones in humans: a systematic review.Biol Trace Elem Res. 2021;199(11):4092-4100. doi:10.1007/s12011-020-02562-5Wang X, Wu W, Zheng W, et al.Zinc supplementation improves glycemic control for diabetes prevention and management: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Am J Clin Nutr. 2019;110(1):76-90. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqz041Wang Z, Ronsmans C, Woolf B.Triangulating evidence for the causal impact of single-intervention zinc supplement on glycaemic control for type 2 diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trial and two-sample Mendelian randomisation.Br J Nutr. 2023;129(11):1929-1944. doi:10.1017/S0007114522002616vNational Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Zinc.Berger MM, Shenkin A, Schweinlin A, et al.ESPEN micronutrient guideline.Clin Nutr. 2022;41(6):1357-1424. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2022.02.015Garner TB, Hester JM, Carothers A, et al.Role of zinc in female reproduction.Biol Reprod. 2021;104(5):976-994. doi:10.1093/biolre/ioab023Liu E, Pimpin L, Shulkin M, et al.Effect of zinc supplementation on growth outcomes in children under 5 years of age.Nutrients. 2018;10(3):377. doi:10.3390/nu10030377Monfared V, Salehian A, Nikniaz Z, et al.The effect of zinc supplementation on anthropometric measurements in healthy children over two years: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMC Pediatr. 2023;23(1):414. doi:10.1186/s12887-023-04249-xSalas-Huetos A, Rosique-Esteban N, Becerra-Tomás N, et al.The effect of nutrients and dietary supplements on sperm quality parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Adv Nutr. 2018;9(6):833-848. doi:10.1093/advances/nmy057Wang B, Fang T, Chen H.Zinc and central nervous system disorders.Nutrients. 2023;15(9):2140. doi:10.3390/nu15092140U.S. Department of Agriculture.Dietary guidelines for Americans 2020 - 2025.

