For example, did you know there are 18 best zinc supplements?  And to make matters worse, each product has a different set of features.  In this article, we’ll give you the information you need in order to make an informed decision when it comes to choosing which zinc supplement is right for you. First, let’s start with what zinc actually does and why we even need it: Zinc is a trace element that is used by the body to encourage the growth of healthy skin, hair, muscles, blood vessels, and bones.  It also aids in the making of proteins involved with cell division. The recommended daily allowance for zinc is approximately 11 milligrams for women and 13 milligrams for men. The amount that you actually need will change depending on your age, gender, and level of daily activity.  Many experts suggest that to receive the majority of these benefits you should take roughly 30 milligrams per day.

How to choose zinc supplements?

When it comes to choosing zinc supplements you should keep several things in mind.  First, make sure the supplement is made from pure zinc oxide or zinc sulfate.  Many cheap brands substitute cheaper materials like calcium carbonate and magnesium stearate. Second, you should look for a product that contains added ingredients.    These ingredients will vary depending on the specific supplement you choose, but common ones include boron, magnesium, copper, and folic acid. The third is to look for products that are made by companies with a positive reputation.  You’ll find reviews of many zinc supplements online, so be sure to do your research before buying anything. Now that you know what to look for, let’s go over some zinc supplements worth considering.  The following 18 best zinc supplements are chosen based on their features and positive reviews from people who have purchased them before.

Best Zinc Supplement For Immune System

What Factors We Considered When Making This List of the Best Zinc Supplements

We’ve done all the research so you don’t have to.  But, in case you want to know more about our ranking criteria here it is: price, quality, customer reviews, and satisfaction.  After all, if the product doesn’t work or isn’t good value for money then it won’t matter how much we like it.  On the other hand, a high-quality product that offers great value for money is always a bonus.

Benefits of Taking Zinc Supplements for Immune System

Zinc supplements have been proven to improve your immune system.  For example, in one study, women who took zinc for just 18 months were much less likely to get serious illnesses than the control group. They are also essential in supporting our body’s natural defenses.  This makes them ideal for keeping you healthy during cold and flu season.  You should also know that zinc is more than just for your immune system. It can help treat and prevent various conditions, including sickle cell anemia, delayed growth, and development in children, acne, prostate inflammation, loss of smell or taste, dandruff or hair loss, blunted sense of smell, eye disorders, and problems with sexual performance.  Some research even suggests that zinc may help people who suffer from mental health issues like depression or schizophrenia. Image courtesy Elm & Rye

Elm & Rye Zinc

This supplement from Elm & Rye contains zinc along with a number of other beneficial ingredients.  It is made in the USA and contains 60 capsules.  One of the main benefits of this product is that there are no fillers or additives, which means you get a pure zinc supplement each time. Image courtesy Thorne Research

Thorne Research – Zinc Picolinate 30 mg

Thorne Research is a well-respected brand within the supplement industry. Their zinc picolinate product contains 30 milligrams of pure zinc, which can help support a healthy immune system and testosterone levels. Image courtesy Nature’s Bounty

Nature’s Bounty Zinc

Nature’s Bounty is a popular brand among health food enthusiasts.  Their zinc supplement contains small amounts of calcium carbonate and magnesium stearate, but it is still considered one of the best zinc supplements available today. Image courtesy Nutra Champs

Organic Zinc Sulfate Liquid Supplement

This supplement from NutriGold is made in the USA and contains 79 fluid ounces. The reason it’s so popular?  It’s an organic liquid zinc supplement that tastes great. Image courtesy Garden of Life

Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Zinc

Garden of Life’s raw zinc supplement contains added ingredients like kelp, rose hips, pomegranate powder, and organic barley grass. This vegan-friendly product is gluten-free and dairy-free. It also contains 100 percent daily value of zinc in each serving and has a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Image courtesy Life Extension

Life Extension Enhanced Zinc Lozenges

Life Extension is a well-known brand that offers this lozenge supplement.  Their zinc product comes in chewable, sugar-free lozenges and contains concentrated zinc sulfate at 30 milligrams per lozenge. Image courtesy Nutrigold

Zinc Gold 15 mg

This supplement contains 15 milligrams of zinc along with a number of other beneficial ingredients.  This product is free from common allergens like soy, wheat, dairy, yeast, and corn. It also contains no artificial flavors or sweeteners. Image courtesy Care/Of

Care/of Zinc

This zinc supplement from Care/of is a daily vitamin that contains 25 milligrams of zinc.  It also has added ingredients like calcium, magnesium, and d3 as well as a full daily value for other vitamins and minerals. Image courtesy Ritual Essentials

