Zinc
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Dose Distribution
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Claims on Labels
Common Co-Ingredients
Top-Rated Zinc Products
Evidence Summary
Zinc is an essential mineral with a significant role in immune function, growth, and development. Research indicates that zinc supplementation is highly effective in preventing deficiency-related issues such as growth failure in children and managing acute conditions like diarrhea and otitis media.
Evidence by Condition
Low serum zinc levels are associated with suboptimal outcomes including prolonged labor and postpartum hemorrhage.
Zinc deficiency is a significant risk factor for mortality, morbidity, and linear growth failure in children.
Oral zinc is an effective treatment for diarrhoea in children.
Multiple meta-analyses support the use of zinc supplements for the prevention of otitis media.
Zinc may play a role in the prevention or treatment of acute viral respiratory tract infections in adults.
Evidence supports the use of zinc for managing the common cold.
Topical applications of zinc, often in combination with other acids, are used for treating acne.
Zinc supplementation has a measurable effect on various immune factors in adults.
Evidence regarding zinc supplementation for tinnitus remains limited.
Effective Doses
Dose ranges were not explicitly provided in the research snippets.
Key Findings
- Zinc deficiency is a significant risk factor for mortality, morbidity, and growth failure in children (PMID: 36994923)
- Oral zinc is effective for treating diarrhoea in children (PMID: 27996088)
- Zinc supplementation is associated with the prevention of otitis media (PMID: 24974096)
- Low serum zinc levels are linked to suboptimal pregnancy outcomes like prolonged labor (PMID: 33724446)
- Zinc supplementation influences immune factors in adults (PMint: 33356467)
Limitations
Much of the high-quality evidence is focused on pediatric populations and deficiency prevention, with less conclusive evidence for adult-specific conditions like tinnitus.
Safety & Interactions
The provided research does not explicitly detail specific interactions or contraindications.
AI-generated summary from 397 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Dietary Reference Intakes
Source: IOM/NAM Dietary Reference Intakes · Dietary Reference Intakes: Zinc
Drug-Supplement Interactions
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining supplements with medications.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 99% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 84% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
| Nutrient | 48% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
| No Claim | 0% | Tier D (No claim on label) | ✅ Supported |
| Approved Health | 0% | Tier A (FDA Approved Health Claim (21 CFR 101.9)) | ✅ Supported |
🏛️ NIH ODS Factsheet
Research by Topic
⚠️ FDA Safety Data
Research Evidence (397)
BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that low serum zinc levels may be associated with suboptimal outcomes of pregnancy, such as prolonged labour, atonic postpartum haemorrhage, pregnancy-induced hypertension, preterm labour and post-term pregnancies, a...
BACKGROUND: Zinc deficiency is prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, and is considered a significant risk factor for morbidity, mortality, and linear growth failure. The effectiveness of preventive zinc supplementation in reducing prevalence...
**Lazzerini et al., 2016** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Lazzerini Marzia, Wanzira Humphrey. Oral zinc for treating diarrhoea in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016-Dec-20;12(12):CD005436. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005436.pub5 BACK...
BACKGROUND: Otitis media is inflammation of the middle ear and is usually caused by infection. It affects people of all ages but is particularly common in young children. Around 164 million people worldwide have long-term hearing loss caused by this ...
**Hunter et al., 2021** | BMJ Open | Meta Analysis Hunter Jennifer, Arentz Susan, ... Leeder Stephen. Zinc for the prevention or treatment of acute viral respiratory tract infections in adults: a rapid systematic review and meta-analysis of randomise...
BACKGROUND: Otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear, usually caused by infection) affects people of all ages, but is particularly common in young children. Around 164 million people worldwide have long-term hearing loss caused by this condition,...
BACKGROUND: Otitis media (OM) is inflammation of the middle ear and is usually caused by infection. It affects people of all ages but is particularly common in young children. Around 164 million people worldwide have long-term hearing loss caused by ...
**Shi et al., 2021** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Shi Chunhu, Dumville Jo C, ... Norman Gill. Compression bandages or stockings versus no compression for treating venous leg ulcers. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021-Jul-26;7(7):CD01339...
BACKGROUND: Zinc deficiency is a significant public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. Zinc is essential for the formation and migration of neurons along with the formation of neuronal synapses. Its deficiency could interfere with th...
**Singh et al., 2013** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Singh Meenu, Das Rashmi R. Zinc for the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013-Jun-18(6):CD001364. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001364.pub4 BACKGROUND: The common cold is one of the...
**Kumbargere et al., 2019** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Kumbargere Nagraj Sumanth, Eachempati Prashanti, ... Varghese Eby. Interventions for managing halitosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019-Dec-11;12(12):CD012213. doi:10.1002/146...
BACKGROUND: Acne is an inflammatory disorder with a high global burden. It is common in adolescents and primarily affects sebaceous gland-rich areas. The clinical benefit of the topical acne treatments azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulp...
