What is the brand name of zinc supplements? Your Guide to Top Products

December 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated one-third of the world's population is at risk of zinc deficiency, making supplementation a vital consideration for many. The question of "what is the brand name of zinc supplements" doesn't have a single answer, as numerous companies manufacture zinc under their own product lines. This article will explore the market, highlighting major players and the crucial factors to consider when choosing a supplement.

Quick Summary

Zinc supplements are sold under many different brands, including NOW, Thorne, and Nature's Bounty, rather than one universal name. Variations exist in supplemental forms, with chelated options often offering better absorption. The optimal choice depends on individual needs, dietary considerations, and absorption rates.

Key Points

No Single Brand: There is no single universal brand name for zinc supplements; many companies produce their own versions, including NOW, Thorne, and Nature's Bounty.
Forms Affect Absorption: The chemical form of zinc, such as picolinate, glycinate, citrate, or oxide, significantly affects its absorption by the body.
Chelated is More Bioavailable: Chelated forms like zinc picolinate and zinc glycinate are bonded to amino acids and generally offer superior absorption compared to non-chelated versions.
Consider Side Effects: Some zinc forms, notably zinc sulfate, can cause stomach upset and may not be suitable for all users.
Take with Food: To maximize absorption and minimize stomach irritation, many zinc supplements are best taken with food, particularly protein-rich meals.
Consult a Doctor: It is essential to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new zinc supplement to determine the right dosage and form.
Check for Quality: Reputable brands often perform third-party testing to ensure their products are high-quality, pure, and free from banned substances.

Popular Zinc Supplement Brands

When exploring the supplement aisle, you will encounter a wide variety of manufacturers offering zinc products. There is no single brand that holds a monopoly, and reputable names often produce zinc in different forms to cater to specific needs. Some of the most recognized and highly-regarded brands include:

Thorne: A brand frequently cited for its quality and use of highly absorbable forms like zinc picolinate.
NOW Foods: Offers a range of zinc products, including popular and well-absorbed forms like zinc glycinate and zinc picolinate.
Nature's Bounty: A widely available and well-known brand that provides various zinc options, such as zinc gluconate.
Pure Encapsulations: Known for producing hypoallergenic supplements and offering zinc in picolinate and other forms.
Solgar: This brand often provides chelated zinc and other varieties known for good absorption.
Garden of Life: Focuses on raw, whole-food-based supplements, including zinc from organic sources.

Chelated and Bioavailable Forms

Many of the top brands use chelated forms of zinc, which are mineral compounds bonded to amino acids. This process improves the supplement's stability and overall absorption by the body. Chelation is a key reason why some products are more effective than others. High-bioavailability forms like zinc picolinate, zinc glycinate, and zinc methionine are often preferred for their enhanced absorption. In contrast, inorganic forms like zinc oxide are generally considered less bioavailable.

Choosing the Right Zinc Supplement for You

Selecting the best zinc supplement is not just about picking a brand; it involves understanding the different forms, dosages, and how they interact with your body. Key considerations include the supplement form, absorption rate, and your individual health needs. Some forms, like zinc sulfate, can cause stomach upset, while others, like zinc glycinate, are gentler on the digestive system.

Factors to consider when selecting a zinc supplement:

Supplement Form: Determine which form, such as capsules, tablets, or lozenges, best fits your needs. Oral sprays or liquid forms can be especially useful for those with digestive issues or difficulty swallowing.
Bioavailability: Consider chelated forms for maximum absorption, especially if you have an underlying condition that affects nutrient uptake.
Dosage: Work with a healthcare professional to determine the correct daily dosage, as excessive zinc intake can cause adverse effects and mineral imbalances.
Taste Masking: Some forms, particularly gluconate and sulfate, have a strong metallic taste that may require flavor additives, especially in lozenges or liquid formats.
Additional Nutrients: Some supplements include co-factors like copper, which is essential for preventing a copper deficiency that can be caused by long-term, high-dose zinc supplementation.

Comparison of Popular Zinc Supplement Forms

To help in your decision-making, here is a comparison of some of the most common forms of zinc available on the market:


Feature	Zinc Picolinate	Zinc Glycinate	Zinc Citrate	Zinc Gluconate	Zinc Sulfate	Zinc Oxide
Bioavailability	High	High	Good	Good, but often has poor taste	Moderate	Low
Effect on Stomach	Generally gentle	Very gentle	Can be slightly irritating	Can cause upset stomach	Can cause stomach upset	Least likely to cause upset
Cost	Mid-range to higher	Mid-range to higher	Affordable	Affordable and widely used	Very affordable, often in cheaper products	Low cost
Best For	Maximum absorption	Gentle on digestion	Balanced option, good taste	Colds and sore throats in lozenge form	Budget-friendly option, but low absorption	Topical uses, poor oral absorption

How to Maximize Zinc Absorption

Several factors can influence how well your body absorbs zinc. By understanding these, you can enhance the effectiveness of your chosen supplement:

Take with Food: Taking zinc with a meal, especially one containing protein, can reduce the risk of stomach upset and improve absorption. Animal protein, in particular, can enhance zinc bioavailability.
Avoid Phytates: Compounds called phytates, found in legumes and whole grains, can inhibit zinc absorption. Taking your supplement away from high-phytate meals can be beneficial.
Consider Timing with Other Minerals: Zinc and other minerals, like iron and calcium, can compete for absorption. For optimal results, avoid taking high-dose zinc simultaneously with other mineral supplements.
Choose a Chelated Form: As discussed, chelated forms are designed for enhanced absorption, making them a wise choice for those seeking maximum efficacy.

Conclusion: The Right Supplement for Your Needs

The question "what is the brand name of zinc supplements?" leads to a wide array of excellent products from many different brands. The key is recognizing that brand is just one part of the equation. Factors such as the specific chemical form (like picolinate, glycinate, or gluconate), bioavailability, and potential side effects are equally, if not more, important. Choosing a well-respected brand that offers a highly absorbable form that aligns with your health needs and is gentler on your stomach, if necessary, is the most effective approach. Always consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplementation regimen to ensure safety and effectiveness.

For more information on the role of zinc and recommended daily intake, you can visit the National Institutes of Health website at ods.od.nih.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many reputable brands produce zinc supplements, including Thorne, NOW Foods, Nature's Bounty, and Pure Encapsulations. These brands are often recognized for their quality and use of bioavailable zinc forms.

Forms of zinc that are chelated, meaning they are bonded to an amino acid, generally have the best absorption. Zinc bisglycinate (or glycinate) has been shown in studies to have very high bioavailability, followed closely by zinc picolinate.

No, zinc supplement forms are not the same. They differ in their bioavailability, potential side effects, and taste. Forms like zinc citrate and gluconate are well-absorbed, while zinc oxide has lower absorption. Other forms like zinc sulfate are often associated with stomach irritation.

For most people, taking a chelated zinc supplement is a good option because it offers enhanced absorption and is often gentler on the stomach. Forms like zinc picolinate and glycinate are common chelated options.

Zinc picolinate is a chelated form with very high absorption, while zinc gluconate is a water-soluble salt with good, but slightly lower, absorption. Both are common, but picolinate is often preferred for maximum bioavailability.

You can improve zinc absorption by taking your supplement with a meal, especially one containing animal protein. Avoiding consumption with foods high in phytates, such as whole grains and legumes, can also help.

While generally safe at recommended doses, high zinc intake can lead to side effects like nausea, vomiting, or stomach cramps. Long-term, excessive intake can also cause a copper deficiency, which is why some supplements include a small amount of copper.