Supplement

Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral that helps immune cells develop and work properly, and it also supports cell division and tissue repair. Most people look at it for immune health, and the evidence for acute respiratory infections is strong: a large review found people had fewer infections, and cold symptoms eased in a smaller body of research. Much of the cold data came from small studies, and one small trial in older adults found no clear difference in upper respiratory infections.

Sources: PMID 34728441; PMID 17344507

Updated 30 September 2026
How we grade
79 studies cited

Best evidence: Grade A
Conditions studied: 47
Outcomes: 148
Graded outcomes: 13166

Evidence by condition

Strong
Moderate
Limited
Very limited

47 conditions

Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI)

Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI): outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Acute Respiratory Tract Infection Risk Moderate Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	1 study	5,446 people
Studies that measured acute respiratory tract infection risk Zinc for the prevention or treatment of acute viral respiratory tract infections in adults: a rapid systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trialsBMJ Open · PMID 34728441
	Acute Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)			5,446 people
	Common Cold Risk	Changes; see studies			5,446 people

Diarrhea

Diarrhea: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Diarrhea Symptoms Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	4 studies	3,865 people
Studies that measured diarrhea symptoms Oral zinc for treating diarrhoea in children.Cochrane Database Syst Rev · PMID 27996088 Oral zinc supplementation for the treatment of acute diarrhea in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Nutrients · PMID 24284615 Zinc supplementation for treating diarrhea in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Rev Panam Salud Publica · PMID 23764669 Zinc supplementation for acute and persistent watery diarrhoea in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.J Glob Health · PMID 39641338
	Vomiting	Improves (the measure goes down)			7,043 people

Common Cold

Common Cold Symptoms: improves
Diarrhea Symptoms: improves
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms: improves

Common Cold: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Common Cold Symptoms Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		1,377 people
	Diarrhea Symptoms Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	4 studies	100 people
Studies that measured diarrhea symptoms Oral zinc for treating diarrhoea in children.Cochrane Database Syst Rev · PMID 27996088 Oral zinc supplementation for the treatment of acute diarrhea in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Nutrients · PMID 24284615 Zinc supplementation for treating diarrhea in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Rev Panam Salud Publica · PMID 23764669 Zinc supplementation for acute and persistent watery diarrhoea in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.J Glob Health · PMID 39641338
	Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)		11 studies	2,641 people
Studies that measured upper respiratory tract infection symptoms Prophylaxis and treatment of rhinovirus colds with zinc gluconate lozengesJ Antimicrob Chemother · PMID 3440773 Two randomized controlled trials of zinc gluconate lozenge therapy of experimentally induced rhinovirus coldsAntimicrob Agents Chemother · PMID 2820298 Zinc gluconate and the common cold: a controlled clinical studyJ Int Med Res · PMID 1397668 Duration and severity of symptoms and levels of plasma interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor, and adhesion molecules in patients with common cold treated with zinc acetateJ Infect Dis · PMID 18279051 Zinc acetate lozenges for the treatment of the common cold: a randomised controlled trialBMJ Open · PMID 31980506 Zinc gluconate lozenges for treating the common cold. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studyAnn Intern Med · PMID 8678384 Effect of treatment with zinc gluconate or zinc acetate on experimental and natural coldsClin Infect Dis · PMID 11073753 Reduction in duration of common colds by zinc gluconate lozenges in a double-blind studyAntimicrob Agents Chemother · PMID 6367635 Zinc gluconate lozenges for common cold. A double-blind clinical trialDan Med Bull · PMID 2192839 Duration of symptoms and plasma cytokine levels in patients with the common cold treated with zinc acetate. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialAnn Intern Med · PMID 10929163 and 1 more in the citations list
	Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Risk	Changes; see studies		1 study	528 people
Studies that measured upper respiratory tract infection risk Zinc supplementation decreases incidence of infections in the elderly: effect of zinc on generation of cytokines and oxidative stressAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 17344507

