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Top 5 Zinc Supplements – A Buyer’s Guide
Top 5 Zinc Supplements – A Buyer’s Guide

Health

Top 5 Zinc Supplements – A Buyer’s Guide

Zinc up your life! This tiny mineral has a big impact on your health, from childhood to old age. As we get older, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing zinc from food, so it's important to get enough in our day-to-day routines. That’s where supplementation comes in.[1,15]

Zinc isn’t just vital for those with a deficiency, pregnant or lactating women, those with gastrointestinal disorders, or the elderly—it’s vital for everyone. Zinc is a superstar nutrient that powers over 300 bodily functions, from DNA creation to immune support to taste and smell. [1,15]

However, most zinc supplements come with price tags that don’t properly reflect the quality of the product. That's why we're excited to discover the brand ‘Pattern Wellness’, a company that's making waves with its high-quality Zinc Complex with a price tag that won’t break the bank.

Interested, but feeling lost? We’ve got you covered.

Choosing the right zinc supplement for your everyday health and wellness can be overwhelming, but it is important to focus on these three key points: Natural ingredients, effectiveness, and value for money.

Zinc comes in several different forms, but you’ll want to choose the one that will give you the most bang for your buck. Look for a supplement that is potent, high-quality, and effective. Zinc picolinate is a form of zinc your body can more easily absorb than other forms, so you can get the most benefits.[2]

Finally—you’ll want a superior quality zinc supplement that is made with naturally sourced ingredients for maximum results. Find a zinc supplement that only has the essentials without the unnecessary ingredients. There are high-quality supplements out there that are free of gluten, dairy, and soy and are non-GMO and vegan-friendly.

It can be challenging to know which are the best zinc supplements on the market today. We’re here to help. We’ll show you what to look for and what to avoid when picking zinc supplements, and how they can help transform your health and well-being.

Benefits of Zinc


Natural Immune Booster [3,4]

  • Helps to Prevent the Development of Viruses & Infections
  • Fights Back Against Oxidative Stress & Free Radicals

Promotes Gut Health [5,6,7]

  • Promotes Healthy Maintenance and Integrity of the Gut Lining
  • Supports the Growth of Beneficial Bacteria while Reducing Harmful Bacteria

Supports Skin Health [8,9,10,11]

  • Helps to Remedy Lesions & Wounds, and Assists in Collagen Synthesis
  • Soothes Acne, Redness, and Rosacea

Whole Body Wellness[12,13,14]

  • Boosts Crucial Bodily Activities like Digestion and Metabolism
  • Supports Healthier Hormone Balance in Both Men and Women

What You Need In The Perfect Zinc Supplement

Taking all of the healthful attributes listed above into consideration, we've boiled down a list of four key characteristics you should always look for in quality Zinc. Try to seek out all of these qualities:

Pure & Potent Ingredients

Supplements should only give you the good stuff—not fluff. Get the most out of your zinc supplement with potent dosings, straightforward formulas, and only the purest nature has to offer.

Zinc picolinate is the most absorbable form of zinc, which means your body can use it more effectively. It also has a low side effect profile, so you can take it without worrying about feeling sick. This makes zinc picolinate the safest, most bioavailable, and most convenient way to get the zinc your body needs.[2]

300–1200 mg of Chondroitin

When choosing a zinc supplement, it’s also a good idea to look for added essential nutrients, such as vitamin C, probiotics, and whole fruits or veggies. Nutrients like these can further boost immunity, improve gut health, and support overall health. For example, Vitamin C helps your body absorb zinc, and zinc helps your body produce vitamin C.[16]

Naturally Sourced & Allergen-Free

Don't compromise your health with a subpar supplement. A lot of supplements on the market are full of fillers and allergens, but there are better options available. Look for a zinc supplement that is naturally sourced, vegan, non-GMO, and free of gluten, dairy, and soy. These supplements are made with high-quality ingredients that are good for your body, and they won't contain any of the junk that you don't need.

Effective Dosage & Practices

Find a zinc supplement that delivers maximum strength without exceeding the upper limit. This will help you get the most out of your supplement and avoid any potential side effects. The upper limit of zinc is 40 mg per day, as recommended by experts.[1]

Additionally, look for zinc supplements that are Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Certified. This means that the product met strict manufacturing quality standards and was adequately tested and dosed for optimal effectiveness.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Buy with confidence! Only buy from companies that offer an explicit satisfaction guarantee. This proves the company is confident in its products and its priority is to put their customers first. It also means you can shop with peace of mind knowing you can return or exchange your product if you're not totally satisfied.

