Zinc Gluconate Vs Zinc Picolinate - Types of Zinc Supplementation and Absorption

By Dr. Frank Yap, MD -
Zinc picolinate and zinc gluconate are forms of dietary supplements that we use to prevent zinc deficiency. Zinc is an essential mineral that our body can easily absorb. Therefore, if we do not get enough amount of zinc, we may have to take these dietary supplements as directed by the doctor. When choosing a zinc supplement, it’s important to consider the type of zinc, dosage, and supplement form.


There are several types of zinc supplements. Some, such as zinc picolinate, may be better absorbed, while zinc acetate may be more effective at shortening the duration of the common cold (Source, Source).

Supplements contain several forms of zinc, including zinc gluconate, zinc citrate and zinc picolinate. The percentage of elemental zinc varies by form. 

Chelated zinc is a general form of supplementary zinc in which the zinc is chelated — or bound — to a compound to make it easier for the body to absorb. Zinc picolinate or zinc gluconate are formed when zinc is chelated to picolinic acid or gluconic acid, so the main difference between zinc gluconate and picolinate is what compound it is bound to.

Different forms of zinc contain different amounts of elemental zinc, which refers to the weight of the zinc molecule by itself (Note: Product labels tend to mark the elemental weight)
  • Zinc citrate is approximately 34% zinc by weight. For a dose of 50mg elemental zinc, take 146 mg zinc citrate. (Examine)
  • Zinc sulfate consists 23% of elemental zinc; thus, 220 mg of zinc sulfate contains 50 mg of elemental zinc (NIH).
  • Zinc gluconate is approximately 13% zinc by weight. For a dose of 50mg elemental zinc, take 385 mg zinc gluconate. (Examine)
  • Zinc monomethionine is approximately 21% zinc by weight. For a dose of 50mg elemental zinc, take 238 mg zinc monomethionine. (Examine)
  • Zinc picolinate (20% of elemental zinc) (Metabolics) 
  • Zinc ascorbate (15%) (Metabolics) 
  • Zinc chloride (48%) (Metabolics) 
  • Zinc carbonate (52%) (Metabolics) 
  • Zinc bisglycinate (25%) (Metabolics) 
  • Zinc oxide (80%) (FamilyPractice). Although the percentage of elemental zinc is high, do take note that zinc oxide is one of the least bioavailable form.

What is Zinc Citrate?

This type of zinc is made when zinc is chelated with citric acid. A study found that when given as a supplement without food, zinc citrate absorption was comparable with that of zinc gluconate, and higher than zinc oxide.

Zinc citrate is the zinc salt of citric acid. This compound is well-known as a dietary supplement that is useful in preventing zinc deficiency. Typically, we take this orally as a capsule or as a tablet.

However, due to the presence of zinc, this may have a metallic taste. However, taking a small amount of beverage after taking the tablet can avoid this unusual taste. Moreover, this treatment may irritate the digestive tract, resulting in an upset stomach. Another important side effect is, we may get flu-like symptoms including fever, sore throat, chills, etc.

Zinc citrate is the form that's most commonly used in dental hygiene products like toothpaste and mouthwash to fight plaque and gingivitis.

Difference between zinc and zinc citrate? Zinc citrate has 34% elemental zinc. For a dose of 50mg elemental zinc, you need 146 mg zinc citrate. (Examine)

What is Zinc Gluconate?

This is the most common over-the-counter zinc supplement that’s found in your local drug or health food store. It’s made with gluconic acid is often found in oral supplements, nasal zinc sprays or lozenges. A meta-analysis indicates that zinc gluconate lozenges were able to reduce cold duration 28 percent.

Zinc gluconate is the zinc salt of gluconic acid. We can find gluconic acid in natural sources, but for the preparation of the supplement, industries produce gluconic acid via the fermentation of glucose by Aspergillus niger or some species of fungi.

More importantly, this compound is used to treat a common cold. We can use it in lozenges to treat the cold symptoms. When considering the side effects of this compound, anosmia (loss of smell) is a reported side effect. However, this compound is relatively safe than other zinc supplements.

What is Zinc Picolinate?

This chelated form of zinc salt is made with picolinic acid and is popular for oral use to reverse zinc deficiency. One study comparing the absorption of zinc picolinate, zinc citrate and zinc gluconate shows that there’s no significant change in any of these forms, but zinc picolinate did improve zinc absorption in humans.

