Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral for immunity, wound healing, and many enzymes. Excess intake can cause copper deficiency.
Overview
What is zinc?
Zinc is a mineral that is essential for health.
The body does not store zinc in meaningful amounts so it must be acquired from the diet.
Zinc deficiency can result in loss of smell and taste, hair loss and increase the risk of depression.
Many common forms of zinc may cause stomach upset, including but not limited to zinc citrate, zinc gluconate and zinc acetate.
Good dietary sources of zinc including oysters, beef and pumpkin seeds have a lower risk of side effects compared to supplements.
Dosage
A typical dose of zinc is around 9 mg per day for an adult female and 11 mg per day for an adult male.
The tolerable upper intake for an adult is 40 mg per day. The tolerable upper intake level is not set for children aged up to 14 years of age. The tolerable upper intake level for a child aged 14-18 is 34 mg per day.
Daily Recommended Dietary Allowances
Men: 11 mg
Women: 8 mg
Pregnant: 11-12 mg
Lactating: 12-13 mg
Children: 2 -11 mg, depending on age
Effect graph
Effect heatmap
SupplementDEX Database
24 conditions for and rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.
Database Snapshot
Most zinc research is concentrated in a handful of conditions.
- Common cold accounts for 14 of 141 studies (10%).
- Gingivitis accounts for 12 of 141 studies (9%).
- Acne accounts for 11 of 141 studies (8%).
- Sparse coverage remains for Child development, Diaper rash, Halitosis (Bad breath).
Dietary Sources
Top dietary sources
Daily Value: 11 mg per day
Ranked by amount per 100 g
- 61 mg100 g555% DV
- 10.9 mg100 g99% DV
- 10 mg100 g91% DV
- 10 mg100 g91% DV
- 2 mg100 g18% DV
- 2 mg100 g18% DV
- 2 mg100 g18% DV
- 1 mg100 g9% DV
Safety
Zinc is generally safe at doses of up to the tolerable upper limit of 40 mg per day. However, gastrointestinal side effects are often reported at lower doses depending on the form of zinc and whether or not it is taken with food.
Side effects
Common
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Bad taste in mouth
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Serious
- Neurological complications
- Anemia
- Copper deficiency
Special populations
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Likely safeIn pregnant and lactating women, a dose of up to 40 mg per day is likely safe but may cause mild side effects.
Children
Likely safeIn children, a dose up to the tolerable upper limit (2 mg per day for 0-6 mths, 3 mg per day for 7-12 mths, 3 mg per day for 1-3 yrs, 5 mg per day for 4-8 yrs and 8 mg per day for 9-13 yrs) is likely safe but may cause mild side effects.
Other notes
Doses lower than the tolerable upper limit are also associated with side effects including diarrhea, nausea and stomach cramps. Zinc oxide, commonly found in multivitamins, confer a greater risk of nausea or gastrointestinal upset. Despite marketing claims, many forms including zinc citrate, zinc gluconate and zinc picolinate can still result in gastrointestinal side effects when taken in higher doses. Of these, zinc picolinate appears to be the most well-tolerated in terms of gastrointestinal side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Takeaway
Zinc is a mineral that must be obtained through foods and supplements as the body cannot make it on its own.
Vegetarians, vegans and people taking certain medications are at increased risk of zinc deficiency.
Athletes may also require zinc supplementation due to training demands.
Zinc picolinate is the form of zinc least likely to cause stomach upset.
For the common cold, high dose zinc may shorten duration of illness and limit cold symptom severity.
References
Sources139 references
SupplementDEX uses only high-quality sources to determine supplement effectiveness.
SupplementDEX Database · Diarrhea
5 references1.SupplementDEX Database: Diarrhea — Effect of zinc supplementation on mortality in under 5-year children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials2021
A meta-analysis of 28 RCTs in 237,068 under-5 children found zinc supplementation reduced all-cause mortality by 16%, with stronger reductions at ≥10 mg/day and in low-birth-weight infants.
2.SupplementDEX Database: Diarrhea — Lower-Dose Zinc for Childhood Diarrhea - A Randomized, Multicenter Trial2020
In 4,500 children aged 6–59 months with acute diarrhea, 5 mg and 10 mg/day zinc for 14 days were noninferior to 20 mg/day for diarrhea duration and stool count but caused significantly less vomiting.
3.SupplementDEX Database: Diarrhea — Oral zinc for treating diarrhoea in children2016
A Cochrane review of 33 trials in 10,841 children found zinc shortened acute diarrhea by about half a day in children over 6 months and by about one day in malnourished children, with increased vomiting risk.
4.SupplementDEX Database: Diarrhea — What zinc supplementation does and does not achieve in diarrhea prevention: a systematic review and meta-analysis2011
A meta-analysis found preventive zinc associated with modest reductions in diarrhea incidence (9%), prevalence (19%), and multiple episodes (28%), but evidence for persistent diarrhea, dysentery, and mortality was inconclusive.
5.SupplementDEX Database: Diarrhea — Zinc for the treatment of diarrhoea: effect on diarrhoea morbidity, mortality and incidence of future episodes2010
A systematic review of 13 treatment trials concluded zinc for childhood diarrhea reduces episodes lasting beyond 7 days, hospitalizations, and estimated diarrhea mortality by about 23%.
SupplementDEX Database · Wilson's disease
5 references6.SupplementDEX Database: Wilson's disease — Zinc therapy increases duodenal concentrations of metallothionein and iron in Wilson's disease patients1999
In 15 Wilson's disease patients on zinc or penicillamine, duodenal metallothionein rose 1500% after zinc and 150% after penicillamine versus controls, supporting blocked copper absorption as zinc's mechanism.
7.SupplementDEX Database: Wilson's disease — Treatment of Wilson's disease with zinc: XV long-term follow-up studies1998
Long-term follow-up of 141 Wilson's disease patients on maintenance zinc (median 4.8 years) confirmed sustained efficacy and low toxicity, including in presymptomatic, pediatric, and pregnant patients.
8.SupplementDEX Database: Wilson's disease — Treatment of Wilson disease with ammonium tetrathiomolybdate. II. Initial therapy in 33 neurologically affected patients and follow-up with zinc therapy1996
In 33 neurologically affected Wilson's disease patients, 8 weeks of tetrathiomolybdate followed by zinc maintenance prevented further neurologic deterioration in all but one patient, with good long-term recovery.
9.SupplementDEX Database: Wilson's disease — Regression of Kayser-Fleischer rings during oral zinc therapy: correlation with systemic manifestations of Wilson's disease1996
In 14 Wilson's disease patients treated with tetrathiomolybdate then zinc for up to 5 years, Kayser-Fleischer ring size decreased significantly, though ring regression did not predict neurologic improvement.
