12 Best Zinc Supplements for Senior 2024
Zinc is a powerful immune nutrient known for its benefits for providing immune health support and inflammation reduction as well as for improving cold and respiratory symptoms, wound healing, acne reduction, and lowering the risk of age-related diseases. Research on atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus suggests that zinc deficiency may contribute to low-grade systemic inflammation.
Although zinc may fall last on an alphabetical list of minerals, some people go to it first as a cold remedy. Taken in lozenge form, these products may boost the immune system and may shorten the duration of a cold, according to some studies.
Zinc deficiency is common in seniors, which may negatively impact the immune system and increase the likelihood of COVID-19. Its deficiency can play an essential role in the aging process and cause the nervous system’s degenerative diseases.
Zinc dosage for senior: Men over age 60 do not usually meet their recommended daily zinc needs. On average, males in this demographic get 9.4 milligrams per day, slightly less than the recommendation, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. In some cases, your doctor may suggest taking a daily multivitamin or zinc supplement to further boost your zinc intake. Zinc can be toxic at high doses, causing severe gastrointestinal problems. It is unlikely to get excessive amounts of zinc from your diet, but you can overdose on supplements.
9. NutriGold Zinc Gold - Best Organic
There are several types of zinc supplements. Some, such as zinc picolinate, may be better absorbed, while zinc acetate may be more effective at shortening the duration of the common cold (Trusted Source, Trusted Source).
Supplements contain several forms of zinc, including zinc gluconate, zinc sulfate, and zinc acetate. The percentage of elemental zinc varies by form. For example, approximately 23% of zinc sulfate consists of elemental zinc; thus, 220 mg of zinc sulfate contains 50 mg of elemental zinc. The elemental zinc content appears in the Supplement Facts panel on the supplement container. Research has not determined whether differences exist among forms of zinc in absorption, bioavailability, or tolerability.
Of course, not all supplements are created equal. It’s important to look for high quality products that have been tested to ensure quality and accuracy.
If you’re concerned about your zinc intake, it’s worth speaking with your healthcare provider to see if a zinc supplement is a good option, as well as to determine an optimal dose.
Zinc deficiency is common in seniors, which may negatively impact the immune system and increase the likelihood of COVID-19. Its deficiency can play an essential role in the aging process and cause the nervous system’s degenerative diseases.
In the United States, about 12 % of the population is probably at risk for zinc deficiency, and as many as 40% of the elderly have a zinc deficiency. Experts say it is mainly due to inadequate dietary intake and less absorption of this essential nutrient.
Related: Best Zinc Supplement
While there are many food sources of zinc, including meat and shellfish, some people may be at a higher risk of not getting enough zinc in their diets (Source).
The zinc supplements in this review are all manufactured by reputable companies that follow Good Manufacturing Processes (GMP), use high quality ingredients, and test for purity and quality.
Here are the best zinc supplements for seniors to meet their nutritional needs. As everyone has their own set of criteria, the best option might be different from one person to another.
Amazon Best Sellers: #1 in zinc mineral supplements. This product is the #1 best seller under the zinc mineral supplements on Amazon Best Sellers and has more than 5,000 customer reviews on Amazon.
Ratings: 4.8 out of 5. More than 130,000 customer reviews on Amazon.com.
About this item:
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Caution: Super loading zinc by taking up to 100mg zinc a day is confirmed to be safe in the short term (2-4 months) (Examine), but because this dose is higher than the 40mg Tolerable Upper Limit (TUL) of zinc, prolonged super loading is not advised.
- Amazon Best Sellers: #1 in Multi-Minerals supplement category
- Ratings: 4.8 out of 5. More than 20,000 customer reviews.
- 95.8% Labdoor Score
While it’s not always obvious, some supplements can contain animal-derived ingredients, making the product unsuitable for vegans.
Some commonly used ingredients that aren’t vegan-friendly include digestive enzymes like lipase, caprylic acid from milk, gelatin, and magnesium stearate, which is often pork-derived.
Garden of Life is a whole-foods-based supplement brand with products that are certified organic and non-GMO verified.
Their Vitamin Code Raw Zinc is a good option for vegans, as it’s third-party tested to ensure the product is vegan, as well as gluten-free.
In addition to providing 30 mg of plant-based zinc, each serving also contains vitamin C, a raw organic fruit and vegetable blend, and live probiotics and enzymes to support healthy digestion.
It’s recommended that adults take one serving of 2 capsules per day with or without meals. For those who have difficulty swallowing pills, the capsules can also be opened to pour the contents into a glass of water or other beverage.