Type 2 Diabetes

Blood glucose: improves
IGF-1: improves
Glycemic Control: improves

Type 2 Diabetes: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		1,452 people
	IGF-1	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	120 people
Studies that measured igf-1 Zinc increases the effects of essential amino acids-whey protein supplements in frail elderlyJ Nutr Health Aging · PMID 19536417 Short-term zinc supplementation in women with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: effects on plasma 5'-nucleotidase activities, insulin-like growth factor I concentrations, and lipoprotein oxidation rates in vitroAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 9280186
	Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	129 people
Studies that measured glycemic control Effect of zinc supplementation in the management of type 2 diabetes: A grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation-assessed, dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · PMID 37183697
	HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	1,209 people
Studies that measured hba1c Effect of zinc supplementation on glycemic biomarkers: an umbrella of interventional meta-analyses.Diabetol Metab Syndr · PMID 38849958
	Insulin	Changes; see studies		1 study	435 people
Studies that measured insulin Effect of zinc supplementation on insulin resistance and components of the metabolic syndrome in prepubertal obese childrenHormones · PMID 20045801
	Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			113 people
	Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)			475 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			558 people
	Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			331 people
	LDL Oxidation	Improves (the measure goes down)			60 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			908 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			908 people

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile: improves
Depression Symptoms: improves
PMS Symptoms: improves

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect	1 study	60 people
Studies that measured anti-oxidant enzyme profile Effect of zinc supplementation on antioxidant activity in young wrestlersBiol Trace Elem Res · PMID 19597720
	Depression Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	142 people
Studies that measured depression symptoms Zinc supplementation combined with antidepressant drugs for treatment of patients with depression: a systematic review and meta-analysisNutr Rev · PMID 32885249 Effect of zinc supplementation on mood states in young women: a pilot studyEur J Clin Nutr · PMID 20087376 Zinc supplementation augments efficacy of imipramine in treatment resistant patients: a double blind, placebo-controlled studyJ Affect Disord · PMID 19278731
	PMS Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	199 people
Studies that measured pms symptoms A systematic review and meta-analysis examining the role of zinc supplementation in ameliorating physical and psychological manifestations of premenstrual syndrome in young females.Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol · PMID 40435711 Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Physical and Psychological Symptoms, Biomarkers of Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Young Women with Premenstrual Syndrome: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled TrialBiol Trace Elem Res · PMID 31154571 Effect of zinc sulfate supplementation on premenstrual syndrome and health-related quality of life: Clinical randomized controlled trialJ Obstet Gynaecol Res · PMID 28188965
	Serum BDNF	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	60 people
Studies that measured serum bdnf Effects of zinc supplementation on efficacy of antidepressant therapy, inflammatory cytokines, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients with major depressionNutr Neurosci · PMID 23602205 Zinc monotherapy increases serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and decreases depressive symptoms in overweight or obese subjects: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trialNutr Neurosci · PMID 24621065
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	60 people
Studies that measured c-reactive protein (crp) Effects of zinc supplementation on serum zinc and C-reactive protein concentrations in hemodialysis patientsJ Ren Nutr · PMID 19541504
	Anxiety Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)			142 people
	Fatigue Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)			142 people
	Insomnia Signs and Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)			142 people

Metabolic Health

C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves
Iron Absorption: improves
Testosterone: improves

Metabolic Health: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Small Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	1 study	40 people
Studies that measured c-reactive protein (crp) Effects of zinc supplementation on serum zinc and C-reactive protein concentrations in hemodialysis patientsJ Ren Nutr · PMID 19541504
	Iron Absorption	Improves (the measure goes up)		4 studies	28 people
Studies that measured iron absorption New insights about iron bioavailability inhibition by zincNutrition · PMID 17350802 Elevated intakes of zinc in infant formulas don not interfere with iron absorption in premature infantsJ Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr · PMID 9740203 Zinc inhibits nonheme iron bioavailability in humansBiol Trace Elem Res · PMID 17873388 Effect of increasing concentrations of zinc on the absorption of iron from iron-fortified milkBiol Trace Elem Res · PMID 22760642
	Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	10 people
Studies that measured testosterone Effect of fatiguing bicycle exercise on thyroid hormone and testosterone levels in sedentary males supplemented with oral zincNeuro Endocrinol Lett · PMID 17984944 The effect of exhaustion exercise on thyroid hormones and testosterone levels of elite athletes receiving oral zincNeuro Endocrinol Lett · PMID 16648789 Impact of oral zinc therapy on the level of sex hormones in male patients on hemodialysisRen Fail · PMID 20446777
	Cell Adhesion Factors	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	40 people
Studies that measured cell adhesion factors Zinc decreases C-reactive protein, lipid peroxidation, and inflammatory cytokines in elderly subjects: a potential implication of zinc as an atheroprotective agentAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 20427734
	Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	40 people
Studies that measured oxidative stress biomarkers Oral zinc supplementation does not improve oxidative stress or vascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes with normal zinc levelsAtherosclerosis · PMID 21840002
	Free Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)			10 people
	Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)			40 people
	Serum T3	Improves (the measure goes up)			10 people
	Serum T4	Improves (the measure goes up)			10 people