10.SupplementDEX Database: Wilson's disease — Treatment of Wilson's disease with zinc. II. Validation of oral 64copper with copper balance1986
In nine Wilson's disease patients, oral 64copper peak blood uptake below 1% after zinc therapy validated neutral or negative copper balance, matching prior balance-study findings.
SupplementDEX Database · Acne
11 references11.SupplementDEX Database: Acne — An Open-label Study Comparing Oral Zinc to Lymecycline in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris2021
An open-label trial in 100 adolescents with mild-to-moderate acne found oral zinc sulphate and lymecycline both reduced GAGS scores over 12 weeks, with significantly greater acne-related quality-of-life gains in the zinc group.
12.SupplementDEX Database: Acne — Serum zinc levels and efficacy of zinc treatment in acne vulgaris: A systematic review and meta-analysis2020
A meta-analysis found acne patients had lower serum zinc than controls and that zinc treatment significantly reduced inflammatory papule counts as monotherapy or adjunct therapy, without increased side effects.
13.SupplementDEX Database: Acne — Multicenter randomized comparative double-blind controlled clinical trial of the safety and efficacy of zinc gluconate versus minocycline hydrochloride in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris2001
In 332 patients with inflammatory acne, 30 mg/day elemental zinc gluconate for 3 months achieved a 31.2% clinical success rate versus 63.4% with minocycline, indicating minocycline was about 17% more effective.
14.SupplementDEX Database: Acne — A double-blind controlled evaluation of the sebosuppressive activity of topical erythromycin-zinc complex1995
In 14 volunteers, 4% erythromycin plus 1.2% zinc applied to half the forehead for 3 months significantly reduced sebum excretion rate and lipid spot area versus erythromycin alone.
15.SupplementDEX Database: Acne — Topical erythromycin and zinc therapy for acne1990
In 73 women with acne, 4% erythromycin plus 1.2% zinc acetate for 12 weeks significantly improved global severity and lesion counts versus vehicle; benefits persisted through 1 year in 39 completers.
16.SupplementDEX Database: Acne — A 4% erythromycin and zinc combination (Zineryt) versus 2% erythromycin (Eryderm) in acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind comparative study1989
In 122 acne patients, Zineryt (4% erythromycin plus zinc) reduced lesion counts and severity grades more effectively over 12 weeks than 2% erythromycin alone.
17.SupplementDEX Database: Acne — Topical zinc therapy for acne vulgaris1985
A 12-week double-blind study in 30 mild-to-moderate acne patients found topical 2% zinc sulfate did not reduce lesion counts versus placebo and caused significantly greater skin irritation.
18.SupplementDEX Database: Acne — Topical erythromycin with zinc in acne. A double-blind controlled study1980
In 141 acne patients, topical 4% erythromycin with 1.2% zinc liquid or gel twice daily matched oral tetracycline and outperformed placebo on severity grade and papule counts over 10 weeks.
19.SupplementDEX Database: Acne — A double-blind trial of a zinc sulphate/citrate complex and tetracycline in the treatment of acne vulgaris1979
In 48 acne patients over 3 months, oral tetracycline significantly reduced overall grade and most lesion types, whereas a zinc sulphate/citrate complex only significantly reduced pustules at month 3.
20.SupplementDEX Database: Acne — Zinc sulfate in acne vulgaris1978
In 40 acne patients treated 12 weeks, oral zinc sulfate showed a modest benefit on pustules only; 50% of the zinc group had nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea and 21% withdrew.
21.SupplementDEX Database: Acne — A double-blind study of the effect of zinc and oxytetracycline in acne vulgaris1977
In 37 patients with moderate-to-severe acne, oral zinc and oxytetracycline over 12 weeks produced similar roughly 70% reductions in acne scores with no reported side effects in either group.
23.SupplementDEX Database: Acrodermatitis enteropathica — Bullous lesions in acrodermatitis enteropathica. Histopathologic findings regarding two patients1992
Two infantile acrodermatitis enteropathica cases with bullous hand and foot lesions showed dramatic clinical response to oral zinc sulfate; histology revealed intraepidermal vesiculation without acantholysis.
24.SupplementDEX Database: Acrodermatitis enteropathica — Acrodermatitis enteropathica in Saudi Arabia1990
Four Saudi patients with acrodermatitis enteropathica and documented low serum zinc responded well to zinc supplementation; angular cheilitis was the last sign to resolve on treatment.
25.SupplementDEX Database: Acrodermatitis enteropathica — Fatty acid composition of plasma lipids in acrodermatitis enteropathica before and after zinc supplementation1985
In a 6-month-old girl with acrodermatitis enteropathica, zinc supplementation rapidly normalized reduced linoleic and arachidonic acid in triglycerides and sterol esters, suggesting impaired essential fatty acid absorption.
26.SupplementDEX Database: Acrodermatitis enteropathica — The effects of diet and zinc treatment on the fatty acid composition of serum lipids and adipose tissue and on serum lipoproteins in two adolescent patients with acrodermatitis enteropathica1983
Longitudinal follow-up of two adolescent acrodermatitis enteropathica patients over ~7 years found zinc dose influenced linoleic acid in serum lipids and serum triglycerides, though HDL cholesterol remained low.
22.Necrolytic acral erythema associated with hepatitis C: effective treatment with interferon alfa and zinc. See external sourceExternal source
No source link
27.SupplementDEX Database: Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — Clinician guidelines for the treatment of psychiatric disorders with nutraceuticals and phytoceuticals: The World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) and Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) Taskforce2022
WFSBP/CANMAT 2022 guidelines rated acetyl-L-carnitine as not recommended for ADHD based on Grade A evidence from meta-analyses and RCTs.
28.SupplementDEX Database: Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — The effect of zinc supplementation in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials2022
A meta-analysis of six RCTs in 489 children found zinc supplementation significantly reduced overall ADHD symptom scores (SMD −0.62) but not hyperactivity or inattention subscores separately.
29.SupplementDEX Database: Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of zinc sulfate in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder2004
In 400 children with ADHD, 150 mg/day zinc sulfate for 12 weeks reduced hyperactivity, impulsivity, and impaired socialization versus placebo but not attention-deficit scores; full response rates were 28.7% versus 20%.
