Other Names for Zinc
Zinc is available in several different salt forms including zinc acetate, zinc gluconate, zinc sulfate, zinc citrate, zinc histidinate, and zinc orotate, which are used for different medical applications depending on the clinical context.
Common Zinc Compounds
Zinc is available in various forms for medical use, each with specific applications:
Zinc Salts for Oral Supplementation
- Zinc Sulfate - One of the most common forms used for supplementation 1
- Zinc Acetate - Used specifically for Wilson's disease treatment 2
- Zinc Gluconate - Better tolerated than inorganic forms, commonly used in supplements 1, 3
- Zinc Citrate - Has better sensory properties in syrups and comparable absorption to zinc gluconate 3
- Zinc Histidinate - An organic compound with better tolerability than inorganic forms 1
- Zinc Orotate - Another organic compound with improved tolerability 1
- Zinc Oxide - Less soluble in water with lower absorption rates when taken without food 3
Absorption and Bioavailability
The bioavailability of zinc varies significantly between different forms:
- Zinc citrate and zinc gluconate show similar absorption rates (approximately 61%) when taken as supplements without food 3
- Zinc oxide has significantly lower absorption (approximately 50%) compared to zinc citrate and gluconate, with some individuals showing minimal absorption 3
- Organic zinc compounds (histidinate, gluconate, orotate) generally show better gastrointestinal tolerability than inorganic forms like zinc sulfate and zinc chloride 1
Clinical Applications
Different zinc forms are used for specific clinical purposes:
- Wilson's Disease: Zinc acetate is specifically used to treat Wilson's disease by interfering with copper uptake from the gastrointestinal tract 1, 2
- Acquired Zinc Deficiency: For treatment, 0.5-1 mg/kg per day of elemental zinc can be given orally for 3-4 months 1, 4
- Acrodermatitis Enteropathica: Requires lifelong oral intake of 3 mg/kg per day of elemental zinc 1
- Parenteral Nutrition: Zinc sulfate is commonly used for intravenous supplementation 5
Biochemical Role
Regardless of the form, zinc functions as:
- A cofactor for over 100 enzymes including DNA polymerases, RNA polymerases, alcohol dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatases 5, 6
- A coordinator of protein structural folding, particularly in "zinc finger" motifs that interact with proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids 5
- A catalyst for essential biochemical reactions, including activation of substrates of carbonic anhydrase 5
- A signaling mediator that modulates multiple signaling pathways 5
Pitfalls and Considerations
When prescribing zinc supplements, be aware of:
- High-dose zinc supplementation can cause copper deficiency 5, 6
- Zinc acetate, gluconate, and citrate are generally better tolerated than zinc sulfate, which may cause more gastrointestinal irritation 1
- Taking zinc with food interferes with absorption and effectiveness of treatment 1
- Zinc supplements should be administered 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals for optimal absorption, though timing closer to meals may be acceptable if it ensures compliance 1
In summary, when recommending zinc supplementation, the specific salt form should be selected based on the clinical indication, with consideration of absorption characteristics and patient tolerability.