Zinc is an essential mineral involved with many bodily functions, including immune health, wound healing, and skin health. However, certain populations may be at risk of deficiency, which can negatively affect your skin, bones, and the digestive, reproductive, central nervous, and immune systems. But why else is zinc so important, and how do you know you’re getting enough of it?

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about zinc (including health benefits, RDAs, and precautions) and if you should consider supplementation.

Understanding zinc and its health benefits

Zinc is an essential mineral in many aspects of cellular metabolism and is required for the catalytic activity of hundreds of enzymes [

1

]. It plays a role in protein and DNA synthesis, cell signaling and division, and supporting healthy growth and development during pregnancy, infancy, childhood, and adolescence.

Here are some other science-backed benefits of zinc.

Zinc for acne

Research indicates that people who struggle with acne may have decreased serum zinc levels. As such, zinc may be effective for treating acne and reducing the number of inflammatory papules [

2

]. Other studies show that those who underwent zinc treatments experienced more acne reduction than those who weren’t treated with zinc [

3

]. 

Immune health

Zinc plays an important role in immune defense, as it is vital for the development and functions of all immune cells [

4

]. Interestingly, research shows that a zinc deficiency can hinder the growth and function of T and B lymphocytes, adversely affect the macrophage, and compromise antibody production, all of which are important for immune function [

5

].  

Stress reduction

Research indicates that zinc might be beneficial in alleviating symptoms of stress, as there appears to be a correlation between low zinc plasma levels and people with anxiety. As such, zinc therapy has been shown to increase plasma levels, which may improve anxiety and stress symptoms [

6

]. 

Wound healing

Zinc is an important coenzyme in tissue repair and plays a key role in numerous wound-healing processes (including coagulation, cellular immune regulation, epithelial regeneration, and extracellular matrix deposition) [

7

,

8

]. 

Zinc benefits for skin

Zinc can be beneficial for a variety of skin conditions, including viral warts, genital herpes, rosacea, psoriasis, melasma, basal cell carcinoma, alopecia, and certain endocrine and metabolic diseases [

9

]. 

Recommended daily intake of zinc

The RDA for zinc is as follows [

1

]: 

• Men over 14 years old: 11 mg/day

• Women 14-18 years old: 9 mg/day (12 mg/day and 13 mg/day for breastfeeding and lactation, respectively)

• Women over 19 years old: 8 mg/day (11 mg/day and 12 mg/day for breastfeeding and lactation, respectively)

Dietary sources

You can find zinc in red meat, poultry, eggs, beans, nuts, certain types of seafood (such as oysters, crab, and lobster), whole grains, fortified breakfast cereals, and dairy products [

1

]. 

However, phytates (a natural component of plants) can severely decrease intestinal zinc bioavailability and are regarded as the primary nutritional inhibitor of zinc absorption [

10

]. 

Phytates are present in plant-based foods like whole grain breads, cereals, and legumes, so those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet are more likely to have lower levels of zinc than their omnivore counterparts [

11

].  

Zinc gummies and supplements

Supplements may contain several forms of zinc, including zinc gluconate, zinc sulfate, zinc picolinate, zinc sulfide, zinc lozenges, zinc orotate, zinc citrate, or zinc acetate. Supplements can also come in the form of zinc gummies, which might be a good alternative for people who have trouble swallowing pills.

Talk with your healthcare provider before adding zinc to your supplement routine.

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When is the best time to take zinc?

According to experts, the best time to take zinc is at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals [

12

]. If you experience an upset stomach while taking zinc, consider dividing up your daily dose or talking to a healthcare professional if your tummy troubles continue.

Notable supplement combinations

While zinc is an essential nutrient, there are some nutrient combinations that you should be aware of. Here are a few supplements that work synergistically (and one you should keep an eye on). 

Zinc and magnesium. Studies show that, when taken together, zinc and magnesium can have beneficial effects on FPG, HDL cholesterol, CRP, and insulin [

13

].

Vitamin C with zinc. Notable research suggests that supplementing with vitamin C and zinc may be helpful in mitigating COVID-19 symptoms [

14

]. 

Zinc and copper. Though rare, copper deficiency can result from high levels of zinc, which decreases the body’s ability to absorb and use copper from the diet [

15

,

16

]. If you’re taking a daily zinc supplement, you should also consider a copper supplement to avoid the potential for copper deficiency. However, don't take them simultaneously; wait at least 2 hours after taking zinc to take your copper supplement. 

Talk with your healthcare provider before adding zinc to your supplement routine.

Zinc deficiency

Research shows that a zinc deficiency can affect your skin and bones, as well as your digestive, reproductive, central nervous, and immune systems [

1

]. 

People who may be at risk of developing a zinc deficiency include:

• People with gastrointestinal disorders or who have had bariatric surgery

• Vegetarians (especially vegans)

• People who are pregnant or lactating

• Older infants who are exclusively breastfed

• Children with sickle cell disease (SCD)

• People with alcohol use disorder

Precautions

While zinc supplements are usually well-tolerated, they can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain in some people, along with coughing, headache, and fever in those taking more than 40 mg/day [

17

]. Zinc supplements have also been shown to interfere with the absorption of certain antibiotics and may reduce their effectiveness if taken simultaneously [

1

].

FAQs about zinc

• Can zinc make you nauseous? Taking a zinc supplement on an empty stomach or taking too high a dose might make you nauseated.

• Can you take zinc while pregnant? Emerging research indicates that zinc supplements reduce the risk of preterm birth, however, more studies are needed in this area [

  18

  ]. 

• Does zinc increase testosterone? Studies show that a zinc deficiency may negatively affect men’s sexual health and fertility [

  19

  ]. To combat this, research has found that supplementing with 220 mg/zinc sulfate twice per day may prove beneficial [

  20

  ].

Summary

Zinc is an essential mineral involved with many bodily functions, including immune health, wound healing, and skin health. However, certain populations may be at risk of deficiency, which can negatively affect many aspects of your health. 

You can obtain this mineral through zinc-rich foods and supplements, but remember that certain nutrients (like vitamin C, magnesium, and copper) can enhance health benefits or impair absorption. Talk with your healthcare provider before adding zinc into your routine to make sure you understand how best to take it. 

Even though zinc supplements are generally well-tolerated, you should look for supplements (like zinc gummies) that have been third-party tested for purity and quality, such as Elo Health’s 

smart supplements

.

Disclaimer: The text, images, videos, and other media on this page are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to treat, diagnose or replace personalized medical care.