Conversion of 220 mg Zinc Sulfate to Zinc Gluconate
The equivalent dose of zinc gluconate for 220 mg of zinc sulfate is approximately 50 mg of zinc gluconate, as both provide about 50 mg of elemental zinc. 1
Understanding Zinc Supplementation Forms
Zinc supplements are available in various forms, with the most common being:
Organic compounds:
- Zinc gluconate
- Zinc histidinate
- Zinc orotate
Inorganic compounds:
- Zinc sulfate
- Zinc chloride
According to clinical guidelines, organic compounds like zinc gluconate show better tolerability than inorganic forms like zinc sulfate 1. This is an important consideration when converting between different zinc formulations.
Conversion Calculation
When converting between different zinc compounds, the key factor is the amount of elemental zinc provided:
- 220 mg of zinc sulfate provides approximately 50 mg of elemental zinc 2
- Therefore, you need a dose of zinc gluconate that also provides 50 mg of elemental zinc
Zinc gluconate contains a higher percentage of elemental zinc than zinc sulfate, making the equivalent dose lower in terms of total compound weight. The equivalent dose of zinc gluconate would be approximately 50 mg 1.
Absorption Considerations
Research shows that zinc absorption varies between different zinc compounds:
- Zinc gluconate demonstrates 18.3% higher maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) compared to zinc oxide 3
- Zinc gluconate shows 8.1% higher area under the curve (AUC) than zinc oxide, indicating better overall absorption 3
- More recent research indicates that zinc aspartate may have even better fractional absorption than zinc gluconate, which in turn has better absorption than zinc sulfate 4
Clinical Applications
When prescribing zinc supplements:
- For general supplementation in adults, the recommended dosage is 0.5-1 mg/kg/day of elemental zinc 1
- For specific conditions like male hypogonadism, a common recommendation is 220 mg zinc sulfate (50 mg elemental zinc) twice daily for 1-4 months 2
- For immune support during common cold, 75 mg/day of elemental zinc as zinc gluconate is recommended 1
Administration Tips
For optimal absorption:
- Take zinc supplements on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before meals 1
- Avoid taking with foods high in phytates or with other mineral supplements, especially iron and calcium 1
- Be aware that gastric irritation is a common side effect, which may vary depending on the zinc salt used 1
Monitoring and Safety
- Plasma zinc levels should be measured to confirm clinical zinc deficiency and monitor adequacy of provision 1
- Simultaneous determination of CRP and albumin is required for proper interpretation of zinc levels 1
- Monitor for side effects, which are more common with zinc gluconate (90%) than placebo (62%), including nausea and bad taste 5