30.SupplementDEX Database: Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — Zinc sulfate as an adjunct to methylphenidate for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children: a double blind and randomized trial [ISRCTN64132371]2004
In 44 children aged 5–11 with ADHD, adding 55 mg/day zinc sulfate to methylphenidate for 6 weeks improved parent and teacher ADHD rating scales versus methylphenidate plus placebo.
31.SupplementDEX Database: Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — Zinc deficiency in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder1996
A clinical study investigated zinc status in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and its potential relationship to symptom severity.
32.SupplementDEX Database: Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — Relationships between serum free fatty acids and zinc, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a research note1996
In 48 children with ADHD versus 45 controls, mean serum zinc was 60.6 versus 105.8 µg/dL and serum free fatty acids were significantly lower in ADHD, with a significant correlation between zinc and FFA in patients.
33.SupplementDEX Database: Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — Does hair zinc predict amphetamine improvement of ADD/hyperactivity?1990
In 18 boys with ADHD, baseline hair zinc levels correlated with parent and teacher ratings of greater dextroamphetamine benefit over placebo in a one-month crossover trial.
34.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Treatment response to antioxidants and zinc based on CFH and ARMS2 genetic risk allele number in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study2015
Post-hoc AREDS analysis in 989 white patients found zinc-containing treatment benefited AMD progression only in specific CFH/ARMS2 genotype groups and worsened progression in patients with two CFH risk alleles and no ARMS2 risk alleles.
35.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Should we test for genotype in deciding on age-related eye disease study supplementation?2015
A commentary reviewed whether CFH and ARMS2 genetic testing should guide use of AREDS zinc-antioxidant supplementation in age-related macular degeneration management.
36.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Genetic testing in persons with age-related macular degeneration and the use of the AREDS supplements: to test or not to test?2015
A review examined the clinical utility of genetic testing in AMD patients and whether genotype should influence recommendations for AREDS supplement use.
37.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Long-term effects of vitamins C and E, β-carotene, and zinc on age-related macular degeneration: AREDS report no. 352013
AREDS long-term follow-up of 4,757 participants confirmed antioxidant plus zinc supplementation continued to slow AMD progression over many years.
38.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Dietary intake of antioxidants and risk of age-related macular degeneration2005
In 4,170 Rotterdam Study participants followed ~8 years, higher dietary zinc and vitamin E intake were inversely associated with incident AMD; combined high intake of four antioxidants cut AMD risk by 35%.
39.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Potential public health impact of Age-Related Eye Disease Study results: AREDS report no. 112003
An AREDS analysis projected that widespread antioxidant plus zinc supplementation could substantially reduce future advanced AMD cases in the U.S. over 5 years.
40.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and zinc for age-related macular degeneration and vision loss: AREDS report no. 82001
The AREDS trial of 1,063 participants (ages 55–80) found high-dose vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and zinc significantly reduced progression to advanced AMD.
41.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Dietary antioxidants and age-related maculopathy: the Blue Mountains Eye Study1999
In 2,900 Blue Mountains Eye Study participants aged 49+, dietary zinc, carotene, and vitamins A and C from food or supplements showed no significant association with early or late age-related maculopathy.
42.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Oral zinc and the second eye in age-related macular degeneration1996
In 112 AMD patients with exudative disease in one eye, 200 mg/day oral zinc sulfate for 24 months did not prevent choroidal neovascularization or functional decline in the fellow eye versus placebo.
43.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Association of zinc and antioxidant nutrients with age-related maculopathy1996
In 1,968 Beaver Dam Eye Study participants, highest versus lowest dietary zinc quintile was associated with lower early AMD odds (OR 0.6), with a stronger signal for some early AMD subtypes; late AMD numbers were too small for firm conclusions.
44.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Oral zinc in macular degeneration1988
A pilot RCT in 151 patients with drusen or macular degeneration found oral zinc for 12–24 months produced significantly less visual loss than placebo, the first controlled oral intervention showing limited benefit in AMD.
SupplementDEX Database · Child development
2 references45.SupplementDEX Database: Child development — The effect of zinc supplementation on anthropometric measurements in healthy children over two years: a systematic review and meta-analysis2023
A meta-analysis of eight studies in 1,586 healthy children over 2 years found zinc supplementation significantly increased height, weight, and height-for-age z scores.
46.SupplementDEX Database: Child development — Maternal zinc supplementation and growth in Peruvian infants2008
In 546 Peruvian infants followed to 12 months, prenatal 15 mg/day zinc increased weight, calf circumference, chest circumference, and calf muscle area versus iron-folate alone, without affecting linear growth.
SupplementDEX Database · Cold sores
5 references47.SupplementDEX Database: Cold sores — Safety and effectiveness of an L-lysine, zinc, and herbal-based product on the treatment of facial and circumoral herpes2005
An open-label study of a topical L-lysine, zinc, and herbal cream in facial/circumoral herpes found 87% of lesions fully resolved by day 6 vs typical 21-day course without treatment.
48.SupplementDEX Database: Cold sores — A randomized clinical trial on the treatment of oral herpes with topical zinc oxide/glycine2001
In 46 herpes patients starting zinc oxide/glycine cream within 24 hours of onset, mean lesion duration was 5.0 versus 6.5 days on placebo, with reduced blistering, soreness, itching, and tingling.
49.SupplementDEX Database: Cold sores — Use of topical zinc to prevent recurrent herpes simplex infection: review of literature and suggested protocols1985
A literature review reported that topical zinc preparations shorten duration and severity of orolabial and genital herpes outbreaks and that long-term use may greatly reduce genital herpes recurrences.
50.SupplementDEX Database: Cold sores — Low concentration zinc sulphate solution in the management of recurrent herpes simplex infection1985
A clinical study evaluated low-concentration topical zinc sulphate solution for managing recurrent herpes simplex infection.
51.SupplementDEX Database: Cold sores — Topical treatment of recurrent herpes simplex and post-herpetic erythema multiforme with low concentrations of zinc sulphate solution1981
Clinical reports found low-concentration zinc sulphate solution (0.025–0.05% on skin, 0.01–0.025% on oral mucosa) prevented recurrent herpes simplex and post-herpetic erythema multiforme relapses.
SupplementDEX Database · Common cold
14 references52.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — Zinc acetate lozenges for the treatment of the common cold: a randomised controlled trial2020
Among 87 adults who caught a cold, zinc acetate lozenges (13 mg elemental zinc, up to 6×/day for 5 days) did not improve recovery rate versus taste-matched placebo.