Ritual Essentials

This supplement from Ritual Essentials is a daily multi-vitamin and contains 25 milligrams of zinc.  It also has added ingredients like calcium, magnesium, and d3 as well as a full daily value for other vitamins and minerals. Image courtesy Persona

Persona Foundational Multivitamin

This multivitamin supplement from Persona contains 25 milligrams of zinc in each serving.  It also has added ingredients like calcium, magnesium, and d3 as well as a full daily value for other vitamins and minerals. Image courtesy NOW

NOW Foods Zinc Glycinate Softgels

This supplement from NOW is a 100 percent natural formula that contains 14 milligrams of zinc per pill.  It also has added ingredients like d3 and omega fats as well as other beneficial nutrients. Image courtesy Nature’s Way

Nature’s Way Zinc Chelate Tablets

Nature’s Way Zinc chelate supplement comes in a 100 percent vegetarian tablet. It contains 15 milligrams of zinc along with other beneficial ingredients like added vitamins and minerals. Image courtesy Nature’s Way

Nature’s Way Zinc Lozenges

Nature’s Way Zinc lozenges contain a total of 50 milligrams of zinc in a sugar-free formula.  Each serving also delivers a healthy dose of vitamin C and other beneficial ingredients. Image courtesy Metagenics

Metagenics Zinc Drink

This unique supplement from Metagenics is a zinc drink that can be used to help support healthy immune function.  It contains 22 milligrams of pure zinc in each serving, along with other beneficial ingredients like vitamin C and antioxidants. Image courtesy Peak Performance

Peak Performance Raw Liquid Zinc

This liquid zinc supplement from Peak Performance contains a very pure blend of 12.5 milligrams of zinc in each serving.  The company states that they only use purified water and pharmaceutical-grade ingredients. Image courtesy Pure Encapsulations

Pure Encapsulations Zinc

Pure Encapsulations offers this 30 milligram zinc supplement.  The company manufactures supplements without gluten, dairy, soy, or yeast.

Mary Ruth’s Ionic Liquid Zinc Drops

This supplement from Mary Ruth contains a highly concentrated form of zinc that delivers an incredibly pure and potent dose.  It contains 47.5 milligrams of zinc in each serving, which can be diluted into a juice, smoothie, or other drink.

What to Know When Shopping for Zinc Supplements

You should never buy pure zinc oxide or zinc sulfate because it is not as effective as other types of zinc supplements.   These ingredients are known to cause stomach pain, vomiting, and nausea. Therefore, make sure the zinc supplement you choose uses one of these alternatives: zinc gluconate, zinc acetate, or zinc citrate.  They are all more easily absorbed by your body than pure zinc oxide or sulfate. Also, pay attention to the quantities of magnesium stearate or other added ingredients.  While these are totally safe for most people, some may have an allergic reaction to them. Finally, find a brand that offers the best possible value for money.  There are many zinc supplements on the market so it shouldn’t be hard to find one within your budget.

How much zinc is safe per day?

Zinc supplements have many benefits, but you should not take too much of them.  In fact, it can be dangerous if you’re getting more than 40 milligrams per day over a long period of time. At the same time, keep in mind that relatively high doses are safe when taken for just a short period of time.  For example, some doctors recommend taking more than 150 milligrams per day for just 7 to 10 days.

When Should You Take Zinc Supplements?

This is a question with an easy answer: always!  Zinc supplements can provide many benefits when taken regularly. But, there are times when you should make an exception.  For instance, avoid taking zinc supplements before bedtime because they may reduce your appetite and affect your ability to sleep.  Instead, take them in the morning or early afternoon. Also, limit the amount of zinc you take when pregnant and breastfeeding because it can harm your baby.  It’s best to consult with your doctor before taking any supplements when there’s a baby on board.

Zinc Supplements vs. Zinc-Rich Foods

You don’t need to buy zinc supplements if you’re already consuming plenty of zinc in your diet.  For example, red meat and oysters are both good sources of this mineral and they contain more than the daily recommended amount.  However, if you don’t eat much red meat or seafood, then zinc supplements are an excellent alternative. They can make it easy to reach your daily requirements in one quick step while taking the supplements regularly will ensure that you always get enough of this mineral in your diet. As for which foods contain the most zinc, here’s the list of the top 10 food sources of zinc.  Keep in mind that you should never exceed the daily recommended amount on any food label. You should also know that certain health conditions may increase your body’s zinc needs, such as those that cause you to sweat a lot or have an active sex life. In these cases, it’s particularly important to take zinc supplements on a regular basis because you will need more of this mineral to stay healthy. Although zinc supplements offer many benefits, it’s still important to eat a balanced diet.  Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with adequate amounts of exercise and nutritious foods will help you maintain your health and well-being for life.