Why is zinc oxide in drinks? Unpacking the mineral's role in fortification

December 2, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 2 billion people worldwide are estimated to be affected by zinc deficiency, a significant public health issue. In response, food manufacturers add zinc oxide to drinks as a cost-effective and efficient way to fortify beverages and improve nutritional intake.

Quick Summary

Zinc oxide is included in many beverages as a mineral supplement for nutritional fortification. It is an economical source of zinc that dissolves into a bioavailable ionic form, especially in acidic drinks like juices and sports drinks, to boost health.

Key Points

Essential Nutrient: Zinc oxide is added to drinks as a mineral fortifier to supply essential zinc, which the body cannot produce on its own.
Cost-Effective Choice: Manufacturers use zinc oxide because it is a highly concentrated and economical source of elemental zinc compared to other zinc compounds.
pH Dependent Absorption: The insoluble zinc oxide dissolves into bioavailable zinc ions in the acidic conditions of the stomach, regardless of the drink's initial pH.
Supports Immune Function: Fortified drinks help strengthen the immune system, support cell growth, and provide antioxidant benefits, which are all crucial functions of zinc.
Broad Application: You can find zinc oxide in various fortified beverages, including juices, sports drinks, and infant formulas, to enhance their nutritional value.
Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS): The FDA has designated zinc oxide as GRAS, confirming its safety for consumption when used within recommended guidelines.

Zinc Fortification: Addressing a Global Need

Zinc is an essential trace element vital for numerous bodily functions, including cell division, immune system support, protein production, and neurological function. Despite its importance, zinc deficiency is widespread, particularly among vulnerable populations such as infants, pregnant women, and older adults. Fortifying foods and drinks with zinc is a critical strategy to combat this deficiency and its associated health problems, such as impaired growth, increased susceptibility to infection, and slowed wound healing.

The Role of Zinc Oxide in Beverages

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a white, insoluble inorganic compound widely used in the food industry as a nutritional fortifier. Although insoluble in water, it dissolves readily in the acidic conditions of the stomach, where it releases zinc ions for absorption. This makes it a highly effective and cost-efficient source of zinc for fortified beverages, infant formula, and nutritional supplements.

Its key advantages in drinks include:

High Zinc Content: ZnO contains a high percentage of elemental zinc, making it an economical option for fortifying products with minimal material.
Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to more expensive organic zinc salts like gluconate, zinc oxide provides a budget-friendly solution for manufacturers.
Stability: In powdered mixes, it remains stable until mixed with liquid, ensuring a long shelf life.

How Zinc Oxide Behaves in Drinks and the Body

When zinc oxide is added to a liquid, its fate depends largely on the beverage's pH level. In neutral or slightly alkaline liquids like milk, it may remain mostly in particulate form. However, in acidic drinks such as fruit juices and sports drinks, it dissolves into an ionic form, making the zinc more readily bioavailable for absorption by the body.

Upon ingestion, the low pH of gastric fluid (the stomach) ensures that any remaining zinc oxide dissolves completely, releasing zinc ions. This means that regardless of the initial pH of the drink, the zinc is ultimately converted into an absorbable form within the digestive tract, though the absorption efficiency can vary. Once absorbed, these zinc ions are utilized by the body to carry out their essential functions.

Comparing Zinc Fortification Compounds

Several different compounds are used to fortify foods and drinks with zinc. While zinc oxide is often favored for its low cost, others like zinc gluconate and zinc citrate are also common. The choice depends on factors such as taste, cost, and specific bioavailability goals.


Feature	Zinc Oxide (ZnO)	Zinc Gluconate	Zinc Citrate
Elemental Zinc Content	High (~80%)	Low (~14%)	Moderate (~31%)
Water Solubility	Insoluble	Highly Soluble	Slightly Soluble
Bioavailability (as supplement)	Lower, especially on empty stomach	Higher	Comparable to gluconate
Taste Impact	Minimal in fortified foods, but can have impact in certain formulations	Generally better sensory profile	Good sensory properties
Cost	Generally the lowest	Higher than zinc oxide	Higher than zinc oxide

Health Benefits of Zinc-Fortified Beverages

Beverages fortified with zinc oxide offer significant health benefits by addressing and preventing zinc deficiency. Zinc is a crucial component of a healthy diet, and its addition to drinks provides a convenient way to boost daily intake, especially for those with dietary restrictions or poor absorption.

Key benefits include:

Immune System Support: Zinc is essential for the function of immune cells. A strong immune system is better equipped to fight off infections and illnesses.
Cellular Growth and Repair: Adequate zinc levels are vital for proper cell growth, division, and DNA synthesis, which contributes to overall healthy development.
Antioxidant Protection: Zinc acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.
Wound Healing: Zinc plays a critical role in collagen synthesis and inflammatory response, accelerating the healing process for skin injuries.
Neurological Function: This mineral supports nerve function and has been linked to healthy senses of taste and smell.

Safety and Bioavailability Considerations

Zinc oxide is designated as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a food additive. At standard fortification levels, it is safe for consumption. However, the bioavailability of zinc from zinc oxide can be influenced by various dietary factors.

Factors Affecting Bioavailability

Acidity: As mentioned, zinc oxide dissolves best in acidic environments. This means it may be more efficiently absorbed from an acidic beverage like orange juice than from a neutral beverage like milk, although gastric acid will also facilitate dissolution.
Food Matrix: The presence of other food components can impact absorption. For instance, phytates found in grains and legumes can bind to zinc and inhibit its absorption. Conversely, proteins and peptides can sometimes enhance absorption.
Dosage: Very high doses of zinc, usually from excessive supplementation, can lead to side effects like nausea and reduced copper absorption. For this reason, it is important to stick to recommended daily intake guidelines. Most fortified beverages contain safe, regulated amounts.

Conclusion: A Fortifying Force

In conclusion, the presence of zinc oxide in drinks serves a crucial purpose: to boost the nutritional profile of beverages and combat zinc deficiency on a population-wide scale. While its insoluble nature means it must dissolve into an ionic form to be absorbed, this process occurs efficiently in the acidic environment of the stomach. Its high elemental zinc content and low cost make it a preferred choice for manufacturers, especially for fortifying products like juices and sports drinks. As with any supplement, bioavailability can be influenced by other dietary factors, but its status as a GRAS material ensures its safety at appropriate concentrations. Understanding the science behind this additive reveals how a simple compound can contribute significantly to public health and overall wellness.

For more in-depth information about zinc and its essential functions, consult authoritative sources such as the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, zinc oxide is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a food additive. It has been extensively reviewed for safety and is used within carefully regulated limits.

Though zinc oxide is insoluble in water, it dissolves in the acidic environment of the stomach to release zinc ions. It is this ionic form of zinc that is then absorbed by the body in the small intestine.

The main purpose is nutritional fortification. It helps address and prevent zinc deficiencies by providing a reliable and stable source of this essential mineral in consumer products.

Yes, other forms like zinc gluconate, zinc citrate, and zinc sulfate are also used. They differ in solubility, bioavailability, cost, and potential impact on taste.

In fortified foods, zinc oxide can sometimes cause an unpleasant metallic taste or off-flavor. However, in many products, it is stabilized with other ingredients or used in nano-sized form to mitigate such effects.

When taken with food, the absorption of zinc oxide is comparable to other forms like zinc sulfate. However, when taken on an empty stomach, some studies suggest that water-soluble forms like zinc gluconate might be slightly better absorbed.

At the low concentrations used in fortified beverages, zinc oxide is unlikely to cause side effects. However, excessive consumption of high-dose zinc supplements can cause gastrointestinal upset and, over the long term, interfere with copper absorption.