Zinc Gluconate vs. Zinc Picolinate: Which One Is More Absorbable

Why do You Need Zinc?

 Zinc is a trace mineral (needing “trace” amounts) that the body does not store, requiring you to consistently consume on a daily schedule. Zinc is critical for creating new enzymes, proteins and cells in the human body. A study shows that zinc is needed for over 300 enzymes to facilitate chemical reactions in the human body.

 A review of seven studies demonstrated that 80-92 mg of zinc per day can reduce the duration of the common cold by 33%.

 Zinc supplements help activate certain types of immune cells that reduce oxidative stress by removing free radicals. Zinc also helps significantly influence the velocity of wound healing as zinc is an essential nutrient that plays a critical part in collagen synthesis while also assisting with inflammation. It is no wonder that hospitals tend to frequently use zinc as a treatment for a variety of skin injuries (study).

 The list of zinc’s health benefits is expansive but here are a few to point out:

•  Zinc may help treat acne as people with acne generally have sub-optimal levels of zinc.

•  Zinc can help reduce inflammation.

•  Zinc may have a significant influence on reducing the risk of age-related diseases (source).

As we are now aware, zinc is incredibly important for your body to function properly. However, your body does not produce or store zinc so it must be consumed via food or supplementation.

If we are unable to get adequate amounts of zinc from the foods we eat, then taking zinc supplements is necessary. There is more than one type of zinc found in supplements with two being fairly common: zinc gluconate and zinc picolinate.

What is zinc Gluconate?

Zinc gluconate is the zinc salt of gluconic acid. Gluconic acid is naturally derived and commercially manufactured by the fermentation of glucose while using the culture Aspergillus Niger or other forms of fungi or bacteria.

Zinc gluconate is highly absorbable through the bloodstream as the substance that is bond with zinc is chemically similar to sugar molecules.

What is zinc picolinate?

Zinc picolinate is the zinc salt of picolinic acid. This form of zinc is also highly absorbable and most commonly taken in isolation (supplements containing only zinc picolinate).

Differences between Zinc Gluconate and zinc picolinate

Zinc picolinate is a non-organic compound derived from picolinic acid. Zinc gluconate is an organic compound derived from gluconic acid.

Zinc picolinate is produced through the reaction between picolinic acid and zinc compounds.  Zinc gluconate is produced through the fermentation of glucose in the presence of zinc compounds.

Zinc picolinate contains nitrogen atoms, but zinc gluconate does not.

How are Zinc Picolinate and zinc Gluconate Similar?

Both forms of zinc are salt compounds derived from acids. Both forms of zinc are well absorbed by the body. Zinc is essential for optimal skin, immunity, and joint health.

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