From the Guidelines
Zinc supplementation is essential for treating zinc deficiency, and the recommended dose is 0.5-1 mg/kg per day of elemental zinc, given orally for 3-4 months, as stated in the espen micronutrient guideline 1. The treatment of zinc deficiency requires careful consideration of the patient's individual needs, and the dose and duration of supplementation should be tailored accordingly.
- For patients with acquired zinc deficiency, a dose of 0.5-1 mg/kg per day of elemental zinc is recommended, given orally for 3-4 months 1.
- Organic compounds such as zinc histidinate, zinc gluconate, and zinc orotate show better tolerability than inorganic zinc sulfate and zinc chloride 1.
- In cases of severe zinc deficiency, higher doses may be required, but close monitoring of zinc and copper levels is necessary to avoid inducing copper deficiency 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The ratio of zinc to copper supplementation should be maintained at 8-15 mg of zinc to 1 mg of copper to avoid interfering with copper absorption 2, 3, 4, 5.
- It is essential to monitor zinc and copper levels regularly, especially when giving additional supplements, to ensure that the patient is not at risk of deficiency or toxicity 2, 3, 4, 5.
From the Research
Role of Zinc Supplementation
- Zinc supplementation plays a crucial role in treating zinc deficiency, as it is a convenient and effective option for maintaining healthy levels of zinc 6.
- Zinc is an essential micronutrient needed for numerous critical health functions in the body, and its deficiency can severely affect human health 7, 6.
Forms of Zinc Supplementation
- Various zinc salts are available for use in supplements, including zinc glycinate, zinc gluconate, and zinc oxide 6, 8.
- Zinc glycinate and zinc gluconate are better absorbed than other forms of zinc, with zinc citrate also showing comparable absorption rates to zinc gluconate 6, 8.
- Zinc oxide is less well absorbed when given as a supplement without food and may be minimally absorbed by some individuals 8.
Importance of Zinc Nutrition
- More than one-third of the population suffers from zinc deficiency, resulting in various types of diseases or nutritional deficiencies 9.
- Zinc supplements with dietary components can improve zinc utilization rates significantly and reduce side effects 9.
- Dietary vs. pharmacological doses of zinc remain a topic of controversy, with medicinal doses (>40 mg/d of elemental zinc) recommended for the treatment of several ailments 10.