Improve Your Immunity With the Best Zinc Supplements
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Nutricost Zinc Gluconate Supplement -
Solgar Zinc Supplements -
Nature’s Bounty Zinc Supplement -
Buyer's Guide
If you've ever had a cold or flu, you know how crucial it is to relax and drink plenty of water, but did you know that consuming zinc can also help? Zinc is an essential mineral found in every cell of our bodies. It helps regulate growth and development, fights infections, builds strong bones, and supports the immune system.
While zinc deficiency has long been associated with poor health outcomes, recent research shows that increasing the amount of zinc in your body can actually enhance your overall health, and even reduce the risk of certain diseases.
While taking a supplement for something you get naturally through diet may seem strange, zinc supplements are both safe and beneficial. To get your hands on an ideal option for yourself, we have listed the most effective zinc supplements of 2022 below!
Nutricost Zinc Gluconate Supplement
- Reduces risk of catching common colds
- Capsule form is easy to intake
- The pill has no flavor
- High dosage for some
Solgar Zinc Supplements
- Gentle on the stomach
- Recyclable glass bottle packaging
- Perfect for vegans
- Requires care with dosage
Nature’s Bounty Zinc Supplement
- Devoid of sugar and gluten
- Reduces skin bruising
- Improves immune function
- Dissolves too quickly
Detailing the Best Zinc Supplements of 2022
Nutricost Zinc Gluconate Supplement - Best Overall
The Nutricost Zinc Gluconate Supplement has been demonstrated to boost antibody production while also guarding against infections. Antibodies are important for fighting infections like the common cold, and taking this supplement regularly may reduce your chances of getting sick. This supplement contains zinc in its most bioavailable form that is quickly absorbed and utilized by the body. The package contains 240 vegetarian capsules with plenty of zinc per serving, which is more than enough to meet your daily zinc requirements. Because it is GMP certified, Non-GMO, and gluten-free, the pill is ideal for all users and gets our nod for top pick.
- Reduces risk of catching common colds
- Capsule form is easy to intake
- The pill has no flavor
- High dosage for some
Solgar Zinc Supplements - Dairy-free
Our next high-quality pick from Solgar contains a serving of zinc that may help boost your health. With antioxidant qualities, the pill can aid in immune system function as well as cell growth, and can even provide a boost to eyesight. Aside from that, this supplement promotes healthy skin, nails, and hair, as well as aiding in the formation of collagen in bone tissue. We specifically selected this particular supplement for vegans because it's GMO-free, gluten-free, and Kosher certified, and there's also no fillers like wheat, soy, and yeast. Likewise, you won't find artificial flavors, sugar, or salt, making it a great option for anyone looking to keep things all natural.
- Gentle on the stomach
- Recyclable glass bottle packaging
- Perfect for vegans
- Requires care with dosage
Nature’s Bounty Zinc Supplement - Vegetarian-friendly
Nature’s Bounty is a household name when it comes to supplements, and that's because of the reputation they've earned over the past 50 years. Beyond the brand's dedication to quality and consistency, these caplets are gluten- and sugar-free, and are entirely vegetarian-friendly. There are also no "filler" ingredients either, so you won't find starch, gluten, wheat, lactose, or soy anywhere on the ingredients list. There's no coating on the pills, so they'll dissolve quickly after ingestion. Keep in mind that this can cause unwanted side effects such as nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort, so make sure you're taking care to ensure proper dosage.
- Devoid of sugar and gluten
- Reduces skin bruising
- Improves immune function
- Dissolves too quickly
Buyer's Guide
You might assume that taking zinc supplements is only beneficial for those who have low levels of zinc in their blood. However, recent research suggests that even moderate zinc supplementation can boost energy levels, improve concentration, increase immunity against the flu, and even treat acne.
Zinc Deficiency: What Is It?