Metabolic Syndrome

Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile: improves
Apolipoprotein A: improves
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves

Metabolic Syndrome: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect	1 study	40 people
Studies that measured anti-oxidant enzyme profile Effect of zinc supplementation on antioxidant activity in young wrestlersBiol Trace Elem Res · PMID 19597720
	Apolipoprotein A	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	60 people
Studies that measured apolipoprotein a Effect of zinc supplementation on markers of insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation among prepubescent children with metabolic syndromeMetab Syndr Relat Disord · PMID 21028969
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	60 people
Studies that measured c-reactive protein (crp) Effects of zinc supplementation on serum zinc and C-reactive protein concentrations in hemodialysis patientsJ Ren Nutr · PMID 19541504
	Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	120 people
Studies that measured glycemic control Effect of zinc supplementation in the management of type 2 diabetes: A grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation-assessed, dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · PMID 37183697
	Insulin	Changes; see studies		1 study	120 people
Studies that measured insulin Effect of zinc supplementation on insulin resistance and components of the metabolic syndrome in prepubertal obese childrenHormones · PMID 20045801
	Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	100 people
	Apolipoprotein B	Improves (the measure goes down)			60 people
	Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)			120 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			60 people
	LDL Oxidation	Improves (the measure goes down)			60 people
	Leptin	Improves (the measure goes up)			60 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			120 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			60 people
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			60 people
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			120 people

Cognitive Improvement

Cognition: improves
Depression Symptoms: improves
Serum BDNF: improves

Cognitive Improvement: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Cognition Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect	1 study	180 people
Studies that measured cognition Normalization of zinc intake enhances neurological retrieval of patients suffering from ischemic strokesNutr Neurosci · PMID 19761652
	Depression Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	44 people
Studies that measured depression symptoms Zinc supplementation combined with antidepressant drugs for treatment of patients with depression: a systematic review and meta-analysisNutr Rev · PMID 32885249 Effect of zinc supplementation on mood states in young women: a pilot studyEur J Clin Nutr · PMID 20087376 Zinc supplementation augments efficacy of imipramine in treatment resistant patients: a double blind, placebo-controlled studyJ Affect Disord · PMID 19278731
	Serum BDNF	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	44 people
Studies that measured serum bdnf Effects of zinc supplementation on efficacy of antidepressant therapy, inflammatory cytokines, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients with major depressionNutr Neurosci · PMID 23602205 Zinc monotherapy increases serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and decreases depressive symptoms in overweight or obese subjects: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trialNutr Neurosci · PMID 24621065
	Reaction Time	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	180 people
Studies that measured reaction time Zinc supplementation improved cognitive performance and taste acuity in Indian adolescent girlsJ Am Coll Nutr · PMID 20368377
	Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)			44 people
	TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			44 people

End-Stage Renal Disease

C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves
Testosterone: improves
Luteinizing Hormone: improves

End-Stage Renal Disease: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Small Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	1 study	55 people
Studies that measured c-reactive protein (crp) Effects of zinc supplementation on serum zinc and C-reactive protein concentrations in hemodialysis patientsJ Ren Nutr · PMID 19541504
	Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	95 people
Studies that measured testosterone Effect of fatiguing bicycle exercise on thyroid hormone and testosterone levels in sedentary males supplemented with oral zincNeuro Endocrinol Lett · PMID 17984944 The effect of exhaustion exercise on thyroid hormones and testosterone levels of elite athletes receiving oral zincNeuro Endocrinol Lett · PMID 16648789 Impact of oral zinc therapy on the level of sex hormones in male patients on hemodialysisRen Fail · PMID 20446777
	Luteinizing Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)			95 people
	Prolactin	Improves (the measure goes up)			95 people