Some commonly used ingredients that aren’t vegan-friendly include digestive enzymes like lipase, caprylic acid from milk, gelatin, and magnesium stearate, which is often pork-derived.
Garden of Life is a whole-foods-based supplement brand with products that are certified organic and non-GMO verified.
Their Vitamin Code Raw Zinc is a good option for vegans, as it’s third-party tested to ensure the product is vegan, as well as gluten-free.
In addition to providing 30 mg of plant-based zinc, each serving also contains vitamin C, a raw organic fruit and vegetable blend, and live probiotics and enzymes to support healthy digestion.
It’s recommended that adults take one serving of 2 capsules per day with or without meals. For those who have difficulty swallowing pills, the capsules can also be opened to pour the contents into a glass of water or other beverage.
3. Sandhu's Zinc Quercetin 120 Vegetarian Capsules - Best Zinc and Quercetin
Amazon Best Sellers: #6 Best Seller in zinc mineral supplements.
Ratings : 4.8 out of 5 overall rating with more than 16,000 customer reviews.
- Supports immune system health
- 60 servings per bottle
- Supports cardiovascular health
4. Zinc Lozenges with Vitamin C - 25mg of Zinc Supplement Per Lozenge + 30mg of Vitamin C
Amazon's Choice for Zinc Supplements | OneDayMD's Best Seller for Immune Health Support
Ratings: 4.4 out of 5. More than 1,800 customer reviews on Amazon.com.
For prevention of respiratory viruses, zinc lozenges are preferred in order to spread the zinc through the tissues of the nose, mouth and throat. Unlike swallowed zinc, lozenges can spread zinc through these tissues quickly in response to symptoms, because their ability to spread zinc through these tissues is not limited by intestinal zinc transporters.
About this item:
- Nutritionally Supports a Healthy Immune System
- Formulated with a perfect balance of 25 mg of Zinc, 30 mg of Vitamin C, 2mg of Vitamin B6, 20 mcg (800 IU) of Vitamin D3 and a Proprietary Blend of Royal Jelly, White Willow Bark Ext., and Slippery Elm Bark Powder
- Fruit Flavored to provide children zinc lozenges without a large amount of added sugars
- Internally tested and third party tested to ensure purity and potency so you get the highest quality vitamin
- Made in the USA in a FDA Registered & Inspected Facility, under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's)
5. Nature's Bounty Immune 24 Hour + - Editor's Choice for Immune Health
Best Zinc Supplement for Seniors
Ratings: 4.8 out of 5. More than 19,000 customer reviews on Amazon.com.
About this item:
About this item
- Softgels contain Zinc (15 mg per serving daily; 136% of daily value), Vitamin A, C, D3, B6, B12, Biotin, Folate, Panthotenic Acid, Magnesium, Echinacea, Elderberry, Astralagus.
- THE ONLY VITAMIN C WITH 24-HOUR IMMUNE SUPPORT: Nature's Bounty Immune 24 Hour + contains 1000mg of Ester-C, the only clinically studied Vitamin C with 24-hour immune support. Ester-C lasts up to 2x longer than regular Vitamin C
- PLUS VITAMIN D & ZINC, WITH ELDERBERRY AND ECHINACEA: Immune 24 Hour + provides Vitamin D, Vitamin A and Zinc for extra immune plus antioxidant support. Also contains Elderberry and Echinacea, plus 9 essential nutrients to help keep you healthy
- SUPPORTS UPPER RESPIRATORY HEALTH: Highly bioavailable Ester-C can increase Vitamin C levels in the body, which is important for white blood cell function, contributing to the health of the upper respiratory tract
- NON-GMO FORMULA: Nature's Bounty Immune 24 Hour + is Non-GMO and contains No artificial flavor or artificial sweeteners, no sugar, no starch, no milk, no lactose, no soy, no gluten, no wheat, no yeast, no fish, sodium free
- RAPID RELEASE SOFTGELS: For adults, Take 2 softgels daily, preferably with a meal.
6. Zicam Cold Remedy Rapidmelts - Best Pharmacist Recommended Brand
Ratings: 4.8 out of 5. More than 9,000 ratings and customer reviews.
Pharmacy Times: #1 ranking for zinc cold remedies.