Benefits of zinc picolinate supplements? According to Chris Masterjohn: 

I don’t recommend using zinc oxide or zinc picolinate. People are often surprised that I recommend against picolinate. So, in this episode (below), I explain why.

 

What is the Difference Between Zinc Citrate, Zinc Picolinate and Zinc Gluconate?

According to the Beth Israel Lahey Health Winchester Hospital, a person supplementing with zinc will find their best options in the form of zinc citrate, zinc acetate and zinc picolinate because these absorb the best. Zinc gluconate is not among the top three, but it is absorbed better than zinc oxide. As far as cost goes, zinc sulfate is the lowest-cost option among the supplements.

One difference between zinc gluconate and picolinate is that zinc gluconate, along with zinc acetate, has antiviral properties. This makes it a good form for making lozenges and nasal gels that don't contribute to the amount of iron digested and absorbed by the body, but it can fight viruses infecting the nose and throat.

The Mayo Clinic explains that zinc-based lozenges and syrups can be effective if they are used within the first 24 hours of the sign of symptoms. However, be careful — use of intranasal zinc has been linked with the loss of smell.

Although different forms of zinc have different amounts of elemental zinc that can be used by the body, the National Institutes of Health explains that there is not enough research indicating whether there are any superior forms in terms of absorption, bioavailability or tolerability.

One older study — published in the June 1987 issue of Agents Actions — did look at the effectiveness of three forms of zinc supplement and may shed a little bit of light on choosing zinc glycinate versus picolinate. The study looked at only 15 healthy human subjects who were divided into four groups. Over the course of four weeks, the four groups were tested with zinc picolinate, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate or a placebo.

Based on the zinc measurements in their hair, urine, erythrocyte and serum both before and after, zinc picolinate was the only form to raise zinc levels, at least in the hair, urine and erythrocyte. Do take note that the zinc measured in the hair, urine and erythrocyte (red blood cells) for zinc picolinate was in the form of zinc picolinate and not the free form of elemental zinc.

Based on these results, it seems as if zinc picolinate is most likely to absorb into a person's body, and zinc gluconate is the least likely. In terms of zinc glycinate versus picolinate, the picolinate wins this one. Still, more research would be needed to know more about zinc glycinate versus picolinate, especially because this study was done so long ago.

Difference between Zinc Citrate & Picolinate

One study comparing the absorption of zinc picolinate, zinc citrate and zinc gluconate shows that there’s no significant change in any of these forms, but zinc picolinate did improve zinc absorption in humans.

However, according to Chris Masterjohn: 

I don’t recommend using zinc oxide or zinc picolinate. People are often surprised that I recommend against picolinate. So, in this episode (video above), I explain why.

What is chelated zinc supplement?

Chelated zinc is a zinc supplement that’s easily absorbed by your body.

Because it’s difficult for your body to efficiently absorb zinc on its own, zinc is often attached to a chelating agent in supplements. A chelating agent is a substance that bonds with zinc to create a more absorbable end product.

Types of chelated zinc supplement

Chelated zinc is mainly made using one of the following compounds: amino acids or organic acids.

Amino acids
  • aspartic acid: used to make zinc aspartate
  • methionine: used to make zinc methionine
  • monomethionine: used to make zinc monomethionine
Organic acids
  • acetic acid: used to make zinc acetate
  • citric acid: used to make zinc citrate
  • gluconic acid: used to make zinc gluconate
  • orotic acid: used to make zinc orotate
  • picolinic acid: used to make zinc picolinate
Zinc supplements combining zinc with inorganic acids such as sulfates (zinc sulfate) and oxides (zinc oxide) are also available.

Key Practical Takeaway

If you think a zinc supplement is right for you, talk to your doctor about which form you should take. This is especially important because zinc can interfere with your body's absorption of copper and iron, so you might need to supplement those minerals as well.

