Have you had your zinc supplements today? You may not know it, but zinc is one of the best supplements for keeping your body in check. High zinc volumes can be found across a range of different food types, from lentils to oysters to firm tofu, but if you can’t get your hands on natural zinc-rich produce, you may want to consider sourcing it through other means.
Zinc is a trace mineral – an essential mineral the body only needs a tiny amount of – yet plays a crucial role in the growth and maintenance of cells, tissue repair and the preservation of a healthy immune system. Zinc is also effective in reducing inflammation and expediting the healing process of wounds. To put it short, your body loves it and regular zinc consumption is a requisite for a healthy lifestyle, either from your food or supplement.
The best zinc supplements at a glance:
• Best overall zinc supplements: Nature's Best Zinc Supplements - View at Naturesbest
• Best zinc supplements for strength: Holland & Barrett Zinc Supplements - View at Holland & Barrett
• Best zinc supplements with Vitamin C: My Protein Zinc Tablets -View at Myprotein
• Best zinc supplements with a seven-month supply: Nutravita Zinc Supplements - View at Amazon
The recommended daily intake of zinc for male adults is around 9.5mg and 7mg for female adults according to the NHS. Children between seven and 10 should take slightly less – 6mg or 7mg – while children between four to six should take just 5mg.
Most people consume their daily zinc limit through their food intake, but some people suffer from a zinc deficiency. Symptoms of a zinc deficiency can include a weak immune system, slow wound healing, chronic fatigue syndrome and significant weight changes, among others. If you’ve been diagnosed with a zinc deficiency, you may benefit from taking zinc supplements or the best multivitamins to reach your daily goal, with dosages of up to 30mg. However, we strongly advise talking it through with your GP first to get a professional opinion.
Best overall zinc supplements
www.naturesbest.co.uk
These zinc supplement tablets are 15mg strong – a good middle ground for carefully upping your daily zinc intake. They’re produced in citrate form, so they’re easily absorbable and fast-acting.
As Nature’s Best recommends taking one a day – this may vary depending on your doctor’s orders – this tub contains a six-month supply and all for less than £6. Combined with the best vitamin D supplements, zinc is perfect for regulating musculoskeletal health.
Pros
- Great value
- Vegan-friendly
- Small and easy to swallow for individuals who don't like taking tablets
Cons
- Relatively low dosage
| Number of tablets: | 180 |
| Strength: | 15mg |
- Customer review: "I've used Nature's Best products for years to help boost my immunity, and it could be at least part of the reason I've had very good health during this time."
Best zinc supplements for strength
www.hollandandbarrett.com
These zinc tablets from Holland & Barrett are 25mg in strength, surpassing the normal daily requirement but certainly sufficient to manage a zinc deficiency or zinc-deficient diet.
These tablets are great for boosting the immune system while reducing fatigue and are coated so they’re easily consumable. They may be quite expensive but given their strength, this single pot of tablets could easily last up to eight months. These fantastic vegan supplements are the perfect way to build strength and regulate your body's daily functions in a cost-effective way.
Pros
- 25mg high-strength tablets for those who are looking for capsules with high zinc potency
- One a day so you don't have to worry about taking lots of tablets per day
- Suitable for both vegetarians and vegans
Cons
- Perhaps too strong for most people
| Number of tablets: | 240 |
| Strength: | 25mg |
- Customer review: "This is my first time purchasing the Holland & Barrett Zinc Supplements and I have been using them consistently for just over a month. I’ve seen improvement in my hair growth and retained strength in my nails. I would definitely recommend them and they are well priced too which is a added bonus."
Best zinc supplement with Vitamin C
www.myprotein.com
My Protein is famed for its high-quality fitness equipment, accessories and supplements. These zinc tablets help contribute to protein synthesis – the process of cells making protein – and the maintenance and preservation of healthy bones, too. These tablets are easily digestible and support a great middle-ground strength of 15mg.
