What Tablets Have Zinc in Them? A Guide to Forms and Brands

December 15, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, zinc plays a crucial role in immune function, wound healing, and growth. Many people turn to supplements to increase their intake of this essential mineral, leading to the question: what tablets have zinc in them? The answer varies significantly depending on the form of zinc used, influencing absorption and effectiveness.

Quick Summary

This guide details the various forms of zinc found in tablets, such as zinc gluconate, picolinate, and bisglycinate. It compares popular brands and helps readers choose the most bioavailable and suitable option for their health goals.

Key Points

Variety of Forms: Zinc is available in different tablet forms, including gluconate, picolinate, citrate, and bisglycinate, which are bound to different compounds affecting absorption.
Absorption Varies: Bioavailability differs among forms; for example, zinc picolinate is highly absorbed, while zinc bisglycinate is known for both high absorption and being gentle on the stomach.
Common Brands: Leading brands like NOW Foods, Thorne, and Nature's Bounty offer various zinc tablets and capsules, often in chelated or combination formulas.
Chelated Forms Are Better Tolerated: Forms like picolinate and bisglycinate are chelated, meaning they are easier for the body to absorb and often cause less stomach irritation than inorganic forms like zinc sulfate.
Purpose-Driven Choice: The best tablet depends on your goal; lozenges may help with cold symptoms by acting locally, while tablets are for systemic, long-term health benefits.
Consider Combination Supplements: Many tablets, like Surbex Z, contain zinc combined with other vitamins and minerals, which can help address multiple deficiencies at once.
Read Labels Carefully: Always check the 'Supplement Facts' panel to see the exact form and elemental amount of zinc, and consult a doctor to determine the right dosage for your health.

Common Forms of Zinc in Tablets

Zinc does not exist in supplements as a standalone element; it's always bound to another compound to enhance stability and absorption. This binding agent, or chelating agent, can significantly impact how your body utilizes the mineral. Understanding these different forms is key to choosing the right supplement.

Zinc Gluconate

Zinc gluconate is one of the most common and widely available forms of zinc found in over-the-counter supplements and cold remedies, often in lozenge form. It's created by combining zinc with gluconic acid, and it offers moderate bioavailability. For general daily wellness and immune support, it is a proven and reliable choice, often being more cost-effective than other forms.

Zinc Picolinate

Formed by chelating zinc with picolinic acid, zinc picolinate is widely recognized for its high bioavailability. Some research suggests it is absorbed more effectively by the body than other common forms like gluconate and citrate, leading to higher serum zinc levels. This makes it a popular choice for those with a confirmed zinc deficiency or concerns about malabsorption. Brands like Thorne and NOW Foods offer zinc picolinate tablets and capsules.

Zinc Citrate

This form of zinc, where the mineral is bound to citric acid, is known for its favorable taste and absorption profile, which is similar to zinc gluconate. It is also a readily available and effective option for daily supplementation.

Zinc Bisglycinate

In this highly bioavailable, chelated form, zinc is bound to two glycine molecules. Research suggests zinc bisglycinate is not only well-absorbed but also gentler on the stomach than other forms, which can be beneficial for individuals with digestive sensitivity. Brands like Seeking Health and Thorne utilize this form for superior absorption and tolerability.

Zinc Sulfate

Zinc sulfate is a potent, inorganic form of zinc that is commonly found in supplements. While effective at preventing deficiency and treating acne, it can be harsher on the stomach and is sometimes associated with more significant side effects like nausea. Chelated forms like picolinate are generally preferred for better absorption and digestive comfort.

Leading Brands that Offer Tablets with Zinc

Numerous reputable brands offer high-quality zinc tablets. The best option for you depends on the form of zinc, dosage, and whether you require additional nutrients.

