Zinc Absorption by Young Adults from Supplemental Zinc Citrate Is Comparable with That from Zinc Gluconate and Higher than from Zinc Oxide

Abstract

The water-soluble zinc salts gluconate, sulfate, and acetate are commonly used as supplements in tablet or syrup form to prevent zinc deficiency and to treat diarrhea in children in combination with oral rehydration. Zinc citrate is an alternative compound with high zinc content, slightly soluble in water, which has better sensory properties in syrups but no absorption data in humans. We used the double-isotope tracer method with 67Zn and 70Zn to measure zinc absorption from zinc citrate given as supplements containing 10 mg of zinc to 15 healthy adults without food and compared absorption with that from zinc gluconate and zinc oxide (insoluble in water) using a randomized, double-masked, 3-way crossover design. Median (IQR) fractional absorption of zinc from zinc citrate was 61.3% (56.6–71.0) and was not different from that from zinc gluconate with 60.9% (50.6–71.7). Absorption from zinc oxide at 49.9% (40.9–57.7) was significantly lower than from both other supplements (P < 0.01). Three participants had little or no absorption from zinc oxide. We conclude that zinc citrate, given as a supplement without food, is as well absorbed by healthy adults as zinc gluconate and may thus be a useful alternative for preventing zinc deficiency and treating diarrhea. The more insoluble zinc oxide is less well absorbed when given as a supplement without food and may be minimally absorbed by some individuals. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01576627.

Improvement of gamete quality by stimulating and feeding the endogenous antioxidant system: mechanisms, clinical results, insights on gene-environment interactions and the role of diet

“…Finally, zinc, that has no body reservoirs and is strictly dependant on daily feeding [42], is also necessary because the main enzymes involved (MTHFR, MTRR, CBS) work by means of zinc fingers. It is to be noted that only chelated zinc is actually bio available and that most of the commercial supplements contain zinc oxide that provides a negligible support [43]. The above substances in due amounts have the potential to saturate the 1CC and to generate an excess of activated methyl groups (SAMe) for the activation of CBS and for an efficient GSH output anytime it is needed.…”

Degradation and antioxidant activities of peptides and zinc–peptide complexes during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion

“…Several conditions, including growths retardation, hypogonadism, impaired immune system, and neurological dysfunctions, are attributed to Zn deficiency (Maret & Krezel, 2007). Zn deficiency appears to be common in developing countries, particularly in infants, pre-schoolers, pregnant and lactating women, and older adults (Maret & Sandstead, 2006;Wegmüller, Tay, Zeder, Brnić , & Hurrell, 2014). Intestinal Zn absorption depends on the amount of mineral consumed and its bioavailability.…”

The Effect of Zinc and Selenium Supplementation Mode on Their Bioavailability in the Rat Prostate. Should Administration Be Joint or Separate?

“…Although it is not known whether dietary zinc intake affects intraprostatic zinc levels, our earlier studies on rats have indicated that oral administration of zinc significantly increases its concentration in the prostate, but its availability in this organ varies based on individual zinc preparations, which may be based on differences in absorption associated with zinc preparations [15]. Wegmüller et al (2014) notes that in humans, zinc gluconate, like citrate, should be recommended for the prevention of zinc deficiency [16]. …”