- Zicam Cold Remedy RapidMelts Zinc Tablets: These non-drowsy cold remedy tablets contain zinc, which helps shorten the length of colds when taken at the first sign; Getting better tastes better with Zicam Cold Remedy
- Zicam RapidMelts Cold Remedy: Our quick-dissolve tablets are different from most other cold medicine that just treats symptoms; They're clinically proven to shorten colds when taken at the first sniffle, sneeze and cough
- From Cold to No Cold Faster: Zicam Cold Remedy products are clinically proven to shorten colds when taken at the first sign, so you feel better, faster; Help calm your cold with Zicam Cold Remedy products like our nasal spray, swabs and RapidMelt tablets
- Zicam Homeopathic Remedies: Known for Zicam Cold Remedy products, we also offer products for homeopathic allergy relief and nasal congestion and sinus relief
- Zicam for Shorter Colds: Zicam homeopathic cold remedy is meant to be used in the beginning of a cold; Try Zicam the next time you feel the first sniffle, sneeze or cough of an oncoming cold; Satisfaction guaranteed
Ratings: 4.7 out of 5. More than 500 customer reviews.
Chelated zinc is a type of zinc supplement that uses a chelating agent to help your body absorb zinc more easily.
While there are several chelated zinc supplements on the market, one of the best options is NOW Foods’ Zinc Glycinate softgels.
Each softgel contains 30 mg of elemental zinc (from 150 mg of zinc bisglycinate) — a form of zinc that human and animal studies suggest may be better absorbed than other types of zinc. (Source, Source).
All NOW Foods supplements are certified by Underwriters Laboratories and follow GMP to ensure the quality and accuracy of their products. Additionally, these supplements tend to be more affordable than many other high quality brands.
While there are several chelated zinc supplements on the market, one of the best options is NOW Foods’ Zinc Glycinate softgels.
Each softgel contains 30 mg of elemental zinc (from 150 mg of zinc bisglycinate) — a form of zinc that human and animal studies suggest may be better absorbed than other types of zinc. (Source, Source).
All NOW Foods supplements are certified by Underwriters Laboratories and follow GMP to ensure the quality and accuracy of their products. Additionally, these supplements tend to be more affordable than many other high quality brands.
8. Mary Ruth's Liquid Ionic Zinc
Ratings - 4.7 out of 5 - more than 5,500 global ratings
MaryRuth’s Liquid Ionic Zinc is a liquid dietary supplement that provides zinc in ionic form, meaning that zinc is found as ions in the solution.
- Ionic Zinc Liquid Drops by MaryRuth's for Skin Health and Immune Support
- Pure Zinc Sulfate Supplement with Organic Glycerin for Adults & Kids
- Vegan, Non-GMO & Gluten Free | 40 Servings
- Per Serving (3 mL; ~4 Pumps): 11.25 mg Zinc (as Zinc Sulfate)
- Other Ingredients: Organic Glycerin (from Mustard Seed), Purified Water.
- Store in a cool, dry place. Keep out of reach of children in case of accidental overdose or choking.
- Free of Common Allergies: Liquid Ionic Zinc by MaryRuth's is Non-GMO, Vegan, Made in a GMP Facility. Dairy Free, Nut Free, Gluten & Wheat Free, Soy Free, Corn Free, Nightshade Free, Sugar Free. Bariatric Friendly, Celiac Friendly, Kid Friendly.
- Each bottle comes with 40 servings.
We are using this for health of our immune system. This was recommended to us by a doctor who swears by it. As she is taking care of Covid patients, she believes this has helped her not catch it. So... we are trying it. We just got it and haven't had it for that long, so we'll see. But, we are taking other Zinc pills and believe that has helped us. This is stronger and will get into our system faster, so we're looking forward to positive results.
9. NutriGold Zinc Gold - Best Organic
If you’re looking for an organic zinc supplement, NutriGold’s Zinc Gold is one of the best options out there.
Each capsule contains 15 mg of whole-foods-based zinc that’s derived from an organic sprouted blend, which the supplement claims may be gentler on your stomach.
Additionally, NutritGold’s supplements are certified organic by SCS Global Services, an official partner of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that sets sustainability, quality, and organic standards.
Each product is also third-party tested, as well as non-GMO and vegan certified.
Adults should take 1 capsule daily, or as directed by your healthcare provider.
Each capsule contains 15 mg of whole-foods-based zinc that’s derived from an organic sprouted blend, which the supplement claims may be gentler on your stomach.
Additionally, NutritGold’s supplements are certified organic by SCS Global Services, an official partner of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that sets sustainability, quality, and organic standards.
Each product is also third-party tested, as well as non-GMO and vegan certified.
Adults should take 1 capsule daily, or as directed by your healthcare provider.
Excellent, clean and effective product. This is a very natural ingredient product so be aware even this small mg amount, you may be sensitive to it. Always take with food.
