Zinc Bisglycinate: What It Is and How to Read a Zinc Label

Zinc gluconate, zinc picolinate, zinc oxide, zinc bisglycinate. The shelf is full of zinc, and the names make it hard to compare.

Here's what "bisglycinate" means, how to read the milligrams, and what to check before you buy.

The quick answer

• Bisglycinate is a form. It's zinc bound to the amino acid glycine (a "chelate").
• Check the elemental zinc. Labels list the amount of zinc itself. Adults' RDA is 11 mg (men) and 8 mg (women), and the Upper Limit is 40 mg a day [1].
• Ours provides 30 mg of zinc as bisglycinate, with vitamins B2 and B6 plus molybdenum, in vegetarian capsules.

See Zinc Complex Capsules →

What zinc does

Zinc is an essential mineral. It's involved in many aspects of cellular metabolism and plays a role in normal immune function [1]. Your body doesn't store much zinc, so you need some every day [2].

Zinc forms on the label

Supplements use several zinc forms, including zinc gluconate, sulfate, acetate and others [1]. Bisglycinate (also called glycinate) is zinc chelated to two glycine molecules. Whatever the form, the Supplement Facts panel lists the elemental zinc, which is the number to compare.

How much zinc: RDA vs. Upper Limit

| | Amount per day (adults) | |---|---| | RDA, men | 11 mg | | RDA, women | 8 mg | | Upper Limit (UL) | 40 mg |

Source: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements [1]. A 30 mg serving sits above the RDA and below the UL. Count the zinc in any multivitamin you take, too.

Zinc, food and absorption

Plant foods like whole grains and legumes contain phytates, which bind zinc and lower its absorption [1]. Many people take zinc with food to stay comfortable; follow your label.

Why B2, B6 and molybdenum?

Our formula pairs zinc with riboflavin (B2), vitamin B6 and the trace mineral molybdenum [3][4][5]. They round out a simple mineral-and-B-vitamin complex in one capsule.

Zinc label checklist

• Elemental zinc in mg per serving, compared with the 40 mg adult UL [1].
• The form (bisglycinate, gluconate, picolinate and so on).
• Other ingredients and extras like B vitamins or copper.
• Capsule type: vegetarian or gelatin.
• Servings per bottle, so you know the real cost per day.

Why we chose zinc bisglycinate

How our Zinc Complex lines up: - Zinc: 30 mg as bisglycinate chelate. - Partners: vitamins B2 and B6 plus molybdenum. - Capsule: 90 vegetarian capsules, from our Professional Line.

Shop the products mentioned:

• Zinc Complex Capsules: zinc bisglycinate 30 mg with B2, B6 and molybdenum.
• Quercetin + Nettle Capsules: quercetin 600 mg and nettle leaf extract 600 mg per serving.
• Organic Camu Camu Capsules: whole-food vitamin C from organic camu camu.

Long-term high zinc intake can lower copper levels, so stay under the UL unless your practitioner advises otherwise [1].

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FAQ

What is zinc bisglycinate? It's zinc bound to the amino acid glycine, a chelated form of zinc used in supplements.

How much zinc should I take per day? The adult RDA is 11 mg for men and 8 mg for women, and the Upper Limit is 40 mg a day from all sources [1].

Is 30 mg of zinc a day too much? 30 mg is below the 40 mg adult Upper Limit [1]. Add up zinc from all your supplements and ask your practitioner if you're unsure.

Should I take zinc with food? Many people take zinc with food. Follow the directions on your label.

Can too much zinc affect copper? Yes. Chronic excessive zinc intake can lead to copper deficiency [1].

References

1. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Zinc – Health Professional Fact Sheet. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/
2. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Zinc – Consumer Fact Sheet. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-Consumer/
3. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Riboflavin – Health Professional Fact Sheet. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Riboflavin-HealthProfessional/
4. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin B6 – Health Professional Fact Sheet. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6-HealthProfessional/
5. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Molybdenum – Health Professional Fact Sheet. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Molybdenum-HealthProfessional/