What To Avoid when buying Zinc Supplements


Unnecessary additives

Labels on supplements are sometimes created to be deceiving or confusing to the consumer. This is because many supplements come with binders, fillers, preservatives, potential allergens, and other unnecessary additives like food coloring. These additives provide no medical benefit and disregarding them may potentially cause allergic reactions or sensitivity.

When it comes to choosing your Zinc supplement, be picky. Check the ingredients and don’t settle for less than healthy.

Sacrificing Quality for Price

Selecting the cheapest rather than the best quality can potentially do you more harm than good. If brands don’t identify certain ingredients or nutrients and their amounts in each dose, you could end up with an ineffective or potentially harmful supplement.

The Top 5 Zinc Supplements

Based on our extensive research, the metrics provided by our ranking system, and consideration of thousands of reviews by shoppers just like you, we've compiled a list of what we've found to be the top five products in this category, on the market today.

 

1. Zinc Complex

ranking seal 1
Pattern Wellness Vitamin B Complex bottle

Total Ranking

471 votes

9.7/10

A+

Overall Grade
  • Ingredient Quality
    9.7 Avg.
    9.7/10
  • Potency & Estimated Efficacy
    9.7 Avg.
    9.7/10
  • Value
    9.6 Avg.
    9.6/10
  • Return Policy
    9.8 Avg.
    9.8/10
  • Customer Satisfaction
    9.5 Avg.
    9.5/10

PROS

  • All-In-One Immunity Support
  • Simplistic, Potent Formula
  • Includes Raw Fruit & Veggie Blend
  • Includes Mineral & Probiotic Blend
  • Uses Most Bioavailable Form of Zinc
  • Certified Vegan & Non-GMO
  • Dairy-, Gluten-, & Soy-Free
  • Money-Back Guarantee
  • No Artificial Fillers or Binders
  • Excellent US-Based Customer Service

CONS

  • Sold online only
The Bottom Line

Pattern Wellness Zinc Complex earns our number one spot and for good reason.

Their formula is made with high-quality, pure ingredients, including our favorite—-zinc picolinate. It also includes a fruit and vegetable blend packed with extra vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, a rich mineral blend (with goodies like calcium and copper), and a variety of probiotics that are beneficial for overall bodily health.

That's right—all the nutrients you need to support your overall health and well-being without the fillers or additives, in one easy-to-take capsule.

But what really sets Pattern Wellness apart is its commitment to quality. The company rigorously tests its products in third-party labs to ensure efficacy and purity. And if you're not happy with your purchase, Pattern Wellness offers a 90-day, risk-free, money-back guarantee.

*Results are based on the Great Life Tips Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

Learn About Our Top Pick

2.Zinc Picolinate

ranking seal 2
o

Total Ranking

287 votes

9.1/10

A-

Overall Grade
  • Ingredient Quality
    9.1 Avg.
    9.4/10
  • Potency & Estimated Efficacy
    9.6 Avg.
    9.6/10
  • Value
    8.8 Avg.
    9.2/10
  • Return Policy
    8.5 Avg.
    7.5/10
  • Customer Satisfaction
    9.2 Avg.
    9.2/10

PROS

  • Highly Absorbable Form of Zinc
  • Free of Dairy, Gluten, Soy, & Artificial Flavors
  • Optimal Dosage
  • Multiple Tests

CONS

  • High Price Point
  • No Additional Beneficial Ingredients
  • No Money-Back Guarantee
The Bottom Line

Thorne is a well-trusted brand that is known for its high-quality supplements. Their Zinc supplement is made with zinc picolinate, the most absorbable form of zinc. It is also free of common allergens, artificial flavors, and additives, so you can be sure that you are getting the most “zincy goodness” they have to offer.

What we really loved about Thorne is their rigorous testing process. Each product is tested 4 times to ensure purity and potency, which is far above the industry standard.