23 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Stiles LI, Ferrao K, Mehta KJ.Role of zinc in health and disease.Clin Exp Med. 2024;24(1):38. doi:10.1007/s10238-024-01302-6Wessels I, Fischer HJ, Rink L.Dietary and physiological effects of zinc on the immune system.Annu Rev Nutr. 2021;41:133-175. doi:10.1146/annurev-nutr-122019-120635Jafari A, Noormohammadi Z, Askari M, et al.Zinc supplementation and immune factors in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2022;62(11):3023-3041. doi:10.1080/10408398.2020.1862048Nault D, Machingo TA, Shipper AG, et al.Zinc for prevention and treatment of the common cold.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2024;5(5):CD014914. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD014914.pub2Lin PH, Sermersheim M, Li H, et al.Zinc in wound healing modulation.Nutrients. 2017;10(1):16. doi:10.3390/nu10010016Kurmis R, Greenwood J, Aromataris E.Trace element supplementation following severe burn injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis.J Burn Care Res. 2016;37(3):143-159. doi:10.1097/BCR.0000000000000259Song YP, Wang L, Yu HR, et al.Zinc therapy Is a reasonable choice for patients with pressure injuries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Nutr Clin Pract. 2020;35(6):1001-1009. doi:10.1002/ncp.10485Cervantes J, Eber AE, Perper M, et al.The role of zinc in the treatment of acne: A review of the literature.Dermatol Ther. 2018;31(1):10.1111/dth.12576. doi:10.1111/dth.12576Langer G, Wan CS, Fink A, et al.Nutritional interventions for preventing and treating pressure ulcers.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2024;2(2):CD003216. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003216.pub3Nasiadek M, Stragierowicz J, Klimczak M, et al.The role of zinc in selected female reproductive system disorders.Nutrients. 2020;12(8):2464. doi:10.3390/nu12082464Lazzerini M, Wanzira H.Oral zinc for treating diarrhoea in children.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;12(12):CD005436. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005436.pub5Evans JR, Lawrenson JG.Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023;9(9):CD000254. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000254.pub5Beserra JB, Morais JBS, Severo JS, et al.Relation between zinc and thyroid hormones in humans: a systematic review.Biol Trace Elem Res. 2021;199(11):4092-4100. doi:10.1007/s12011-020-02562-5Wang X, Wu W, Zheng W, et al.Zinc supplementation improves glycemic control for diabetes prevention and management: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Am J Clin Nutr. 2019;110(1):76-90. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqz041Wang Z, Ronsmans C, Woolf B.Triangulating evidence for the causal impact of single-intervention zinc supplement on glycaemic control for type 2 diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trial and two-sample Mendelian randomisation.Br J Nutr. 2023;129(11):1929-1944. doi:10.1017/S0007114522002616vNational Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Zinc.Berger MM, Shenkin A, Schweinlin A, et al.ESPEN micronutrient guideline.Clin Nutr. 2022;41(6):1357-1424. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2022.02.015Garner TB, Hester JM, Carothers A, et al.Role of zinc in female reproduction.Biol Reprod. 2021;104(5):976-994. doi:10.1093/biolre/ioab023Liu E, Pimpin L, Shulkin M, et al.Effect of zinc supplementation on growth outcomes in children under 5 years of age.Nutrients. 2018;10(3):377. doi:10.3390/nu10030377Monfared V, Salehian A, Nikniaz Z, et al.The effect of zinc supplementation on anthropometric measurements in healthy children over two years: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMC Pediatr. 2023;23(1):414. doi:10.1186/s12887-023-04249-xSalas-Huetos A, Rosique-Esteban N, Becerra-Tomás N, et al.The effect of nutrients and dietary supplements on sperm quality parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Adv Nutr. 2018;9(6):833-848. doi:10.1093/advances/nmy057Wang B, Fang T, Chen H.Zinc and central nervous system disorders.Nutrients. 2023;15(9):2140. doi:10.3390/nu15092140U.S. Department of Agriculture.Dietary guidelines for Americans 2020 - 2025.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Stiles LI, Ferrao K, Mehta KJ.Role of zinc in health and disease.Clin Exp Med. 2024;24(1):38. doi:10.1007/s10238-024-01302-6Wessels I, Fischer HJ, Rink L.Dietary and physiological effects of zinc on the immune system.Annu Rev Nutr. 2021;41:133-175. doi:10.1146/annurev-nutr-122019-120635Jafari A, Noormohammadi Z, Askari M, et al.Zinc supplementation and immune factors in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2022;62(11):3023-3041. doi:10.1080/10408398.2020.1862048Nault D, Machingo TA, Shipper AG, et al.Zinc for prevention and treatment of the common cold.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2024;5(5):CD014914. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD014914.pub2Lin PH, Sermersheim M, Li H, et al.Zinc in wound healing modulation.Nutrients. 2017;10(1):16. doi:10.3390/nu10010016Kurmis R, Greenwood J, Aromataris E.Trace element supplementation following severe burn injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis.J Burn Care Res. 2016;37(3):143-159. doi:10.1097/BCR.0000000000000259Song YP, Wang L, Yu HR, et al.Zinc therapy Is a reasonable choice for patients with pressure injuries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Nutr Clin Pract. 2020;35(6):1001-1009. doi:10.1002/ncp.10485Cervantes J, Eber AE, Perper M, et al.The role of zinc in the treatment of acne: A review of the literature.Dermatol Ther. 2018;31(1):10.1111/dth.12576. doi:10.1111/dth.12576Langer G, Wan CS, Fink A, et al.Nutritional interventions for preventing and treating pressure ulcers.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2024;2(2):CD003216. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003216.pub3Nasiadek M, Stragierowicz J, Klimczak M, et al.The role of zinc in selected female reproductive system disorders.Nutrients. 2020;12(8):2464. doi:10.3390/nu12082464Lazzerini M, Wanzira H.Oral zinc for treating diarrhoea in children.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;12(12):CD005436. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005436.pub5Evans JR, Lawrenson JG.Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023;9(9):CD000254. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000254.pub5Beserra JB, Morais JBS, Severo JS, et al.Relation between zinc and thyroid hormones in humans: a systematic review.Biol Trace Elem Res. 2021;199(11):4092-4100. doi:10.1007/s12011-020-02562-5Wang X, Wu W, Zheng W, et al.Zinc supplementation improves glycemic control for diabetes prevention and management: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Am J Clin Nutr. 2019;110(1):76-90. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqz041Wang Z, Ronsmans C, Woolf B.Triangulating evidence for the causal impact of single-intervention zinc supplement on glycaemic control for type 2 diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trial and two-sample Mendelian randomisation.Br J Nutr. 2023;129(11):1929-1944. doi:10.1017/S0007114522002616vNational Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Zinc.Berger MM, Shenkin A, Schweinlin A, et al.ESPEN micronutrient guideline.Clin Nutr. 2022;41(6):1357-1424. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2022.02.015Garner TB, Hester JM, Carothers A, et al.Role of zinc in female reproduction.Biol Reprod. 2021;104(5):976-994. doi:10.1093/biolre/ioab023Liu E, Pimpin L, Shulkin M, et al.Effect of zinc supplementation on growth outcomes in children under 5 years of age.Nutrients. 2018;10(3):377. doi:10.3390/nu10030377Monfared V, Salehian A, Nikniaz Z, et al.The effect of zinc supplementation on anthropometric measurements in healthy children over two years: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMC Pediatr. 2023;23(1):414. doi:10.1186/s12887-023-04249-xSalas-Huetos A, Rosique-Esteban N, Becerra-Tomás N, et al.The effect of nutrients and dietary supplements on sperm quality parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Adv Nutr. 2018;9(6):833-848. doi:10.1093/advances/nmy057Wang B, Fang T, Chen H.Zinc and central nervous system disorders.Nutrients. 2023;15(9):2140. doi:10.3390/nu15092140U.S. Department of Agriculture.Dietary guidelines for Americans 2020 - 2025.

