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Mineral

Zinc (as Zinc Oxide)

Also known as: zinc oxide, ZnO, calamine

B
Evidence

Zinc oxide is an inorganic zinc form used in supplements for immune function and wound healing, though it has poor oral bioavailability and is primarily used topically. Oral zinc oxide is not an ideal form for systemic supplementation.

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Daily target & upper limit

11 mg / day · UL 40 mg

Zinc (as Zinc Oxide) has an established daily reference intake. See best forms, label synonyms, upper-limit warnings, and top-scoring supplements:

Zinc (as Zinc Oxide) dosage reference →

Primary uses

  • immune function
  • wound healing
  • protein synthesis
  • cell division

How it works

  • cofactor for ~100+ zinc-dependent enzymes
  • essential for immune cell development and function
  • supports DNA synthesis
  • structural component of zinc fingers (transcription factors)

Dosage

Typical range
8-11 mg daily (adult RDA); oxide form requires higher doses for equivalent absorption
Timing
take 1-2 hours before or after meals for better absorption
With food
avoid taking with food, phytates, or calcium which reduce absorption
Duration
long-term supplementation acceptable at RDA levels; acute high-dose therapy for specific conditions should be time-limited
Special populations
pregnant/nursing women: 11-13 mg daily; children: 5-11 mg daily (age-dependent); elderly at higher risk of deficiency

Forms

  • tablet· 70/100
  • capsule· 70/100
  • topical cream/ointment· 70/100

Safety

Common side effects

  • nausea
  • copper deficiency (with chronic high-dose use)
  • metallic taste
  • headache

Contraindications

  • copper deficiency
  • aceruloplasminemia
  • Wilson's disease (relative)

Products containing Zinc (as Zinc Oxide)

Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Zinc (as Zinc Oxide) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.

Thorne
Zinc Bisglycinate 30 mg
98
Thorne
Zinc Picolinate 30 mg
98
Thorne
MediClear-SGS™ - Vanilla
95
Thorne
Zinc Bisglycinate 15 mg
95
See all products →

Evidence notes

Zinc's immune and wound-healing roles are well-established; however, oxide form has very poor oral bioavailability (~5-10%), limiting effectiveness as oral supplement.

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.