From the Guidelines
To correct zinc deficiency, oral supplementation with 0.5-1 mg/kg per day of elemental zinc (Zn2+), such as zinc histidinate, zinc gluconate, or zinc orotate, for 3-4 months is recommended. This approach is based on the most recent guideline from the ESPEN micronutrient guideline, published in 2022 in the journal Clinical Nutrition 1. The guideline suggests that organic compounds like zinc histidinate, zinc gluconate, and zinc orotate have better tolerability compared to inorganic zinc sulfate and zinc chloride.
When considering supplementation, it's essential to note the following:
- The dosage should be adjusted according to individual needs and plasma or serum zinc levels.
- Patients with specific conditions, such as major burns (>20% BSA), may require higher doses (30-35 mg/day IV) for a limited period (2-3 weeks) 1.
- In cases of acquired zinc deficiency, oral supplementation is preferred, whereas patients with gastrointestinal losses or on parenteral nutrition may require IV doses up to 12 mg per day 1.
- Certain populations, such as those with acrodermatitis enteropathica, may require life-long oral intake of 3 mg/kg per day of elemental zinc (Zn2+) 1.
It's crucial to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment, especially in cases of suspected severe deficiency, as zinc plays a vital role in immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cell division. Additionally, dietary intake of zinc-rich foods, such as oysters, red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, whole grains, and dairy products, should be encouraged to maintain adequate zinc levels.
From the FDA Drug Label
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From the Research
Correcting Zinc Deficiency
To correct zinc deficiency, several methods can be employed, including:
- Zinc supplementation, which has been recommended to prevent or treat the adverse effects of zinc deficiency 2
- Dietary changes, such as increasing the intake of zinc-rich foods, can help maintain zinc homeostasis 3
- Zinc supplements with dietary components can improve zinc utilization rates and are easily accessible 3
Forms of Zinc Supplementation
Different forms of zinc supplementation have varying levels of bioavailability, including:
- Zinc bis-glycinate, which has been shown to have a higher oral bioavailability (+43.4%) compared to zinc gluconate 2
- Zinc sulfate, which can be administered intravenously in severe cases of zinc deficiency 4
Importance of Zinc Nutrition
Zinc nutrition is crucial for human health, and zinc deficiency can result in various diseases or nutritional deficiencies, including:
- Gastrointestinal diseases, where zinc enhancement of gastrointestinal epithelial barrier function may play a therapeutic role 5
- Neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, diabetes and obesity, male and female reproduction, and COVID-19, where zinc has been shown to have a potential role in management and pathogenesis 6