Stiles LI, Ferrao K, Mehta KJ.Role of zinc in health and disease.Clin Exp Med. 2024;24(1):38. doi:10.1007/s10238-024-01302-6

Wessels I, Fischer HJ, Rink L.Dietary and physiological effects of zinc on the immune system.Annu Rev Nutr. 2021;41:133-175. doi:10.1146/annurev-nutr-122019-120635

Jafari A, Noormohammadi Z, Askari M, et al.Zinc supplementation and immune factors in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2022;62(11):3023-3041. doi:10.1080/10408398.2020.1862048

Nault D, Machingo TA, Shipper AG, et al.Zinc for prevention and treatment of the common cold.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2024;5(5):CD014914. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD014914.pub2

Lin PH, Sermersheim M, Li H, et al.Zinc in wound healing modulation.Nutrients. 2017;10(1):16. doi:10.3390/nu10010016

Kurmis R, Greenwood J, Aromataris E.Trace element supplementation following severe burn injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis.J Burn Care Res. 2016;37(3):143-159. doi:10.1097/BCR.0000000000000259

Song YP, Wang L, Yu HR, et al.Zinc therapy Is a reasonable choice for patients with pressure injuries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Nutr Clin Pract. 2020;35(6):1001-1009. doi:10.1002/ncp.10485

Cervantes J, Eber AE, Perper M, et al.The role of zinc in the treatment of acne: A review of the literature.Dermatol Ther. 2018;31(1):10.1111/dth.12576. doi:10.1111/dth.12576

Langer G, Wan CS, Fink A, et al.Nutritional interventions for preventing and treating pressure ulcers.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2024;2(2):CD003216. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003216.pub3

Nasiadek M, Stragierowicz J, Klimczak M, et al.The role of zinc in selected female reproductive system disorders.Nutrients. 2020;12(8):2464. doi:10.3390/nu12082464

Lazzerini M, Wanzira H.Oral zinc for treating diarrhoea in children.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;12(12):CD005436. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005436.pub5

Evans JR, Lawrenson JG.Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023;9(9):CD000254. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000254.pub5

Beserra JB, Morais JBS, Severo JS, et al.Relation between zinc and thyroid hormones in humans: a systematic review.Biol Trace Elem Res. 2021;199(11):4092-4100. doi:10.1007/s12011-020-02562-5

Wang X, Wu W, Zheng W, et al.Zinc supplementation improves glycemic control for diabetes prevention and management: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Am J Clin Nutr. 2019;110(1):76-90. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqz041

Wang Z, Ronsmans C, Woolf B.Triangulating evidence for the causal impact of single-intervention zinc supplement on glycaemic control for type 2 diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trial and two-sample Mendelian randomisation.Br J Nutr. 2023;129(11):1929-1944. doi:10.1017/S0007114522002616v

National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Zinc.

Berger MM, Shenkin A, Schweinlin A, et al.ESPEN micronutrient guideline.Clin Nutr. 2022;41(6):1357-1424. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2022.02.015

Garner TB, Hester JM, Carothers A, et al.Role of zinc in female reproduction.Biol Reprod. 2021;104(5):976-994. doi:10.1093/biolre/ioab023

Liu E, Pimpin L, Shulkin M, et al.Effect of zinc supplementation on growth outcomes in children under 5 years of age.Nutrients. 2018;10(3):377. doi:10.3390/nu10030377

Monfared V, Salehian A, Nikniaz Z, et al.The effect of zinc supplementation on anthropometric measurements in healthy children over two years: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMC Pediatr. 2023;23(1):414. doi:10.1186/s12887-023-04249-x

Salas-Huetos A, Rosique-Esteban N, Becerra-Tomás N, et al.The effect of nutrients and dietary supplements on sperm quality parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Adv Nutr. 2018;9(6):833-848. doi:10.1093/advances/nmy057

Wang B, Fang T, Chen H.Zinc and central nervous system disorders.Nutrients. 2023;15(9):2140. doi:10.3390/nu15092140

U.S. Department of Agriculture.Dietary guidelines for Americans 2020 - 2025.

Meet Our Medical Expert Board

Share Feedback

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit

What is your feedback?

By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.Cookies SettingsAccept All Cookies

By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.

Cookies SettingsAccept All Cookies