10. Best Chewable Zinc Supplement 2021 - Zinc Gummies
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- The First Gummy Supplement of its Kind - Zinc 50mg Gummy with Vitamin D3, Echinacea (2 Month Supply) - Made in USA
- Vitamin D with Zinc - Zinc Gummies 50mg for Adults Kids are an essential mineral supplement that are a powerful part of a healthy lifestyle. Zinc supplements are powerful antioxidants that support a strong immune response, wound healing, cell production and many other vital functions of your body just like Elderberry, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin C & D3
- Powerful Zinc Chewable Immune Support - Taking Zinc Chewable Gummies each day can help make up for a lack of other nutrients in the diet such as vitimin D, vitamin C, vitamin A as well as Elderberry. Zinc immune support has been shown to be a highly absorbable form of zink, allowing for faster protection against normal illnesses.
- Zinc Supplements Gummies - Zinc Vitamins for Adults and Zinc Gummies for Kids can promote the production of collagen, and they may play a role in keeping your skin radiant and smooth. Immune Support Gummies Zinc wound-healing properties can be beneficial to maintaining skin’s elasticity throughout aging.
- Vegan Zinc Supplements - Taking zinc gummy vitamins for men women everyday may help promote longer deep sleep periods throughout the night. As a result, this zinc gummie supplement mineral vitamin helps to support your cognitive ability, mood, and energy levels. Zinc gummie absorb faster into the bloodstream, since they are chewed, rather than taking zinc lozenge, pills or capsules, or liquid zinc.
11. Quercetin Zinc Vitamins C & D3 Bromelain Magnesium by Mt. Angel Vitamins - Best Immune Support Supplement
- 300 capsules: 5 - 10 months supply
- FORTIFIED FUNCTION – Sick of stuffy, sneezy, seasonal illnesses? Fight flare-ups with Mt. Angel Vitamins’ quercetin supplement! This nutrient blend helps boost better health so you can feel your best!
- OVERALL AID – Bolster your body AND mind! Quercetin with vitamin C and zinc are proven not only to provide immune support but also to improve metabolism, circulatory supporty, and cognitive clarity!
- BREATHE & BOUND – Revive your vitality! By fostering cellular functioning, your zinc quercetin capsules’ antioxidants enhance respiratory health and energy levels so you can enjoy activities!
- TAKE IT EASY – Support, meet simplicity. To enjoy extra defense, take 1 of your quercetin with bromelain and zinc capsules twice daily. Bursting with 300 capsules, your bottle lasts longer than most brands’.
12. Sheer Strength Labs High Potency Zinc
Rating - 4.6 out of 5, more than 100 global ratings on Amazon
Sheer Strength high potency zinc works at a cellular level to support your body’s natural defense against symptoms associated with winter and seasonal changes.
Sheer zinc with selenium provides essential minerals your body needs for hundreds of functions throughout the body including muscle growth and recovery, eye health, heart health and more to support your overall wellness.
- Sheer High Potency Zinc 30mg Capsules
- Organic Zinc Supplements with Selenium for Men & Women
- Daily Vitamin Supplement for Maximum Nutrient Absorption & Energy Support
- 60 Gluten Free Veggie Caps
- Made in the USA: Follows strict cGMP guidelines and third party tested to ensure high quality, potency, and purity in each batch
Dose - 30mg
Great product! Higher strength which I wanted with everything going on, to build up my immune system. Easy to swallow, NO FILLERS, Higher End QUALITY supplement
Frequently Asked Questions
How much zinc should a senior take?
Zinc dosage for senior: The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for zinc is 11 mg for adult male and 8 mg for adult female.
Men over age 60 do not usually meet their recommended daily zinc needs. On average, males in this demographic get 9.4 milligrams per day, slightly less than the recommendation, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. In some cases, your doctor may suggest taking a daily multivitamin or zinc supplement to further boost your zinc intake. Zinc can be toxic at high doses, causing severe gastrointestinal problems. It is unlikely to get excessive amounts of zinc from your diet, but you can overdose on supplements.
Zinc has two standard dosages (Examine). The low dosage is 5-10mg daily, while the high dose is 25-45mg daily. The low dosage works well as a daily preventative, while the high dosage should be taken by anyone at risk for a zinc deficiency.
Different forms of zinc contain different amounts of elemental zinc, which refers to the weight of the zinc molecule by itself (Note: Product labels tend to mark the elemental weight)
Super loading zinc by taking up to 100mg zinc a day is confirmed to be safe in the short term (2-4 months) (Examine), but because this dose is higher than the 40mg Tolerable Upper Limit (TUL) of zinc, prolonged super loading is not advised. Zinc’s intestinal uptake is hindered by other minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and iron, since they all use the same transporter. If the transporter’s uptake limit (800mg) is exceeding between these four minerals, absorption rates will fall. Taking less than 800mg of these four minerals at the same time is fine.