**Hercz et al., 2020** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Hercz Daniel, Jiang Simon H, Webster Angela C. Interventions for itch in people with advanced chronic kidney disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020-Dec-07;12(12):CD011393. doi:10....
PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of zinc supplementation on immune factors in randomized controlled trials. METHODS: A comprehensive search was done in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochr...
BACKGROUND: Tinnitus is the perception of sound without external acoustic stimuli. Patients with severe tinnitus may have physical and psychological complaints and their tinnitus can cause deterioration in their quality of life. At present no specifi...
**Dumville et al., 2017** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Dumville Jo C, Lipsky Benjamin A, ... Xia Jun. Topical antimicrobial agents for treating foot ulcers in people with diabetes. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017-Jun-14;6(6):CD011038...
BACKGROUND: Zinc is a vital micronutrient for humans and is essential for protein synthesis, cell growth, and differentiation. Severe zinc deficiency can lead to slower physical, cognitive and sexual growth, cause skin disorders, decrease immunity, i...
**Daly et al., 2022** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Daly Blánaid Jm, Sharif Mohammad O, ... Beattie Anna. Local interventions for the management of alveolar osteitis (dry socket). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022-Sep-26;9(9):CD0069...
**Garner et al., 2012** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Garner Sarah E, Eady Anne, ... Popescu Catalin Mihai. Minocycline for acne vulgaris: efficacy and safety. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012-Aug-15;2012(8):CD002086. doi:10.1002/14651...
**Li et al., 2014** | Clin Nutr | Meta Analysis Li Peiwei, Xu Jinming, ... Wu Yihua. Association between zinc intake and risk of digestive tract cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Nutr. 2014-Jun;33(3):415-20. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2013...
BACKGROUND: Zinc deficiency is prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, and contributes to significant diarrhoea-, pneumonia-, and malaria-related morbidity and mortality among young children. Zinc deficiency also impairs growth. OBJECTIVES: To...
BACKGROUND: Diabetes is associated with long-term damage, dysfunction and failure of various organs, especially the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and blood vessels. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases with age, obesity and lack of physica...
**Wang et al., 2019** | Am J Clin Nutr | Meta Analysis Wang Xinhui, Wu Wenhui, ... Wang Fudi. Zinc supplementation improves glycemic control for diabetes prevention and management: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials...
**Wagnew et al., 2022** | BMJ Glob Health | Meta Analysis Wagnew Fasil, Alene Kefyalew Addis, ... Gray Darren. Effects of zinc and vitamin A supplementation on prognostic markers and treatment outcomes of adults with pulmonary tuberculosis: a systema...
**Nissensohn et al., 2016** | Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr | Meta Analysis Nissensohn M, Sánchez-Villegas A, ... Serra-Majem L. Effect of Zinc Intake on Growth in Infants: A Meta-analysis. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2016;56(3):350-63. doi:10.1080/10408398.201...
**Kumbargere et al., 2017** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Kumbargere Nagraj Sumanth, George Renjith P, ... Shrestha Ashish. Interventions for managing taste disturbances. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017-Dec-20;12(12):CD010470. doi:10....
**Boehlke et al., 2023** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Boehlke Christopher, Joos Lisa, ... Becker Gerhild. Pharmacological interventions for pruritus in adult palliative care patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023-Apr-14;4(2023):CD...
**Tan et al., 2024** | BMJ Glob Health | Meta Analysis Tan Xiaomian, Tan Pui Yee, ... Moore J Bernadette. Overnutrition is a risk factor for iron, but not for zinc or vitamin A deficiency in children and young people: a systematic review and meta-ana...
**Lazzerini et al., 2008** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Lazzerini Marzia, Ronfani Luca. Oral zinc for treating diarrhoea in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008-Jul-16(3):CD005436. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005436.pub2 BACKGROUND: ...
**Lassi et al., 2010** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Lassi Zohra S, Haider Batool A, Bhutta Zulfiqar A. Zinc supplementation for the prevention of pneumonia in children aged 2 months to 59 months. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010-Dec-0...
**Omar et al., 2013** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Omar Muhammad Imran, Alexander Cameron Edwin. Drug treatment for faecal incontinence in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013-Jun-11;2013(6):CD002116. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002116...
**Kastarinen et al., 2014** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Kastarinen Helena, Oksanen Tuija, ... Verbeek Jos H. Topical anti-inflammatory agents for seborrhoeic dermatitis of the face or scalp. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014-May-19;20...
**Lassi et al., 2016** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Lassi Zohra S, Moin Anoosh, Bhutta Zulfiqar A. Zinc supplementation for the prevention of pneumonia in children aged 2 months to 59 months. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016-Dec-04;12...
BACKGROUND: Measles is an important cause of childhood morbidity and mortality globally, despite increasing vaccine coverage. Zinc plays a significant role in the maintenance of normal immunological functions, therefore supplements given to zinc-defi...
**Westby et al., 2017** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Westby Maggie J, Dumville Jo C, ... Norman Gill. Dressings and topical agents for treating pressure ulcers. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017-Jun-22;6(6):CD011947. doi:10.1002/14...