These tablets can either be bought in a batch of 90 or 270 When taken with the best magnesium supplements, you can maximise absorption and, most importantly - strengthen bone health.
Pros
- One tablet provides you with 100% of your recommended daily intake
- The capsule contains zinc and vitamin C for added health benefits
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
Cons
- Half the number of tablets as Nature's Best
| Number of tablets: | 90 |
| Strength: | 15mg |
- Customer review: "I have low levels of zinc and since taking the My Protein Zinc Tablets I have been sleeping better and feeling more relaxed in general. Great value, essentially tasteless, convenient! RECOMMENDED!"
Best zinc supplements with a 7-month supply
These zinc tablets from Nutravita combine 1000mg of vitamin C with 15mg of zinc for a healthy dosage of two crucial nutrients. Used together, vitamin C and zinc have been proven to help maintain a normal and healthy immune system, along with many other health benefits.
The zinc used in these tablets is a form of fully reacted amino acid chelated zinc that makes them incredibly easy to swallow and easy to absorb compared to other zinc products on the market. For beating a foggy brain, Nutravita zinc supplements are a great option.
Pros
- One-a-day tablet, so you don't have to worry about taking multiple tablets daily
- Zinc used is a form of Albion's chelated zinc for better absorption into the body
- Tub contains 210 tablets, which is equivalent to a 7-month supply. This means you won't have to keep going out and purchasing more
Cons
- Hard to swallow due to the size of the tablets
| Number of tablets: | 210 |
| Strength: | 15mg |
- Customer review: "I like that the Nutravita Zinc Supplements are a combined vitamin C and zinc tablet, as it saves having a cocktail of tablets to swallow. I started taking these as went through a few weeks of having colds one after another. So as well as a small change to my diet I took these supplements. Although it hasn't stopped me getting the odd mild cold completely, I have notice the effects are much milder and I recover within a day or two."
Best zinc supplement with eco-friendly packaging
This wholefood zinc from Fushi is combined with Cocoa powders, flax seed, and shiitake mushrooms. By blending the mineral with other vitamin-rich foods, Fushi has produced a zinc supplement that is not only strong and powerful but fast-acting and easily absorbable. Each capsule contains all three aforementioned food types as well as 10mg of zinc for easy control.
Pros
- Combines the powers of multiple foods to be better absorbed and tolerated by the body
- Contains 100% pure active ingredients, so you know what you're putting into your body
- Eco-friendly packaging
Cons
- Two capsules a day, which isn't great for individuals who don't like taking tablets
| Number of tablets: | 60 |
| Strength: | 10mg |
- Customer review: "What’s not to like about any Fushi product. Excellent quality herbs, top marks for packaging (vegan dream). Definitely recommend Fushi to family, friends and neighbours."
What does zinc do for the skin?
Zinc is an anti-inflammatory trace mineral that rejuvenates and enriches the skin. By virtue of its anti-inflammatory abilities, zinc is great for attenuating the symptoms of acne, psoriasis and eczema.
Can zinc increase testosterone?
There is some medical evidence to suggest that zinc deficiencies can be linked to low testosterone levels. Hypogonadism is a condition that occurs when the human sex glands do not produce enough hormones pertinent to the gender. The condition can be caused by a zinc deficiency and there is evidence to suggest that guided zinc supplementation can help raise testosterone levels again.
Can zinc improve hair growth?
While it isn’t a miracle cure for baldness by any stretch, zinc does possess properties that are good for the hair. Just as it can be beneficial for the immune system and your skin, zinc is great for rejuvenating and strengthening hair. Having said that, hair loss can be a symptom of a severe zinc deficiency, in which case a steady and guided course of supplemented zinc may help hair grow back.
The best iron supplements might also be a great way to improve hair growth but don't take zinc and iron at the same time.
Seth Walton is an automotive product writer for Parkers and CAR. He is a contributor to What's The Best.
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