53.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — Zinc lozenges and the common cold: a meta-analysis comparing zinc acetate and zinc gluconate, and the role of zinc dosage2017
A meta-analysis comparing clinical efficacy between zinc acetate and zinc gluconate lozenges and evaluating how zinc dosage influences cold symptom reduction. A meta-analysis of 7 studies including 575 participants with naturally acquired common colds found that the average common cold duration was 33% shorter (95% CI 21% to 45%) for the zinc acetate and zinc gluconate groups. In three trials that used zinc acetate, the average cold duration was shortened by 40% and by 28% in four trials that used zinc gluconate. The difference between elemental zinc at 80-92 mg/day and 192-207 mg/day doses was not significant. There is no evidence that high dose zinc lozenges are superior to doses of around 100 mg/day.
54.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — The immune system and the impact of zinc during aging. See external source2009
A review of studies in older adults found that marginal zinc deficiency may worsen age-related immune dysregulation and that zinc supplementation can reduce inflammatory markers in elderly participants.
View source200955.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — Duration and severity of symptoms and levels of plasma interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor, and adhesion molecules in patients with common cold treated with zinc acetate2008
A clinical trial assessing how zinc acetate affects symptom duration and inflammatory cytokine levels in patients with the common cold. A study of 50 volunteers recruited within 24 hours of developing common cold symptoms found that zinc acetate (13.3 mg every 2-3 h when awake) reduced mean overall duration of cold (4.0 vs. 7.1 days placebo; P < 0.001), runny nose (3.0 vs. 4.5 days; P = 0.02) and cough (2.1 vs. 5.0 days, P < 0.0001) when compared to placebo.
56.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — Zinc supplementation in the elderly reduces spontaneous inflammatory cytokine release and restores T cell functions2008
In 19 healthy elderly adults, moderate zinc supplementation reduced spontaneous cytokine release, improved T-cell mitogenic responses, and lowered preactivated T-cell levels without suppressing immune function.
57.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — Zinc supplementation decreases incidence of infections in the elderly: effect of zinc on generation of cytokines and oxidative stress2007
A randomized trial evaluating whether zinc supplementation lowers infection rates in older adults by modulating cytokine production and oxidative stress. A 12-month study of 49 healthy elderly subjects (55-87 yrs) found that zinc gluconate (45 mg elemental zinc per day) significantly reduced the incidence of infections, increased plasma zinc and reduced oxidative stress markers. When compared to a group of younger adults (n = 31, 18-54 yrs), older adults had significantly lower baseline plasma zinc, higher plasma oxidative stress markers and greater ex vivo generation of inflammatory cytokines and interleukin 10.
58.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — Duration of symptoms and plasma cytokine levels in patients with the common cold treated with zinc acetate. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial2000
A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial assessing whether zinc acetate shortens duration of cold symptoms and alters cytokine profiles. A study of 48 participants recruited within 24 hours of developing cold symptoms found that 12.8 mg zinc acetate lozenges taken every 2-3 hours as long as they still had symptoms, reduced duration of cold symptoms (4.5 vs. 8.1 days), cough (3.1 [95% CI, 2.1 to 4.1] vs. 6.3 [4.9 to 7.7] days) and nasal discharge (4.1 [3.3 to 4.9] vs. 5.8 [4.3 to 7.3] days). Zinc significantly reduced severity of all symptoms (P < 0.002). There were no significant differences between cytokine levels in the zinc group and the placebo group (P > 0.2) but measurements were taken 3 days later in the placebo group, after cold symptoms had resolved. The mean change in soluble interleukin-1 receptor antagonist level was greater in the zinc group than the placebo group (-153.5 vs. -64.1 pg/mL) but the difference between groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.2).
59.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — Effect of treatment with zinc gluconate or zinc acetate on experimental and natural colds2000
A controlled study comparing zinc gluconate and zinc acetate formulations for reducing severity and duration of both experimental and naturally occurring colds. A study including two clinical trials examined the effects of 13.3 mg zinc gluconate, 5 mg zinc acetate, 11.5 mg zinc acetate or placebo in subjects with natural colds (n = 281) or experimental rhinovirus (n = 273). For natural colds, no formulation had any effect on cold severity or duration. For experimental colds, zinc acetate had no effect on either duration or severity whilst zinc gluconate had no effect on cold severity but did shorten median duration of illness (2.5 vs. 3.5 days, P = 0.035)
61.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — Zinc gluconate lozenges for treating the common cold. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study1996
A study of 100 participants (who developed symptoms of the common cold within 24 hours of study enrollment) found that zinc gluconate (13.3 mg every 2 hours whilst symptomatic) reduced the severity and length of colds (Median 4.4 days vs 7.6 days, P < 0.001) compared to placebo. The zinc group experienced a reduction in days with coughing (Median 2.0 days vs. 4.5 days, P = 0.04), headache (2.0 days vs 3.0 days, P = 0.02), hoarseness (2.0 days vs. 3.0 days, P = 0.02), nasal congestion (4.0 days vs. 6.0 days, P = 0.002), nasal drainage (4.0 days vs 7.0 days, P < 0.001), and sore throat (1.0- days vs 3.0 days, P < 0.001). Zinc did not significantly improve time to resolution for symptoms including fever, muscle ache, scratchy throat or sneezing. Compared to placebo, the zinc group had more total side effects (90% vs. 62%, P < 0.001), including nausesa (20% vs. 4%, P = 0.02), and bad-taste reactions (80% vs. 30%, P < 0.001).
62.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — Zinc gluconate and the common cold: a controlled clinical study1992
In 73 young adults, zinc gluconate-glycine lozenges shortened cold duration by 1.2 days (4.9 vs 6.1 days on placebo), with greater benefit when started within 1 day of symptom onset.
63.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — Zinc gluconate lozenges for common cold. A double-blind clinical trial1990
In 130 adults completing a cold trial, zinc gluconate lozenges (4.5 mg every 1–1.5 hours) did not significantly reduce cold duration or severity versus placebo.
64.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — Prophylaxis and treatment of rhinovirus colds with zinc gluconate lozenges1987
In this study, volunteers underwent three protocols: A zinc gluconate lozenge tolerance study, a prophylaxis study examining the effect of zinc for the prevention of rhionvirus infection and a therapeutic study examining the effects of zinc following virus inoculation. The therapeutic study including 69 participants infected with rhinovirus-2 found zinc gluconate (23 mg lozenge every 2 hours while awake for 6 days) reduced mean daily clinical score and nasal secretion weight in 12 patients who developed colds, when compared to placebo. In the prophylaxis study including 57 volunteers, zinc gluconate resulted in a reduction in total mean clinical score from 8.2 in the placebo group to 5.7. Participants were infected with rhinovirus 2 (HRV-2 on the second day of medication (zinc gluconate was dosed 23 mg every 2 h while awake for 4.5 days). Taking zinc in the 24 h leading up to a common cold may reduce like likelihood of catching a cold.