**Norman et al., 2017** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Norman Gill, Christie Janice, ... Dumville Jo C. Antiseptics for burns. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017-Jul-12;7(7):CD011821. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011821.pub2 BACKGROUND: Burn wo...
**Smaïl-Faugeron et al., 2018** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Smaïl-Faugeron Violaine, Glenny Anne-Marie, ... Fron Chabouis Helene. Pulp treatment for extensive decay in primary teeth. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018-May-31;5(5):CD003...
**Rouhani et al., 2022** | Eur J Nutr | Meta Analysis Rouhani Parisa, Rezaei Kelishadi Mahnaz, Saneei Parvane. Effect of zinc supplementation on mortality in under 5-year children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. ...
**Singh et al., 2011** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Singh Meenu, Das Rashmi R. Zinc for the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011-Feb-16(2):CD001364. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001364.pub3 BACKGROUND: The common cold is one of the...
**Kwok et al., 2012** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Kwok Chun Shing, Gibbs Sam, ... Abbott Rachel. Topical treatments for cutaneous warts. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012-Sep-12;2012(9):CD001781. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001781.pub3 BAC...
**Mayo-Wilson et al., 2014** | BMJ Open | Meta Analysis Mayo-Wilson Evan, Imdad Aamer, ... Bhutta Zulfiqar A. Preventive zinc supplementation for children, and the effect of additional iron: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2014-Jun-1...
**Nagraj et al., 2014** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Nagraj Sumanth Kumbargere, Naresh Shetty, ... Ferraiolo Debra M. Interventions for the management of taste disturbances. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014-Nov-26(11):CD010470. doi:10...
**Shah et al., 2016** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Shah Dheeraj, Sachdev Harshpal S, ... Peña-Rosas Juan Pablo. Fortification of staple foods with zinc for improving zinc status and other health outcomes in the general population. Coc...
**Jayaraman et al., 2018** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Jayaraman Srinivasan, Singh Balendra P, ... Kirubakaran Richard. Final-impression techniques and materials for making complete and removable partial dentures. Cochrane Database S...
**Bartoszko et al., 2021** | BMJ | Systematic Review Bartoszko Jessica J, Siemieniuk Reed A C, ... Brignardello-Petersen Romina. Prophylaxis against covid-19: living systematic review and network meta-analysis. BMJ. 2021-Apr-26;373:n949. doi:10.1136/...
**Baxter et al., 2022** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Baxter Jo-Anna B, Carducci Bianca, ... Bhutta Zulfiqar A. Fortification of salt with iron and iodine versus fortification of salt with iodine alone for improving iron and iodine...
**Webster et al., 2022** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Webster Katie E, O'Byrne Lisa, ... Burton Martin J. Interventions for the prevention of persistent post-COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022-Sep-05;...
**Assante et al., 2023** | Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging | Meta Analysis Assante Roberta, Zampella Emilia, ... Acampa Wanda. Prognostic value of myocardial perfusion imaging by cadmium zinc telluride single-photon emission computed tomography in patient...
**Shao et al., 2025** | Nutr Rev | Meta Analysis Shao Xinyi, Ou Yi, ... Chen Jin. Trace Elements and Risk of Immune-Mediated Skin Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Nutr Rev. 2025-Aug-01;83(8):1462-1474. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuaf015 CONTEX...
**Zhu et al., 2026** | Ann Med | Meta Analysis Zhu Chenglou, Liu Wenhan. Zinc status following different bariatric procedures: systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Med. 2026-Dec;58(1):2608532. doi:10.1080/07853890.2025.2608532 INTRODUCTION: This ...
Showing top 50 of 397 sources, sorted by quality score.
Details
Zinc
Overview
Zinc is a essential nutrient tracked in the biomedical knowledge base.
Also known as: zn, zinc ion, elemental zinc, zinc sulfate, zinc gluconate
Role in Health
Detailed overview pending — this entity has sources compiled across multiple verticals.
Related Verticals
See sources-index for all verified sources referencing Zinc.
Safety Considerations
Safety data extraction pending.
Sources
See linked source pages for full provenance.
Related Supplements
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary roles of zinc in the body?
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a significant role in immune function, growth, and development.
How does zinc deficiency affect childhood development?
Zinc deficiency is a significant risk factor for mortality, morbidity, and linear growth failure in children.
Can zinc be used to treat diarrhea in children?
Yes, research indicates that oral zinc is an effective treatment for diarrhea in children.
What are the potential risks of low zinc levels during pregnancy?
Low serum zinc levels are associated with suboptimal pregnancy outcomes, including prolonged labor and postpartum hemorrhage.
Is zinc effective for preventing otitis media?
Yes, multiple meta-analyses support the use of zinc supplements for the prevention of otitis media.
Does zinc help with respiratory infections in adults?
Zinc may play a role in the prevention or treatment of acute viral respiratory tract infections in adults.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.