However, Thorne Zinc is not without its drawbacks. One downside is that it is simply zinc on its own. Although zinc is an essential mineral that has many health benefits, a zinc complex with added nutrients can offer you even more benefits. Plus, Thorne Zinc does not accept returns, which could be a problem if you are not fully satisfied with your purchase.

*Results are based on the Great Life Tips Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

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3. Sambucus Elderberry with Zinc & Vitamin C

ranking seal 3
Nordic Naturals Vitamin B Complex bottle

Total Ranking

223 votes

8.7/10

B+

Overall Grade
  • Ingredient Quality
    8.9 Avg.
    8.9/10
  • Potency & Estimated Efficacy
    8.7 Avg.
    8.7/10
  • Value
    8.6 Avg.
    8.6/10
  • Return Policy
    8.4 Avg.
    8.4/10
  • Customer Satisfaction
    8.7 Avg.
    8.7/10

PROS

  • Includes Vitamin C & Vitamin D
  • Includes Rich Blend of Ingredients
  • Gluten-free, Non-GMO, & Dairy-free
  • GMP Certified
  • Money-Back Guarantee

CONS

  • Uses Zinc Oxide
  • Reports of Limited Results
  • Difficult-to-Swallow Capsules
The Bottom Line

If you’re feeling under the weather, Viva Naturals designed a 5-in-1 immunity support to kick your immune system into gear. This GMP-certified formula includes elderberry, vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and ginger to help you fight off colds, flu, and other infections. It's also gluten-free, non-GMO, and dairy-free, which we love. Plus, Viva Naturals offers a money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

However, the pros end there, as this formula uses zinc oxide instead of the highly absorbable zinc picolinate. Users have also reported that results are limited with this formula, most likely due to the fact that Viva Naturals only uses 10mg of zinc oxide, which makes this formula less potent and effective than other brands. We also discovered a few user complaints about the capsules of the Sambucus Elderberry with Zinc & Vitamin C being much too large.

*Results are based on the Great Life Tips Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

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4. Zinc Complex

ranking seal 4
Pure Encapsulations B-Complex Plus bottle

Total Ranking

144 votes

8.1/10

B-

Overall Grade
  • Ingredient Quality
    8.2 Avg.
    8.2/10
  • Potency & Estimated Efficacy
    8.9 Avg.
    8.9/10
  • Value
    7.3 Avg.
    7.3/10
  • Return Policy
    7.8 Avg.
    7.8/10
  • Customer Satisfaction
    8.3 Avg.
    8.3/10

PROS

  • Organic Blend of Ingredients
  • Fermented & Easy on Stomach
  • Dairy- & Gluten-Free
  • Contains Probiotics

CONS

  • Low Dose of Zinc
  • Contains Soy
  • Not Suitable for Those with Mushroom Allergies
  • Non-Money-Back Guarantee
The Bottom Line

Pure Synergy's Zinc Complex offers buyers a unique blend of organic ingredients, including zinc, vitamin C, and a Whole-Foods Complex of vegetables, sprouts, fruits, and mushrooms. The fermentation process used to make this zinc supplement converts the mineral into a food-form matrix that is easier on the stomach and digestive system, which we love!

However, this product is not suitable for people with soy or mushroom allergies. Pair that with a low dose of zinc and a non-money-back guarantee, and you might want to look elsewhere for your blended zinc complex—-especially if you don’t absolutely love your purchase.

*Results are based on the Great Life Tips Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

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5. Zinc Picolinate

ranking seal 5
Metabolic Maintenance B-Complex bottle

Total Ranking

174 votes

7.9/10

C+

Overall Grade
  • Ingredient Quality
    7.9 Avg.
    7.9/10
  • Potency & Estimated Efficacy
    8.7 Avg.
    8.7/10
  • Value
    7.1 Avg.
    7.1/10
  • Return Policy
    7.9 Avg.
    7.9/10
  • Customer Satisfaction
    8.3 Avg.
    8.3/10

PROS

  • Affordable
  • Made with Zinc Picolinate
  • Vegan, Non-GMO, & Gluten-free
  • Produced in a GMP Facility
  • Quality Tested

CONS

  • Uses 50mg of Zinc Per Serving
  • Missing Beneficial Ingredients
  • Includes Rice Flour
  • Non-Returnable
The Bottom Line

You’ve probably heard of and seen NOW Foods supplements across the market. Their supplements are typically wallet-friendly, tested for purity and quality, and GMP-certified so you can have peace of mind when you buy their products. Their Zinc Supplement is no different, using bioavailable zinc picolinate as their main active ingredient in a GMO and gluten-free vegan formula.