Comments

Post a Comment

Labels

Show more

Popular posts from this blog

12 Types of Zinc Supplementation and Absorption 2024

By Dr. Frank Yap, MD -
Image
Zinc is a powerful immune nutrient known for its benefits for providing immune health support and anti inflammation as well as for improving cold and respiratory symptoms, wound healing, acne reduction, and lowering the risk of age-related diseases. Research on atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus suggests that zinc deficiency may contribute to low-grade systemic inflammation. Types of Zinc What's the best absorbed zinc supplement form?  We know there’s an ocean of information out there to navigate, so we’ve compiled a list of common zinc types and an overview on each zinc type below. There are several types of zinc supplements. Supplements contain several forms of zinc, including zinc gluconate, zinc citrate and zinc picolinate. The percentage of elemental zinc varies by form.  Choosing a zinc supplement can be confusing because there are so many different types. zinc acetate zinc angstro
Read more

How to Detox Spike Protein After COVID - Dr Mercola

By Dr. Frank Yap, MD -
Image
The spike protein is naturally found in SARS-CoV-2, no matter the variant. In its native form in SARS-CoV-2, the spike protein is responsible for the pathologies of the viral infection. As of October 30, 2023, federal  data  published by the US CDC found that 14.3% (National Estimate) of adults who previously had a COVID-19 infection are currently experiencing symptoms of long COVID.  In its wild form it’s known to open the blood-brain barrier, cause cell damage (cytotoxicity) and, as Dr. Robert Malone, the inventor of the  mRNA and DNA vaccine core platform technology , said in a commentary on  News Voice , “is active in manipulating the biology of the cells that coat the inside of your blood vessels — vascular endothelial cells, in part through its interaction with ACE2, which controls contraction in the blood vessels, blood pressure and other things.” It’s also been revealed that the spike protein on its own is enough to cause inflammation and damage to the vascular system, even i
Read more

Lumbrokinase vs Nattokinase vs Serrapeptase: What's the Difference?

By -
Image
Lumbrokinase, nattokinase, and serrapeptase are all enzymes that have been studied for their potential health benefits. They are all considered as proteolytic enzymes. Proteolytic enzymes have a variety of roles in the body, from helping to digest food to taking part in the immune response. What is Lumbrokinase? Lumbrokinase (LK) is an enzyme derived from earthworms is thought to aid in blood clot prevention, inflammation reduction, and circulation problems.  Lumbrokinase for Blood Clots Thrombolytic agents typically used to dissolve clots are urokinase (u-PA), streptokinase, and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). These drugs, however, are not specific for fibrin and have adverse and dangerous side effects including severe bleeding and heavy blood loss which may result in death. In contrast, LK is very specific to fibrin as a substrate and it does not cause excessive bleeding. It can dissolve the fibrin itself or convert plasminogen to plasmin by inducing endogenous t-PA activity to
Read more

Fenbendazole Cancer Success Stories and Treatment Testimonials: Case Series (2024)

By Dr. Frank Yap, MD -
Image
The inspiring testimonials (below) you are about to read are shared by individuals who have generously recounted their remarkable journeys with the hope of motivating and uplifting fellow patients. It’s essential to acknowledge that while these case studies offer incredible hope, the Fenbendazole protocol isn’t a universal solution. Related:  Best Anti Cancer Supplements Below is the list categorised by different cancer types alphabetically. Fenbendazole Breast Cancer Success Stories December, 2022 Condition: Stage 4 ER+PR+HER2- Metastatic Breast Cancer to bones A friend told me about the Joe Tippens Protocol and ivermectin the day after I got my diagnosis for a third bout with breast cancer. I started both immediately. I saw my oncologist a week later. She added Faslodex, Kisqali, and Femara. She supported me added the JTP and the ivermectin. In 8 weeks I was in remission as measured by my CA2729. At week 11, a PET scan showed NED. Which of the protocol components
Read more

Fenbendazole vs Mebendazole: What is the Difference?

By Dr. Frank Yap, MD -
Image
Fenbendazole for Humans Fenbendazole (also known as fenben) is a veterinary medication used to treat parasites and worms such as tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms, in animals. It is commonly used under brand names like Panacur C and Safe-Guard. Recently, researchers have been experimenting with fenbendazole for humans cancer. Though the studies are limited, what researchers have found so far is promising for cancer patients. Many cancer patients have been following the Fenbendazole for cancer Protocol . However, fenbendazole isn’t the only worming medication that has the potential to fight cancer. Researchers have also been studying how Mebendazole, a drug that can treat worms in humans, could be just as, or even more, effective at shrinking tumors and killing cancer cells. Here’s what you need to know about each of these medications: Fenbendazole vs. Mebendazole Fenbendazole is part of a larger group of drugs known as benzimidazole, which are anthelmintic dr
Read more

NAC vs NAD vs NR vs NMN? What are the Differences?