65.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — Reduction in duration of common colds by zinc gluconate lozenges in a double-blind study1984
A double-blind clinical trial reporting that zinc gluconate lozenges significantly reduce common cold duration compared with placebo. A study including 65 subjects (adults & children) found that zinc gluconate (Loading dose of 47 mg [2 tablets] then 23.5 mg every 2 hours whilst awake, up to 282 mg/day for adults, 211.5 mg/day for youths & 141 mg/day for children under 60 lbs/27.2 kg) resulted in complete resolution of cold symptoms after 7 days, in 86% of those in the zinc group when compared to 46% of participants in the placebo group.
60.Randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled clinical study of the effectiveness of zinc acetate lozenges on common cold symptoms in allergy-tested subject. See external sourceExternal source
SupplementDEX Database · COVID-19
3 references66.SupplementDEX Database: COVID-19 — Twice-Daily Oral Zinc in the Treatment of Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial2023
In 470 COVID-19 patients, twice-daily oral zinc for 15 days lowered 30-day ICU admission (5.2% vs 11.3%) and composite bad outcomes versus placebo, shortened hospital stay by 3.5 days, and reduced symptom duration by 1.9 days in outpatients.
67.SupplementDEX Database: COVID-19 — Zinc Supplementation Associated With a Decrease in Mortality in COVID-19 Patients: A Meta-Analysis2023
A meta-analysis of five studies found zinc supplementation associated with reduced COVID-19 mortality (RR 0.63) but two studies in 391 patients showed no significant effect on symptomatology.
68.SupplementDEX Database: COVID-19 — The effect of zinc supplementation on the course of COVID-19 - A systematic review and meta-analysis2022
A meta-analysis of nine studies found zinc supplementation associated with lower in-hospital COVID-19 mortality (21.6% vs 23.0%, OR 0.71) and no increase in acute kidney injury or mechanical ventilation needs.
SupplementDEX Database · Depression
7 references69.SupplementDEX Database: Depression — Zinc supplementation combined with antidepressant drugs for treatment of patients with depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis2021
A meta-analysis of five RCTs found zinc supplementation with antidepressants reduced depressive symptoms by a mean SMD of −0.36 versus placebo, with larger effects (SMD −0.61) in participants aged 40 years or older.
70.SupplementDEX Database: Depression — Zinc in depression: From development to treatment: A comparative/ dose response meta-analysis of observational studies and randomized controlled trials2020
A meta-analysis of observational and RCT data found higher dietary zinc linked to lower depression risk and that zinc supplementation significantly lowered depressive symptom scores in depressed patients (WMD −4.15 points).
71.SupplementDEX Database: Depression — Dietary zinc and iron intake and risk of depression: A meta-analysis2017
A meta-analysis of nine zinc and three iron intake studies found highest versus lowest dietary zinc associated with 33% lower depression risk (RR 0.67) and dietary iron with 43% lower risk.
72.SupplementDEX Database: Depression — Effects of zinc supplementation on efficacy of antidepressant therapy, inflammatory cytokines, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients with major depression2014
In 44 adults with major depression, 25 mg/day elemental zinc added to SSRI antidepressants for 12 weeks significantly reduced Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores versus placebo without changing IL-6, TNF-α, or BDNF levels.
73.SupplementDEX Database: Depression — Zinc in depression: a meta-analysis2013
A meta-analysis of 17 studies in 1,643 depressed versus 804 control subjects found serum zinc approximately 1.85 µmol/L lower in depression, with greater deficits linked to higher symptom severity.
74.SupplementDEX Database: Depression — Zinc supplementation augments efficacy of imipramine in treatment resistant patients: a double blind, placebo-controlled study2009
In 60 depressed adults on imipramine (~140 mg/day), 25 mg/day zinc for 12 weeks significantly improved outcomes in treatment-resistant but not treatment-naive patients versus placebo.
75.SupplementDEX Database: Depression — Effect of zinc supplementation on antidepressant therapy in unipolar depression: a preliminary placebo-controlled study2003
A pilot RCT in unipolar depression found 25 mg/day zinc plus standard antidepressants significantly reduced Hamilton and Beck depression scores at 6 and 12 weeks versus placebo.
SupplementDEX Database · Diabetes
4 references76.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Effects of zinc supplementation on lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2020
A meta-analysis of nine RCTs in 424 type 2 diabetes patients found zinc supplementation significantly lowered triglycerides by 17.1 mg/dL and total cholesterol by 26.2 mg/dL, with HDL increases in several subgroups.
77.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Zinc supplementation improves glycemic control for diabetes prevention and management: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2019
A meta-analysis of 32 RCTs in 1,700 participants found zinc supplementation reduced fasting glucose by 14.2 mg/dL, HbA1c by 0.55%, fasting insulin, and insulin resistance versus placebo.
78.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Zinc Supplementation and the Effects on Pregnancy Outcomes in Gestational Diabetes: a Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial2016
In 50 women with gestational diabetes, 30 mg/day zinc for 6 weeks lowered hs-CRP and raised total antioxidant capacity versus placebo but did not significantly change pregnancy outcomes.
79.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Zinc supplementation and the effects on metabolic status in gestational diabetes: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial2015
In 58 women with gestational diabetes, 30 mg/day zinc for 6 weeks reduced fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR and increased insulin sensitivity versus placebo, without affecting most other lipids.
SupplementDEX Database · Diaper rash
2 references80.SupplementDEX Database: Diaper rash — Efficacy of topical application of eosin compared with zinc oxide paste and corticosteroid cream for diaper dermatitis1999
In 54 infants with diaper dermatitis, eosin 2% solution achieved 61% complete healing after 5 days versus 22% with zinc oxide paste and 33% with corticosteroid cream.
81.SupplementDEX Database: Diaper rash — Effect of oral zinc supplements on diaper rash in normal infants1989
In 179 newborn infants, 10 mg/day oral zinc for 4 months significantly reduced diaper rash incidence versus placebo, with slightly greater height and weight gains that did not reach significance.
SupplementDEX Database · Gingivitis
12 references82.SupplementDEX Database: Gingivitis — Comparison of a stabilized stannous fluoride/sodium hexametaphosphate dentifrice and a zinc citrate dentifrice on plaque formation measured by digital plaque imaging (DPIA) with white light illumination2008
In 21 adults, a stannous fluoride/sodium hexametaphosphate dentifrice reduced overnight plaque by 25% versus a zinc citrate dentifrice in a two-week DPIA comparison study.
