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Zinc picolinate

Immunity · Absorption · Taste and smell
Tier 2 — Promising

What it is

The picolinate-chelated form of zinc with absorption studies showing 61 percent better uptake than zinc citrate and significantly better than zinc oxide. Particularly relevant for people with impaired zinc absorption. Loss of taste and smell — a classic zinc deficiency sign — responds well to supplementation within days. Avoid long-term doses above 40 mg daily due to copper depletion risk.

Efficacy
4/5
Safety
4/5
Research
3/5
Onset
4/5
Cost
4/5
Drug-int.
4/5

Dose

15–30 mg/day zinc picolinate; copper supplementation needed if exceeding 25 mg/day long-term

Time of day & tips

Take with food to prevent nausea. Space 2 hours from iron, calcium, and antibiotics. Long-term use above 25 mg/day requires 1–2 mg copper daily to prevent copper deficiency.

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