By Dr. Frank Yap, MD -
Image
NAC vs NAD vs NR vs NMN ? Due to the small alphabetical differences, these supplements are often mixed up and confused by most consumers. We will cover the essentials and explain about each of these supplements below. NAD NAD is derived from Nicotinamide Riboside (NR). The levels of NAD in our body determine the speed of aging process. In younger cells and tissues, the levels of NAD are higher. As a result, younger people tend to have better physical activity, cognitive function and potential for cell repair and regeneration. As we grow, the levels of NAD in our body start to decline. This is reflected in the form of slowed cognitive response, loss of memory and reduced agility. Research suggests it may be possible to reverse mitochondrial decay with dietary supplements that increase cellular levels of a molecule called NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide).  NAD is a linchpin of energy metabolism, among other roles, and its diminishing level with age has been implicated in mitochond
Read more

FLCCC I-MASK+ Protocol for COVID-19

By Dr. Frank Yap, MD -
Image
FLCCC (Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care) I-MASK+ Protocol I-MASK+ Prevention & Early Outpatient Treatment Protocol for COVID-19 was designed for use as a prevention and in early outpatient treatment, for those who test positive for COVID-19. Component nutrients include vitamin D, C, melatonin, quercetin and zinc . All the component medicines are FDA-approved (except ivermectin), inexpensive, readily available and have been used for decades with well-established safety profiles. Please take note that I-MASK+ protocols are now: I-PREVENT protocol for prevention (prophylaxis) I-CARE protocol for early treatment . PREVENTION PROTOCOL As rates of infection with influenza and RSV rose in fall/winter 2022, FLCCC adapted th
Read more

How Linoleic Acid Wrecks Your Health (2024) - Dr Mercola

By Dr. Frank Yap, MD -
Image
The majority of Americans might be misled by official health recommendations to eat “healthy” vegetable oils. Even the term “vegetable oil” is misleading because it gives you the impression that you are receiving vegetable micronutrients when these oils are actually highly toxic, industrially-processed seed oils. Seed oils are some of the most dangerous items you could eat. Tucker Goodrich and Dr Mercola discussed what will be the topic of Dr Mercola's next book, namely linoleic acid (LA), which he believed is likely the leading contributing cause of virtually all chronic diseases we've encountered over the last century. Unfortunately, this is a topic that most clinicians and health care practitioners who focus on natural medicine have only a superficial understanding of.   Goodrich has a business background as a stockbroker and asset manager, and developed an IT risk management system used by two of the largest hedge funds in the w
Read more

The Key to Reversing All Autoimmune Diseases - Dr Mercola

By Dr. Frank Yap, MD -
Image
It has been estimated that over 54.4 million people in the United States have an autoimmune disease  ( R ).   Some of the major ones would be rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. Since I have a massive clinical experience with RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis), I am going to use it as an example of how all autoimmune diseases can be treated. Why? Because they all have similar origins which are related to an antigen sneaking into your body and your immune system confusing it as a foreign invader. The antigen that gets into your system determines which of your body's tissues will be impacted. From the late 1980s and for the following 10 years, I treated over 3,000 patients with rheumatic illnesses, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), scleroderma, polymyositis and dermatomyositis. RA has a devastating prognosis in many patients. Rheumatoid arthritis affects about 1% of our population
Read more

How to Get Ivermectin in the US: Pharmacies (2023)

By Dr. Frank Yap, MD -
Image
To assist all who are having difficulty finding pharmacists to fill prescriptions for ivermectin for preventing or treating COVID-19, FLCCC offer the following list of pharmacies that have assured us that they will fill these off-label prescriptions. Note: Ivermectin is often recognized – 2nd to penicillin – for having the greatest impact on human health. And its discovery won the Nobel Prize in 2015. Ivermectin has an increasing list of indications due to its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, and is included on the  WHO’s Model List of Essential Medicines .  Several studies reported antiviral effects of ivermectin on RNA viruses such as Zika, dengue, yellow fever, West Nile, Hendra, Newcastle, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, chikungunya, Semliki Forest, Sindbis, Avian influenza A, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome, Human immunodeficiency virus type 1, and COVID 19 virus. Ivermectin also offer potential benefits in addressing conditions such as  cance
Read more