83.SupplementDEX Database: Gingivitis — A study into the plaque-inhibitory activity of experimental toothpaste formulations containing antimicrobial agents2005
In 24 volunteers using toothpaste slurry rinses over 96 hours without brushing, two zinc citrate/triclosan formulations did not significantly outperform a conventional fluoride control on plaque accumulation.
84.SupplementDEX Database: Gingivitis — Efficacy of a dentifrice containing zinc citrate for the control of plaque and gingivitis: a 6-month clinical study in adults1998
In 99 adults over 6 months, a 2% zinc citrate dentifrice reduced plaque by 25.3% and gingivitis by 18.8% versus control, with 66.7% reduction in severe gingivitis.
85.SupplementDEX Database: Gingivitis — The comparative clinical efficacy of pyrophosphate/triclosan, copolymer/triclosan and zinc citrate/triclosan dentifrices for the reduction of supragingival calculus formation1997
In 544 adults followed 4 months after prophylaxis, a zinc citrate/triclosan dentifrice reduced supragingival calculus severity by 17–19% and occurrence by 12–13% versus control.
86.SupplementDEX Database: Gingivitis — The effect of mouthrinses containing zinc and triclosan on plaque accumulation, development of gingivitis and formation of calculus in a 28-week clinical test1996
Over 28 weeks, zinc sulphate/triclosan mouthrinses maintained significantly lower plaque, calculus, and gingival bleeding than a control rinse, though initial post-prophylaxis gains waned in all groups.
87.SupplementDEX Database: Gingivitis — The effect of three commercially available dentifrices containing triclosan on supragingival plaque formation and gingivitis: a six month clinical study1994
In 194 adults over 6 months, only a triclosan/copolymer dentifrice significantly reduced plaque and gingivitis versus placebo; triclosan/zinc citrate and triclosan/pyrophosphate products did not.
88.SupplementDEX Database: Gingivitis — The effects of a silica dentifrice containing Triclosan and zinc citrate on supragingival plaque and calculus formation and the control of gingivitis1993
A 7-month trial found a triclosan plus 0.75% zinc citrate dentifrice significantly reduced gingivitis, plaque, and supragingival calculus versus a fluoride control dentifrice.
89.SupplementDEX Database: Gingivitis — Zinc in etiology of periodontal disease1993
A mechanistic review proposed that zinc deficiency in gingiva increases epithelial permeability to bacteria, linking altered zinc-copper balance to periodontal inflammation.
90.SupplementDEX Database: Gingivitis — Anticalculus effect of a dentifrice containing 0.5% zinc citrate trihydrate1991
In 964 adults over 3 months, a 0.5% zinc citrate dentifrice reduced mean calculus scores by 13.7% versus control, a statistically significant anticalculus effect with no adverse events.
91.SupplementDEX Database: Gingivitis — Control of gingivitis and calculus by a dentifrice containing a zinc salt and triclosan1990
Over 6 months, a dentifrice with 0.5% zinc citrate and 0.2% triclosan maintained significantly lower gingival bleeding and calculus than a control paste, though plaque differences were not significant at P = 0.05.
92.SupplementDEX Database: Gingivitis — Six-month study of the effect of a dentifrice containing zinc citrate and triclosan on plaque, gingival health, and calculus1990
In 101 adults over 6 months, a zinc citrate/triclosan dentifrice kept plaque and gingival bleeding below control levels and significantly reduced calculus at 3 and 6 months after initial hygiene instruction.
93.SupplementDEX Database: Gingivitis — Effects of a zinc citrate mouthwash on dental plaque and salivary bacteria1980
A crossover trial found zinc citrate mouthwash significantly reduced plaque versus placebo over 7 days, but the mean reduction was small and salivary bacterial counts did not decrease.
SupplementDEX Database · Halitosis (Bad breath)
2 references94.SupplementDEX Database: Halitosis (Bad breath) — Efficacy of different mouthrinse formulations in reducing oral malodour: a randomized clinical trial2013
In 18 adults with oral malodour rinsing 7 days, antimicrobial mouthrinses with zinc lactate showed the best therapeutic reduction in organoleptic scores and volatile sulfur compounds.
95.SupplementDEX Database: Halitosis (Bad breath) — The effect of Breezy candy on halitosis: a double-blind, controlled, and randomized study2012
In 75 halitosis patients, Breezy candy with zinc gluconate 0.5% reduced malodor by up to 60% on Halimeter testing versus about 10% with regular candy for up to 4 hours.
96.SupplementDEX Database: Loss of taste (Hypogeusia) — The effects of zinc on radiation-induced dysgeusia: a systematic review and meta-analysis2020
A meta-analysis of three high-quality trials found zinc reduced radiation-induced dysgeusia incidence versus placebo (RR 0.72) but did not significantly accelerate recovery of taste acuity after head and neck radiotherapy.
97.SupplementDEX Database: Loss of taste (Hypogeusia) — Interventions for managing taste disturbances2017
A Cochrane review of nine zinc trials in 544 taste-disorder patients found zinc supplements improved objective taste acuity (SMD 0.44) in idiopathic and zinc-deficient cases, though evidence quality was very low.
98.SupplementDEX Database: Loss of taste (Hypogeusia) — A randomized, placebo controlled trial of oral zinc for chemotherapy-related taste and smell disorders2012
In 58 chemotherapy patients with taste or smell changes, 50 mg elemental zinc twice daily for 3 months did not significantly improve taste or smell scores versus placebo.
99.SupplementDEX Database: Loss of taste (Hypogeusia) — Efficacy of exogenous oral zinc in treatment of patients with carbonic anhydrase VI deficiency1999
In 14 patients with carbonic anhydrase VI deficiency and hypogeusia, 100 mg/day oral zinc for 4–6 months restored parotid gustin/CA VI in 10 responders and improved taste, smell, and taste-bud morphology.
100.SupplementDEX Database: Loss of taste (Hypogeusia) — Taste acuity and zinc metabolism in captopril-treated hypertensive male patients1988
In 31 hypertensive patients, long-term high-dose captopril was associated with higher taste thresholds, lower plasma zinc, and higher urinary zinc excretion; stopping captopril improved taste and zinc parameters in two patients.
101.SupplementDEX Database: Loss of taste (Hypogeusia) — Zinc therapy of acetazolamide-induced side-effects1984
In 12 patients with acetazolamide-induced taste disturbance, anorexia, and paresthesia, 0.2 g zinc sulphate three times daily for 4 weeks showed no significant benefit over placebo on subjective symptoms or taste tests.