Although NOW Foods is a popular brand on the market today, it’s earned our last spot due to the fact that it is non-returnable and exceeds the recommended upper limit of zinc per day, which is 40mg. Studies have shown that exceeding this upper limit can potentially cause side effects like nausea or vomiting.[1] We were equally sad to see that this formula skips out on other beneficial ingredients like vitamin C or fruits and veggies, which could have bolstered the many benefits zinc has to offer. We also noticed that this formula includes rice flour, which may be harmful to those with sensitivities.

*Results are based on the Great Life Tips Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

Learn More

Sources

  1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023). Office of dietary supplements - zinc. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/
  2. Barrie SA, Wright JV, Pizzorno JE, Kutter E, Barron PC. Comparative absorption of zinc picolinate, zinc citrate and zinc gluconate in humans. Agents and Actions. 1987;21(1–2):223–228. doi: 10.1007/BF01974946. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01974946
  3. Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017;9(11):1211. doi: 10.3390/nu9111211. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9111211
  4. Wessels I, Fischer HJ, Rink L. Dietary and Physiological Effects of Zinc on the Immune System. Annual Review of Nutrition. 2021;41:133–175. doi: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-122019-120635. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-nutr-122019-120635
  5. Kim SK, Guevarra RB, Kim YT, Kwon J, Kim H, Cho JH, Kim HB, Lee JH. Role of Probiotics in Human Gut Microbiome-Associated Diseases. Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology. 2019;29(9):1335–1340. doi: 10.4014/jmb.1906.06064. https://doi.org/10.4014/jmb.1906.06064
  6. Wilkins T, Sequoia J. Probiotics for Gastrointestinal Conditions: A Summary of the Evidence. American Family Physician. 2017;96(3):170–178.
  7. Singh VP, Sharma J, Babu S, Rizwanulla, Singla A. Role of probiotics in health and disease: a review. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association. 2013;63(2):253–257.
  8. Cervantes J, Eber AE, Perper M, Nascimento VM, Nouri K, Keri JE. The role of zinc in the treatment of acne: A review of the literature. Dermatologic Therapy. 2018;31(1). doi: 10.1111/dth.12576. https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.12576
  9. Dhaliwal S, Nguyen M, Vaughn AR, et al. Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Inflammatory Skin Diseases: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2020;21:21–39. doi: 10.1007/s40257-019-00484-0. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-019-00484-0
  10. Lin PH, Sermersheim M, Li H, Lee P, Steinberg S, Ma J. Zinc in Wound Healing Modulation. Nutrients. 2017;10(1):16. doi: 10.3390/nu10010016. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10010016
  11. McClain PE, Wiley ER, Beecher GR, Anthony WL, Hsu JM. Influence of zinc deficiency on synthesis and cross-linking of rat skin collagen. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta. 1972;304(2):457–465. doi: 10.1016/0304-4165(73)90265-1. https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-4165(73)90265-1
  12. Baltaci AK, Mogulkoc R, Baltaci SB. Review: The role of zinc in the endocrine system. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2019;32(1):231–239.
  13. Nasiadek M, Stragierowicz J, Klimczak M, Kilanowicz A. The Role of Zinc in Selected Female Reproductive System Disorders. Nutrients. 2020;12(8):2464. doi: 10.3390/nu12082464. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082464
  14. Chasapis CT, Ntoupa PA, Spiliopoulou CA, Stefanidou ME. Recent aspects of the effects of zinc on human health. Archives of Toxicology. 2020;94(5):1443–1460. doi: 10.1007/s00204-020-02702-9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-020-02702-9
  15. Cabrera ÁJ. Zinc, aging, and immunosenescence: an overview. Pathobiology of Aging and Age-Related Diseases. 2015;5:25592. doi: 10.3402/pba.v5.25592. https://doi.org/10.3402/pba.v5.25592
  16. Maggini S, Beveridge S, Suter M. A Combination of High-dose Vitamin C Plus Zinc for the Common Cold. Journal of International Medical Research. 2012. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/147323001204000104

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