Zinc lozenges, for the purpose of reducing the common cold, seem to be most effective when the total daily dose is over 75 mg and is divided into 6-8 doses, each separated by 2-3 hours when awake. Be aware that typical daily doses of zinc provided by zinc lozenges generally exceed tolerable upper limits for zinc, and for this reason, they should not be used for extended periods of time.
Different forms of zinc contain different amounts of elemental zinc, which refers to the weight of the zinc molecule by itself (Note: Product labels tend to mark the elemental weight)
- Zinc citrate is approximately 34% zinc by weight. For a dose of 50mg elemental zinc, take 146 mg zinc citrate. (Examine)
- Zinc sulfate consists 23% of elemental zinc; thus, 220 mg of zinc sulfate contains 50 mg of elemental zinc (NIH).
- Zinc gluconate is approximately 13% zinc by weight. For a dose of 50mg elemental zinc, take 385 mg zinc gluconate. (Examine)
- Zinc monomethionine is approximately 21% zinc by weight. For a dose of 50mg elemental zinc, take 238 mg zinc monomethionine. (Examine)
- Zinc picolinate (20% of elemental zinc) (Metabolics)
- Zinc ascorbate (15%) (Metabolics)
- Zinc chloride (48%) (Metabolics)
- Zinc carbonate (52%) (Metabolics)
- Zinc bisglycinate (25%) (Metabolics)
- Zinc oxide (80%) (FamilyPractice). Although the percentage of elemental zinc is high, do take note that zinc oxide is one of the least bioavailable form.
Super loading zinc by taking up to 100mg zinc a day is confirmed to be safe in the short term (2-4 months) (Examine), but because this dose is higher than the 40mg Tolerable Upper Limit (TUL) of zinc, prolonged super loading is not advised. Zinc’s intestinal uptake is hindered by other minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and iron, since they all use the same transporter. If the transporter’s uptake limit (800mg) is exceeding between these four minerals, absorption rates will fall. Taking less than 800mg of these four minerals at the same time is fine.
Zinc lozenges, for the purpose of reducing the common cold, seem to be most effective when the total daily dose is over 75 mg and is divided into 6-8 doses, each separated by 2-3 hours when awake. Be aware that typical daily doses of zinc provided by zinc lozenges generally exceed tolerable upper limits for zinc, and for this reason, they should not be used for extended periods of time.
Taking too much zinc can cause adverse side effects, such as decreased immune function, low copper levels (copper deficiency), and reduced HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
Regarding the form, zinc supplements are available as capsules, lozenges, and liquids. For those who are unable or prefer not to swallow pills, liquid forms are likely a better option.
Before buying any supplement, it’s important to research high quality, trustworthy brands to ensure both safety and accuracy.
Look for supplements that are produced by reputable manufactures and free of large amounts of added ingredients like fillers, additives, and preservatives.
A good way to ensure the quality of a product is to look for ones that have been certified by a third-party company, such as NSF International or Underwriters Labs.
Regarding the form, zinc supplements are available as capsules, lozenges, and liquids. For those who are unable or prefer not to swallow pills, liquid forms are likely a better option.
Before buying any supplement, it’s important to research high quality, trustworthy brands to ensure both safety and accuracy.
Look for supplements that are produced by reputable manufactures and free of large amounts of added ingredients like fillers, additives, and preservatives.
A good way to ensure the quality of a product is to look for ones that have been certified by a third-party company, such as NSF International or Underwriters Labs.
Foods that are high in zinc include oysters, crab, lobster, mussels, red meat, and poultry. Cereals are often fortified with zinc. Most multivitamin and nutritional supplements contain zinc.
How to choose zinc supplements?
When choosing a zinc supplement, it’s important to consider the type of zinc, dosage, and supplement form.
There are several types of zinc supplements. Some, such as zinc picolinate, may be better absorbed, while zinc acetate may be more effective at shortening the duration of the common cold (Trusted Source, Trusted Source).
Always check with your doctor before trying any new supplements or starting any new treatments. As your doctor may also prescribe supplements to you, do inform them about the supplements (including multivitamins, milk formula and nutritional supplements) that you are taking in order to avoid duplicates and overdose.
Conclusion
Zinc is an essential nutrient that you need to get enough of in your diet. However, as not everyone is able to meet their need through foods alone, supplements can help reduce the risk of a zinc deficiency.Of course, not all supplements are created equal. It’s important to look for high quality products that have been tested to ensure quality and accuracy.
If you’re concerned about your zinc intake, it’s worth speaking with your healthcare provider to see if a zinc supplement is a good option, as well as to determine an optimal dose.
Adapted version of the Original Article from Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-zinc-supplement
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