Mineral
Zinc Orotate
Also known as: zinc orotic acid, orotic acid zinc, Zinc (as Zinc Orotate)
Zinc orotate is a chelated form of zinc bound to orotic acid, intended to enhance absorption and bioavailability compared to standard zinc salts. While zinc itself has strong evidence for immune function and wound healing, evidence specific to the orotate form is limited.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Zinc Orotate product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thorne Zinc Bisglycinate 30 mg | 96 A | $0.33 |
| 2 | Thorne Zinc Picolinate 30 mg | 96 A | $0.68 |
| 3 | Pure Encapsulations Zinc Liquid 15 mg | 93 A | $1.45 |
| 4 | Thorne Zinc Bisglycinate 15 mg | 91 A | $0.25 |
| 5 | Pure Encapsulations CogniPhos | 91 A | $1.25 |
| 6 | Pure Encapsulations UltraZin Zinc | 91 A | $0.23 |
| 7 | Pure Encapsulations Zinc 30 | 91 A | $0.23 |
| 8 | Pure Encapsulations Zinc 15 | 91 A | $0.32 |
| 9 | Pure Encapsulations Zinc (citrate) | 91 A | $0.21 |
| 10 | Solgar Zinc Picolinate | 91 A | $0.09 |
| 11 | Pure Encapsulations Zinc chewables | 91 A | $0.20 |
| 12 | Nutricost Calcium + Magnesium + Zinc Citrates with Vitamin D3 Powder | 90 A | $0.32 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Zinc Orotate should I take?
The typical range is 15–30 mg elemental zinc daily. Safe for long-term use; monitor intake from all sources to avoid exceeding 40 mg/day upper limit
When should I take Zinc Orotate?
Any time of day; consistent timing recommended. With food to minimize gastrointestinal upset; avoid with high-fiber or high-phytate meals which may reduce absorption.
Which form of Zinc Orotate is best?
Powder. Other forms in the catalog: Capsule, Tablet.
Is Zinc Orotate safe?
Commonly reported: Nausea (especially on empty stomach), Copper deficiency with chronic high-dose use (>50 mg/day), Metallic taste, Headache (rare).
Which Zinc Orotate supplement scores highest?
Thorne Zinc Bisglycinate 30 mg, at 96/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Immune function support
- Wound healing
- Protein synthesis
- Antioxidant defense
- Cellular growth and reproduction
How it works
- Cofactor for 300+ enzymes including DNA polymerase and superoxide dismutase
- Supports T-cell mediated immunity
- Enhances skin barrier and wound repair
- The orotate carrier may improve intestinal absorption and cellular uptake
Dosage
- Typical range
- 15–30 mg elemental zinc daily
- Timing
- Any time of day; consistent timing recommended
- With food
- With food to minimize gastrointestinal upset; avoid with high-fiber or high-phytate meals which may reduce absorption
- Duration
- Safe for long-term use; monitor intake from all sources to avoid exceeding 40 mg/day upper limit
- Special populations
- Adult RDA: 8 mg (women), 11 mg (men). Pregnant/lactating women require 11–12 mg daily. Avoid excessive supplementation in older adults without medical supervision.
Forms
- Powder· 70/100
- Capsule· 70/100
- Tablet· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Nausea (especially on empty stomach)
- Copper deficiency with chronic high-dose use (>50 mg/day)
- Metallic taste
- Headache (rare)
Contraindications
- Do not exceed 40 mg/day long-term without medical monitoring
- Caution in patients with copper deficiency history
- Use cautiously with certain antibiotics or bisphosphonates
Products containing Zinc Orotate
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Zinc Orotate on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Zinc itself has strong evidence (Grade A) for immune support and deficiency correction. The orotate chelate form lacks direct RCT evidence compared to other zinc forms, but the underlying mineral has robust clinical support. Grade lowered to B due to limited form-specific data.
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.