Zinc is an essential mineral that helps support many functions in our body, so it’s important to try and get enough each day. Best known as an immune support supplement, zinc is also found in a variety of foods.* Ahead we’ll explore zinc, its many roles and benefits, plus some of our popular zinc supplements to add to your wellness routine.

What is zinc? 

Zinc is an essential mineral that supports many aspects of general health. It’s present in all tissues, organs, and secretions of the body, but is mainly stored in skeletal muscle and bone. Zinc is required for the catalytic activity of hundreds of enzymes and is involved in various critical processes within the body. Zinc also supports healthy growth and development in various stages of early life. The body does not naturally produce zinc, so you must obtain it from either food or supplements.

Zinc and supplements 

There are many forms of zinc, including zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, and zinc glycinate, which are commonly used in supplements. Chelated zinc is a form of zinc that has been attached to a chelating agent, or a substance that helps improve the absorption of zinc in the body. Zinc oxide is commonly used in topical cream supplements and is also frequently used in sunscreen. 

Foods high in zinc  

Many foods are rich in zinc, either naturally or through a process called fortification, where nutrients like zinc are added to enhance their nutritional value. 

Foods that contain higher levels of zinc: 

• Shellfish like oysters, crab, shrimp, and lobster 
• Fortified breakfast cereals 
• Meat like beef, chicken, turkey, and pork 
• Eggs 
• Nuts, seeds, and legumes 

Importance of zinc 

Zinc plays a role in many functions and processes in our bodies and offers numerous health benefits. 

Here are some of the benefits that zinc has to offer: 

• Supports immune function and health* 
• Supports healthy growth and development during pregnancy, infancy, childhood, and adolescence* 
• Plays a role in cell signaling and division* 
• Plays a role in DNA and protein synthesis* 
• Promotes wound healing (as a topical cream) 

How much zinc should I consume per day? 

It’s important to meet your nutritional needs for zinc and reap the numerous health benefits that zinc provides. The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for zinc can vary based on age and sex, as well as pregnancy and lactation status. 

The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for zinc: 

• Adult men (aged 19+): 11 mg/day 
• Adult women (aged 19+): 8 mg/day 
• Adult women (aged 19+, during pregnancy): 11 mg/day 
• Adult women (aged 19+, during lactation): 12 mg/day 

Shop Nature’s Way zinc supplements 

We offer numerous zinc supplements in gummy, capsule, and lozenge form, so there’s something for everyone. 

Here are some of our favorite zinc supplements:

• Zinc Gummies are formulated with 11 mg of zinc per gummy to support immune health.* These yummy gummies are mixed berry flavored and a delicious way to get your daily dose of zinc. 
• Zinc Chelate contains high potency zinc and supports your general health, including immune function.* One capsule contains 30 mg of zinc, or 273% of the Daily Value for zinc, making it a strong option to support your daily zinc intake. 
• Zinc Lozenges are wild berry flavored lozenges that are formulated with 23 mg of zinc per lozenge, vitamin C, and echinacea to support immune health.* These delicious lozenges make it easy to get your daily dose of zinc.