NOW Foods: Offers several zinc supplement options, including high-potency zinc picolinate and zinc gluconate tablets.
Thorne: Known for high-quality, well-absorbed supplements, Thorne provides zinc picolinate in capsule form.
Nature's Bounty: A widely available brand offering zinc supplements in various forms, including tablets and combination formulas like Calcium-Magnesium-Zinc.
Pure Encapsulations: This brand focuses on hypoallergenic, well-researched supplements, providing zinc picolinate options for immune and growth support.
Life Extension: Offers ultra-absorbable zinc citrate in vegetarian capsules.
Solgar: A long-standing name in the supplement industry, offering highly-regarded chelated zinc tablets that support immune health and skin.
Surbex Z (Abbott): A multivitamin and mineral tablet that includes zinc, along with B-complex and Vitamin C, to correct deficiencies.

Zinc Tablets Comparison Table


Form of Zinc	Bioavailability	Common Uses	Potential Side Effects	Notes
Zinc Gluconate	Good	General immune support, cold lozenges	Nausea, metallic taste (especially in lozenges)	Cost-effective and widely available.
Zinc Picolinate	High	Addressing deficiency, skin health	Upset stomach, nausea (higher likelihood at larger doses)	Chelation may enhance absorption.
Zinc Citrate	Good	Daily supplement, general wellness	Generally well-tolerated, mild GI issues	Less bitter taste than gluconate.
Zinc Bisglycinate	High	Maximized absorption, sensitive stomachs	Very well-tolerated, minimal digestive issues	Chelation with glycine for superior tolerability.
Zinc Sulfate	Moderate	Deficiency treatment, acne	Higher potential for stomach upset and nausea	Potent but can be less comfortable for some.

How to Choose the Right Zinc Tablet

Selecting the best zinc tablet depends on your specific needs and how your body reacts to different formulations. When making a decision, consider these factors:

Bioavailability: If you have concerns about nutrient absorption or have a diagnosed deficiency, a highly bioavailable chelated form like zinc picolinate or bisglycinate may be the best choice.
Stomach Sensitivity: For those with a sensitive stomach, zinc bisglycinate is often the most recommended due to its gentle nature. Zinc sulfate, on the other hand, is known to cause more digestive issues.
Specific Goal: Your health objective can also guide your choice. For shortening the duration of a cold, lozenges containing zinc gluconate or acetate may have a local effect in the throat and nasal passages, while swallowed tablets target systemic benefits. For long-term immune and overall health, high-absorption forms are typically preferred.
Cost and Availability: Zinc gluconate is generally the most affordable and easiest to find, making it a reliable option for those on a budget or looking for a standard supplement.

Conclusion

When asking "what tablets have zinc in them?", the answer involves a spectrum of formulations, each with unique absorption characteristics. From the common and affordable zinc gluconate to the highly bioavailable zinc picolinate and stomach-friendly zinc bisglycinate, options abound. Your best choice should be informed by your health goals, digestive comfort, and whether you are addressing a specific deficiency or seeking general immune support. Always consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement, especially if you take other medications, to ensure it's the right fit for your needs and to avoid potential side effects.

For more detailed information on zinc and its functions, refer to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Highly bioavailable forms like zinc picolinate and zinc bisglycinate are generally considered the most easily absorbed by the human body. Zinc bisglycinate is also noted for being gentler on the stomach, making it a good choice for those with digestive sensitivities.

For reducing the duration of a common cold, zinc lozenges are often recommended over standard tablets. The lozenges allow the zinc to act locally in the throat and nasal tissues, while swallowed tablets provide systemic benefits.

Popular brands that sell zinc tablets include NOW Foods, Nature's Bounty, Thorne, Life Extension, and Solgar. Some multivitamin products, like Surbex Z, also contain zinc.

Chelated zinc means the mineral is bound to an amino acid or an organic acid, like in zinc picolinate or bisglycinate. This chelation process is believed to improve absorption and reduce the likelihood of stomach upset compared to inorganic forms like zinc sulfate.

Common side effects, particularly with higher doses or certain forms like zinc sulfate, can include nausea, stomach upset, and a metallic taste. Excessive long-term use can also lead to copper deficiency.

Yes, it is generally recommended to take zinc tablets with food to minimize the risk of stomach upset and improve absorption. Some forms, like zinc bisglycinate, are particularly easy on the stomach.

Zinc supplements are used for a variety of health benefits, including boosting the immune system, supporting healthy skin and wound healing, aiding male reproductive health, and acting as an antioxidant.