If the total amount of zinc in the human body falls below a certain level, it is categorized as zinc deficiency. Since zinc is essential for over 300 enzymes in our body, it plays an important role in immune system function. Zinc also boosts wound healing and strengthens metabolism. A zinc deficiency can cause problems such as diarrhea, fatigue, and skin rashes.
Types of Zinc Supplements
There are several zinc supplements out there, and it's important to choose the right one for you. Let's go through the type of zinc supplements available and what they are recommended for.
- Zinc acetate: Designed to reduce cold and flu symptoms
- Zinc gluconate: Used in OTC medicines
- Zinc citrate: Less bitter taste than other types of zinc supplements
- Zinc sulfate: Decreases acne
Zinc Supplements: Health Benefits
Taking zinc supplements (especially over time) can improve overall health, including cognitive performance and quality of life. Read on to discover how zinc benefits your general health.
Immune system support
Zinc is necessary for proper immune function throughout the body, especially since a zinc deficiency may lead to impaired immunity and increased susceptibility to infections, including colds and flu. Zinc is used to help prevent viral infections by keeping mucous membranes moist, thinning secretions, and regulating cells' production of white blood cells.
Healing power
The healing power of zinc is well-known. Zinc supports the immune system, promotes wound healing, reduces inflammation, and facilitates skin repair. Studies show that people who have low levels of zinc in their bodies are at greater risk for slow wound healing.
Cold and flu prevention
Studies show that taking your daily dosage of zinc may cut the frequency of colds in half. In addition, studies suggest that zinc supplementation may reduce the duration of cold symptoms by about two days.
Age-related degeneration
When taken with vitamin D, zinc appears to be effective at preventing age-related bone loss. This combination of vitamins and minerals may slow down the wear-and-tear process of bones over time.
Heart health
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition showed that people who took zinc supplements had lower cholesterol than those who did not take them. Zinc is thought to play a role in regulating the activity of certain hormones involved in raising cholesterol levels.
Acne treatment
Scientists have discovered that zinc is effective in clearing out all types of blemishes. Zinc works by stimulating the oil glands, helping to remove excess sebum, and even killing bacteria that contribute to acne breakouts.
How To Choose the Ideal Zinc Supplement
Here's how to choose the right zinc supplement for you.
Check for symptoms
The first thing you should do is test whether or not you have symptoms associated with a zinc deficiency. A few examples include loss of appetite, fatigue, depression, hair loss, changes in skin color, diarrhea, constipation, dry skin, brittle nails, and slow wound healing.
Choose your supplement form
The next step is choosing a zinc supplement. Many people prefer liquid zinc because it is easier to take than tablets. Other forms include chewable tablets, capsules, and liquids. When selecting your zinc supplement, make sure to ask about its dosage, frequency, and expiration date.
Look at the ingredients
When looking at the ingredients list, look for zinc oxide, citric acid, malic acid, folic acid, and iron. These are some of the most common nutritional ingredients in zinc supplements. Be careful not to choose a product that contains copper or manganese, since large amounts of copper can be toxic to humans, while manganese is a neurotoxin. Also, try to avoid products that have added artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners.
Dosage
Consult with your doctor to determine the correct amount of zinc for you. Most people get enough zinc from their diet alone. If you're not getting enough zinc from your diet, then taking a supplement with a low dosage of zinc can help.
Zinc Supplement FAQ
Q: What are some natural sources of zinc?
A: Zinc is found in high quantities in oysters, beef, lamb, chicken, pork, and fish. If your diet excludes meat products, it is also present in milk, cheese, eggs, pumpkin seeds, whole grains, and nuts.
Q: What are some symptoms of zinc deficiency?
A: Diarrhea, eye lesions, deteriorated immune function, loss of appetite, and hair loss are very common symptoms of a zinc deficiency.
Q: What are the roles of zinc in the human body?
A: Zinc is required for proper enzyme function, developing immune cells, healing wounds, synthesizing DNA, enhancing the functioning of smell and taste, and more.
