JUNE 19, 2025
Zinc Supplements: Benefits, Best Brands, and Smarter Ways to Take Them
Zinc is underrated but essential. Discover the key benefits, best supplements, and smarter ways to take it - without the bluster and hype.
Read time: 10 minutes
Zinc isn’t the flashiest supplement on the shelf. It doesn’t come with influencer hype. It’s not new. It doesn’t claim to melt fat in 3 days or give you the energy of a caffeinated cheetah. But here’s the truth:
Zinc is one of the most essential and most overlooked nutrients your body needs to function well.
Whether you’re trying to support your immune system, improve your workout recovery, boost testosterone, or keep your skin clear, zinc plays a bigger role than you might think.
First Off: What Does Zinc Actually Do?
Zinc is a trace mineral, which means your body doesn’t need it in huge amounts, but it absolutely does need it. It’s involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the body.
Here’s what that means in practical terms:
Top Benefits of Zinc
Immune Support
Zinc helps your body fight off viruses and bacteria, which is why it’s often found in cold remedies and immune-boosting supplements. A zinc deficiency can make you more vulnerable to getting sick, and staying sick longer.
Wound Healing + Skin Health
Zinc is essential for tissue repair and collagen production. That means it helps heal cuts, clear up acne, and reduce inflammation.
Testosterone + Hormonal Support
Zinc plays a key role in maintaining healthy testosterone levels, especially in men. Low zinc can be linked to low testosterone and decreased fertility.
Muscle Recovery
Zinc helps with protein synthesis and muscle repair, making it valuable for athletes or anyone training regularly.
Cognitive Function + Mood
Zinc also affects brain function, mood regulation, and even neuroplasticity: the brain’s ability to adapt and grow. Low zinc has been associated with depression and mental fatigue.
Taste, Smell, and Metabolism
Ever lost your sense of taste after a cold? That’s often linked to low zinc. It’s involved in sensory function, as well as digestion and blood sugar control.
Pros & Cons of Zinc Supplements
Like anything, zinc supplementation isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here's what to consider:
Pros of Zinc
- Backed by science for immune support and hormone balance
- Easy to find and affordable
- Available in multiple formats (powder, pills, lozenges)
- Helpful for vegetarians/vegans who may not get enough from diet
- Often combined with other recovery-supporting minerals like magnesium
Cons of Zinc
- Can cause nausea on an empty stomach
- Too much zinc (above 40mg/day long-term) can interfere with copper absorption
- Not all forms are absorbed equally - some cheap options use lower-quality zinc
- Can interact with some medications (always check with your doctor)
The Best Forms of Zinc to Look For
If you’re shopping for a quality zinc supplement, here’s what to check on the label:
Zinc Form | Absorption | Notes |
Zinc Picolinate | Excellent | Highly bioavailable, great for general health |
Zinc Gluconate | Good | Often found in lozenges, easy on the stomach |
Zinc Citrate | Good | Mild, often combined with magnesium |
Zinc Monomethionine | Excellent | Premium option, often used in testosterone support |
Zinc Oxide | Low | Cheap, but poorly absorbed |
Some of the Best Zinc Brands (as of 2025)
These brands focus on quality, absorption, and clean ingredient sourcing.
Thorne Research Zinc Picolinate
- Trusted clinical brand
- Clean ingredients, no fillers
- Third-party tested
- Best for: Immune and hormonal support
NOW Foods Zinc Glycinate Softgels
- Affordable, gentle on stomach
- Highly bioavailable
- Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers
Jarrow Formulas Zinc Balance
- Balanced with copper to prevent deficiency
- Great for long-term use
- Best for: Daily wellness routine
Pure Encapsulations Zinc Liquid
- Easy-to-absorb liquid
- Great for those who dislike pills
- Best for: Digestive sensitivity
BulkSupplements Zinc Monomethionine Powder
- High-purity, no additives
- Great for custom dosing or stacking
- Best for: Advanced users or powder stackers
If You Use Powdered Zinc, Blend It the Smart Way
Powdered supplements can be cost-effective and customizable but they need to be mixed properly to avoid clumps, bitterness, or a gross drinking experience.
That’s where the PROMiXX PRO Electric Shaker Bottle comes in:
PROMiXX PRO Electric Shaker Bottle
Why it’s essential for powdered zinc (and any powdered supplement):
- Powerful motor mixes everything into a smooth, lump-free drink
- Rechargeable and cordless - use it anywhere
- Built with our signature soft x-blade system
- Sleek, ergonomic design that fits in your gym bag or on your desk
Zinc + your protein powder + greens + water = one clean, powerful shake. And it tastes better when it's smooth.
Taking Zinc in Pill Form? Keep It Organized the Right Way
Supplements don’t do much if you forget to take them. Thankfully, we've got a brilliant, minimalist solution for keeping your stack together, as well as making sure you never miss a dose.
PROMiXX CORE Supplement Holders
- Magnetized for stackability - snap and go, or keep your daily stack compact
- Durable, food-safe construction - no cheap materials
- Sleek color options to match your lifestyle:
- Ceramic White & Cool Gray
- Clean and classic Graphite Gray & Burnt Orange
- Modern and bold Sea Grass Green
- Fresh and energizing
Great for:
- Zinc pills
- Fish oil capsules
- Multivitamins
- Creatine tablets
- Travel or gym bag use
So, Should You Take Zinc?
If you:
- Get sick often
- Train regularly
- Care about testosterone
- Eat a vegetarian or low-meat diet
- Have skin or wound healing issues
- Or just want to optimize your overall health
Then yes, a quality zinc supplement might be exactly what your routine is missing.
Just remember: supplements should support your lifestyle, not complicate it.
With smart tools like our PROMiXX PRO Electric Shaker Bottle and CORE Supplement Holder, you can keep your health stack streamlined, stylish, and effective. All without skipping a beat.
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Written by Matthew Stogdon
Matt is a seasoned writer with 20 years of experience, leveraging understanding of fitness as a former rugby player and his insight from covering contact sports.