SupplementDEX Database · Leprosy
4 references102.SupplementDEX Database: Leprosy — Oral zinc therapy in recurrent erythema nodosum leprosum: a clinical study1994
In 40 leprosy patients with recurrent erythema nodosum leprosum requiring high-dose steroids, 4 months of oral zinc markedly reduced reaction frequency, severity, and steroid requirements.
103.SupplementDEX Database: Leprosy — Serum zinc/copper ratio in subtypes of leprosy and effect of oral zinc therapy on reactional states1991
In leprosy patients, serum zinc was lowest in erythema nodosum leprosum reactions and rose significantly after oral zinc therapy, though elevated copper levels were not reduced.
104.SupplementDEX Database: Leprosy — Oral zinc as an adjunct to dapsone in lepromatous leprosy1984
In 15 multibacillary leprosy patients, oral zinc plus dapsone produced faster clinical improvement, greater bacterial index decline, lymphocyte influx, and lepromin conversion versus dapsone alone in 10 controls.
105.SupplementDEX Database: Leprosy — Oral zinc in recurrent Erythema Nodosum Leprosum reaction1983
In eight leprosy patients with recurrent erythema nodosum leprosum, oral zinc sulfate allowed reduction of clofazimine and complete steroid withdrawal, reduced reaction severity, and restored dapsone tolerance in four of five prior intolerants.
SupplementDEX Database · Leishmaniasis
4 references106.SupplementDEX Database: Leishmaniasis — Intralesional injection of 2% zinc sulfate solution in the treatment of acute old world cutaneous leishmaniasis: a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial2005
In acute Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis, weekly intralesional 2% zinc sulfate for 6 weeks achieved complete re-epithelialization in 10.5% of lesions versus 61.3% with meglumine antimoniate.
107.SupplementDEX Database: Leishmaniasis — Comparison of intralesionally injected zinc sulfate with meglumine antimoniate in the treatment of acute cutaneous leishmaniasis2004
In 66 of 104 acute cutaneous leishmaniasis patients completing treatment, intralesional 2% zinc sulfate achieved an 83.8% cure rate versus 60% with meglumine antimoniate over 6 weeks.
108.SupplementDEX Database: Leishmaniasis — Oral zinc sulphate in the treatment of acute cutaneous leishmaniasis2001
In 104 cutaneous leishmaniasis patients, oral zinc sulfate at 2.5–10 mg/kg for 45 days produced cure rates of 83.9% to 96.9% across dose groups versus no healing in untreated controls.
109.SupplementDEX Database: Leishmaniasis — A comparative controlled trial of intralesionally-administered zinc sulphate, hypertonic sodium chloride and pentavalent antimony compound against acute cutaneous leishmaniasis1997
In 63 patients with acute cutaneous leishmaniasis, intralesional 2% zinc sulfate achieved a 94.8% cure rate, often with a single injection, comparable to hypertonic saline and pentavalent antimony over 45 days.
110.SupplementDEX Database: Male infertility (Sperm quality) — The Role and Place of Antioxidants in the Treatment of Male Infertility Caused by Varicocele2022
In 163 men with idiopathic or varicocele-related infertility, 6 months of an antioxidant formula containing 3,450 mg/day L-carnitine plus acetyl-L-carnitine improved sperm count, concentration, and motility, with greatest benefit in grade III varicocele.
111.SupplementDEX Database: Male infertility (Sperm quality) — Effect of Folic Acid and Zinc Supplementation in Men on Semen Quality and Live Birth Among Couples Undergoing Infertility Treatment: A Randomized Clinical Trial2020
A randomized trial of 1185 pregnant women found that 5 mg folic acid + 30 mg zinc/day for 6 months among a general population of couples seeking infertility treatment, the use of folic acid and zinc supplementation by male partners, compared with placebo, did not significantly improve semen quality or couples' live birth rates.
112.SupplementDEX Database: Male infertility (Sperm quality) — Effects of supplement therapy on sperm parameters, protamine content and acrosomal integrity of varicocelectomized subjects2013
A randomized trial in men found that we may conclude that co-administration of zinc and folic acid significantly improved sperm parameters and increased varicocelectomy outcomes.
113.SupplementDEX Database: Male infertility (Sperm quality) — A randomised control trial examining the effect of an antioxidant (Menevit) on pregnancy outcome during IVF-ICSI treatment2007
In 60 couples with severe male-factor infertility undergoing IVF-ICSI, 3 months of Menevit antioxidant (including zinc) before treatment raised viable pregnancy rate to 38.5% versus 16% on placebo.
114.SupplementDEX Database: Male infertility (Sperm quality) — Effects of folic acid and zinc sulfate on male factor subfertility: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial2002
A randomized trial in subfertile men found that 5 mg/day for 26 weeks pre-intervention concentrations of folate and zinc in blood and seminal plasma did not significantly differ between fertile and subfertile men.
115.SupplementDEX Database: Male infertility (Sperm quality) — Effect of zinc administration on plasma testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and sperm count1981
In 37 infertile men, oral zinc raised testosterone and sperm count in 22 men with baseline testosterone below 4.8 ng/mL, with nine pregnancies in that subgroup, but had no effect in 15 men with normal testosterone.
SupplementDEX Database · Stomach ulcers
4 references116.SupplementDEX Database: Stomach ulcers — Multicenter clinical trial of zinc acexamate in the prevention of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug induced gastroenteropathy. Spanish Study Group on NSAID Induced Gastroenteropathy Prevention1994
In 276 NSAID users at ulcer risk, nightly 300 mg zinc acexamate for 28 days reduced gastric ulcer incidence from 6.0% to 0% and duodenal ulcer incidence from 6.0% to 0.9% versus placebo.
117.SupplementDEX Database: Stomach ulcers — Meta-analysis of efficacy of zinc acexamate in peptic ulcer1992
A meta-analysis of 13 peptic ulcer trials in 757 patients found zinc acexamate superior to placebo (POR 5.55) and comparable to H2 receptor antagonists for endoscopic healing.
118.SupplementDEX Database: Stomach ulcers — Zinc acexamate in treatment of duocenal ulcer1985
A clinical trial evaluated zinc acexamate as treatment for duodenal ulcer.
119.SupplementDEX Database: Stomach ulcers — The healing of gastric ulcers by zinc sulphate1975
In 10 patients with benign gastric ulcers, 220 mg zinc sulphate three times daily for 3 weeks produced about threefold higher ulcer healing rates than placebo, with no side effects observed.
