Many zinc supplements are available, and below, we list eight that a person might consider. However, most of these products contain more zinc than the RDA.The RDA of zinc is 11 milligrams (mg) for adult males and 8 mg for adult females. For pregnant people, the RDA is 11 mg, and for lactating people, it is 12 mg. The NIH warns against consuming more than 40 mg of zinc per day. Overall, it is best to consult a doctor before taking a zinc supplement.
Best for an NSF-certified product: Thorne Zinc Picolinate 30 mg
- Age range: No information
- Type: Capsules
- Dosage: 30 mg per capsule
- Active ingredients: Zinc picolinate
- Pro: Free from most allergens
- Con: Contains more zinc than the RDA
- Price: $35 for 180 capsules, $17 for 60 capsules
Thorne Zinc Picolinate contains 30 mg of zinc bound to picolinic acid, an organic acid that helps the body absorb zinc.
According to the company, these capsules are Certified for Sport by NSF International. The company also says that the capsules are free from:
- artificial flavor
- soy
- gluten
- dairy
A person should take a Thorne Zinc Picolinate capsule once a day or as a doctor recommends.
Best for zinc with vitamin C: Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Zinc 30 mg
- Age range: Adults
- Type: Capsules
- Dosage: 30 mg per capsule
- Active ingredients: Raw, whole-food zinc and vitamin C
- Pro: Suitable for vegans and contains vitamin C
- Con: Contains more zinc than the RDA
- Price: $14.99 for 60 capsules
Vitamin Code Raw Zinc also contains vitamin C to boost its skin and immune system benefits.
The supplement contains no artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, or additives and is suitable for vegans.
The company recommends taking 1 capsule twice a day. However, this far exceeds the RDA of zinc. People should consult a healthcare professional before trying this.
Best for zinc and a range of vitamins: Puritan’s Pride Zinc for Acne 25 mg
- Age range: Adults
- Type: Tablets
- Dosage: 25 mg per tablet
- Active ingredients: Zinc and vitamins A, B6, C, and E
- Pro: Contains extra vitamins that may reduce acne
- Con: Contains more zinc than the RDA
- Price: from $16.99 for one bottle containing 100 tablets
Puritan’s Pride Zinc for Acne is a multivitamin tablet containing zinc gluconate and vitamins C, B6, A, and E for additional skin benefits. It is also gluten-free.
The company recommends taking this twice a day. But as this exceeds the RDA, speak with a healthcare professional first.
The company has a buy one get one free offer on its website.
Best for zinc lozenges: Zand Echinacea Zinc HerbaLozenge Very Cherry 5 mg
- Age range: No information
- Type: Lozenges
- Dosage: 5 mg per lozenge
- Active ingredients: Zinc
- Pro: Suitable for people with difficulty swallowing pills
- Con: Little zinc per lozenge
- Price: $3.19 for a pack of 15
These lozenges contain zinc and several herbal extracts, such as extracts of echinacea and hibiscus flower.
The lozenges may help soothe a dry throat and boost the immune system. They are gluten-free and contain no genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
People may prefer to take lozenges if they find it difficult to swallow pills.
Best for a subscription: Care/of Zinc 15 mg
- Age range: No information
- Type: Capsules
- Dosage: 15 mg per capsule
- Active ingredients: Zinc and 2 mg of copper
- Pro: Contains copper for a balance of minerals
- Con: Only available with a subscription
- Price: $7 per month
These Care/of capsules contain zinc and copper to support digestion and the immune system, the company says.
The capsules are suitable for vegans and vegetarians and are non-GMO and gluten-free.
Care/of recommends taking the supplement with a meal.
Best for an easy-to-swallow tablet: MegaFood Zinc
- Age range: No information
- Type: Tablets
- Dosage: 22.5 mg per tablet
- Active ingredients: Zinc
- Pro: Coated for easy swallowing
- Con: Contains yeast
- Price: $17.99 for a 60-day supply or $27.99 for a 120-day supply
Each tablet contains 22.5 mg of zinc and a blend of organic whole foods, including spinach, parsley leaf, carrot, broccoli, and beetroot.
These tablets are:
- gluten-free
- vegan
- Non-GMO Project-verified
Additionally, the tablets have a coating that may make them easier to swallow.
MegaFood recommends taking one tablet at any time of day.
Best for a liquid supplement: NutraChamps Zinc Drops
- Age range: Adults and children
- Type: Liquid drops
- Dosage: 15 mg per serving
- Active ingredients: Zinc and vitamin C
- Pro: Easy to take
- Con: Potentially difficult to measure doses
- Price: $19.95 a bottle
This product contains zinc and vitamin C in liquid form. Each serving of 4 drops contains 15 mg of zinc.
People can consume the drops directly or add them to a glass of water.
This supplement is suitable for vegans and is non-GMO and organic.
Best for a softgel supplement: Now Zinc Glycinate
- Age range: Adults
- Type: Softgels
- Dosage: 30 mg per softgel
- Active ingredients: Zinc
- Pro: One bottle may last 4 months
- Con: Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans, exceeds the RDA
- Price: $15.99 for 120 softgels
Each of these softgel supplements contains 30 mg of zinc — more than the RDA. A person should speak with a healthcare professional before using this product.These softgels are free from:
- gluten
- dairy
- nuts
- eggs
- sugar
- corn
They are also halal and kosher. However, they contain bovine gelatin, making them unsuitable for vegans and vegetarians.
The company recommends taking one softgel per day with a meal.