SupplementDEX Database · Pneumonia
8 references120.SupplementDEX Database: Pneumonia — Efficacy of zinc as adjunctive pneumonia treatment in children aged 2 to 60 months in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis2020
A meta-analysis of 11 RCTs found adjunct zinc did not reduce treatment failure (OR 0.95) or mortality (OR 0.64) in children aged 2–60 months with pneumonia in low- and middle-income countries.
121.SupplementDEX Database: Pneumonia — Zinc as an adjunct therapy in the management of severe pneumonia among Gambian children: randomized controlled trial2018
In 604 Gambian children aged 2–59 months with severe pneumonia, 7 days of adjunct zinc did not reduce treatment failure at days 5 or 10, though it modestly shortened resolution of some respiratory signs.
122.SupplementDEX Database: Pneumonia — Zinc supplementation for the prevention of pneumonia in children aged 2 months to 59 months2016
A Cochrane update of six RCTs in 5,193 children found preventive zinc reduced pneumonia incidence by 13% and prevalence by 41%, with stronger effects when diagnosis used specific clinical or radiographic criteria.
123.SupplementDEX Database: Pneumonia — Zinc as an adjunct to antibiotics for the treatment of severe pneumonia in children <5 years: a meta-analysis of randomised-controlled trials2016
A meta-analysis of nine RCTs in 2,926 children under 5 found adjunct zinc did not shorten severe pneumonia recovery, reduce treatment failure, change antibiotics, or lower mortality versus standard care.
124.SupplementDEX Database: Pneumonia — A randomized controlled trial of zinc as adjuvant therapy for severe pneumonia in young children2012
In 610 hospitalized children with severe pneumonia, daily zinc 10–20 mg for up to 14 days marginally accelerated recovery (HR 1.10) but did not significantly reduce treatment failure versus placebo.
125.SupplementDEX Database: Pneumonia — The efficacy of zinc supplementation on outcome of children with severe pneumonia. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial2011
In 128 children aged 3–60 months with severe pneumonia, 2 mg/kg/day zinc for 5 days significantly shortened fever, respiratory distress, and hospital stay versus placebo.
126.SupplementDEX Database: Pneumonia — Zinc supplementation as an adjunct to antibiotics in the treatment of pneumonia in children 2 to 59 months of age2011
A Cochrane review of four RCTs in 3,267 children found zinc added to antibiotics for pneumonia did not significantly improve clinical recovery, tachypnoea resolution, chest indrawing cessation, or hospital duration.
127.SupplementDEX Database: Pneumonia — Zinc for severe pneumonia in very young children: double-blind placebo-controlled trial2004
In 270 Bangladeshi children aged 2–23 months with severe pneumonia, 20 mg/day zinc for up to 14 days shortened severe pneumonia duration and hospital stay by about one day versus placebo.
SupplementDEX Database · Sickle cell disease
7 references128.SupplementDEX Database: Sickle cell disease — Zinc supplements for treating thalassaemia and sickle cell disease2013
A Cochrane review of nine trials found zinc supplementation in thalassemia and sickle cell disease raised serum zinc in sickle cell patients and reduced painful crisis frequency, with limited thalassemia outcome data.
129.SupplementDEX Database: Sickle cell disease — Effect of zinc supplementation on growth and body composition in children with sickle cell disease2002
In 42 prepubertal children with sickle cell disease, 10 mg/day elemental zinc for 12 months increased height, sitting height, knee height, and arm circumference z scores versus placebo.
130.SupplementDEX Database: Sickle cell disease — Effect of zinc supplementation on incidence of infections and hospital admissions in sickle cell disease (SCD)1999
In 32 adults with sickle cell disease, 50–75 mg/day zinc for 1–3 years raised lymphocyte zinc, improved IL-2 production, and significantly reduced bacteriologically confirmed infections, hospitalizations, and vaso-occlusive crises.
131.SupplementDEX Database: Sickle cell disease — Plasma zinc status, growth, and maturation in children with sickle cell disease1998
In 104 children with SS sickle cell disease, 44% had low plasma zinc, which correlated with reduced linear growth, muscle mass, and delayed sexual and skeletal maturation.
132.SupplementDEX Database: Sickle cell disease — Efficacy of zinc therapy in prevention of crisis in sickle cell anemia: a double blind, randomized controlled clinical trial1995
In 145 sickle cell anemia patients followed 1.5 years, zinc sulphate 220 mg three times daily reduced mean painful crisis episodes to 2.46 versus 5.29 on placebo and lowered infective episodes.
133.SupplementDEX Database: Sickle cell disease — Zinc supplementation and growth in sickle cell disease1984
In 14- to 18-year-old sickle cell anemia patients, zinc supplementation improved longitudinal growth and body weight; neutrophil zinc levels correlated with height, weight, and serum testosterone.
134.SupplementDEX Database: Sickle cell disease — Oral zinc sulphate in sickle-cell ulcers1970
A clinical study evaluated oral zinc sulfate for treatment of chronic leg ulcers in patients with sickle cell disease.
SupplementDEX Database · Warts
4 references135.SupplementDEX Database: Warts — The Efficacy of Cryotherapy and Zinc Gluconate in Management of Anogenital Warts: A Randomized Double-Blind, Split-Side, Placebo-Controlled Trial2023
In 50 patients with anogenital warts treated 2 months with cryotherapy plus oral zinc gluconate or placebo, wart reduction did not differ between groups, though zinc caused more gastrointestinal adverse effects.
136.SupplementDEX Database: Warts — Systemic treatments for cutaneous warts: a systematic review2012
A systematic review of systemic wart therapies found no consistent evidence for cimetidine, levamisole, or homeopathy, and only limited evidence supporting zinc in selected zinc-deficient populations.
137.SupplementDEX Database: Warts — Topical zinc sulphate solution for treatment of viral warts2007
In 90 patients with plane or common warts, topical 10% zinc sulphate three times daily for 4 weeks cleared 85.7% of plane warts versus 10% on distilled water control, but common warts responded poorly.
138.SupplementDEX Database: Warts — Topical zinc oxide vs. salicylic acid-lactic acid combination in the treatment of warts2007
In 44 wart patients followed 3 months, topical zinc oxide 20% ointment achieved 50% complete cure versus 42% with salicylic acid plus lactic acid, with no serious side effects in either group.
139.SupplementDEX Database: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) — Zinc salts provide a novel, prolonged and rapid inhibition of gastric acid secretion2011
A randomized crossover study in 12 healthy volunteers found a single zinc chloride dose raised intragastric pH for over 3 hours, demonstrating rapid and prolonged gastric acid suppression.