Stroke

Cognition: improves
Stroke Recovery: improves

Stroke: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Cognition Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect	1 study	26 people
Studies that measured cognition Normalization of zinc intake enhances neurological retrieval of patients suffering from ischemic strokesNutr Neurosci · PMID 19761652
	Stroke Recovery	Improves (the measure goes up)			26 people

Depression

Aggression: improves
Depression Symptoms: improves
Serum BDNF: improves

Depression: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Aggression Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		30 people
	Depression Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	162 people
Studies that measured depression symptoms Zinc supplementation combined with antidepressant drugs for treatment of patients with depression: a systematic review and meta-analysisNutr Rev · PMID 32885249 Effect of zinc supplementation on mood states in young women: a pilot studyEur J Clin Nutr · PMID 20087376 Zinc supplementation augments efficacy of imipramine in treatment resistant patients: a double blind, placebo-controlled studyJ Affect Disord · PMID 19278731
	Serum BDNF	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	90 people
Studies that measured serum bdnf Effects of zinc supplementation on efficacy of antidepressant therapy, inflammatory cytokines, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients with major depressionNutr Neurosci · PMID 23602205 Zinc monotherapy increases serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and decreases depressive symptoms in overweight or obese subjects: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trialNutr Neurosci · PMID 24621065
	Subjective Well-Being	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	30 people
Studies that measured subjective well-being Supplemented zinc does not alter mood in healthy older European adults--a randomised placebo-controlled trial: the Zenith studyPublic Health Nutr · PMID 21272413
	Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)			44 people
	TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			44 people

Infertility

Seminal Motility: improves
Sperm Count: improves

Infertility: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Seminal Motility Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		2,168 people
	Sperm Count	Improves (the measure goes up)			2,168 people

Type 1 Diabetes

Blood glucose: improves
HbA1c: improves
Insulin: changes; see studies

Type 1 Diabetes: outcomes studied for Zinc
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		10 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	10 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		1 study	10 people
Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			10 people

Frailty

Functionality in Elderly or Injured: improves
IGF-1: improves

Frailty: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Functionality in Elderly or Injured Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		61 people
	IGF-1	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	61 people

Gestational Diabetes

Blood glucose: improves
HbA1c: improves
Insulin: changes; see studies

Gestational Diabetes: outcomes studied for Zinc
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		10 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	10 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		1 study	10 people
Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			10 people

Prediabetes

Blood glucose: improves
HbA1c: improves
Insulin: changes; see studies

Prediabetes: outcomes studied for Zinc
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		10 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	10 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		1 study	10 people
Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			10 people

Thyroid Health

Free Testosterone: improves
Testosterone: improves
Serum T3: improves

Thyroid Health: outcomes studied for Zinc
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Free Testosterone Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		10 people
Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	10 people
Serum T3	Improves (the measure goes up)			10 people
Serum T4	Improves (the measure goes up)			10 people

Wrestling Performance

Free Testosterone: improves
Testosterone: improves

Wrestling Performance: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Free Testosterone Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		10 people
	Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	10 people

General Athletic Performance

Free Testosterone: improves
Testosterone: improves
Serum T3: improves

General Athletic Performance: outcomes studied for Zinc
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Free Testosterone Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		10 people
Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	10 people
Serum T3	Improves (the measure goes up)			10 people
Serum T4	Improves (the measure goes up)			10 people

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Risk
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms: improves

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Risk No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	100 people
	Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)		11 studies	348 people

Weight Loss & Maintenance

Body Fat
Insulin: changes; see studies
Interleukin 2: improves

Weight Loss & Maintenance: outcomes studied for Zinc
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Body Fat No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	9 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		1 study	9 people
Interleukin 2	Improves (the measure goes up)			9 people
Leptin	Improves (the measure goes up)			9 people
Serum DHEA	Improves (the measure goes up)			9 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			9 people

Infant Health

Infant Birth Weight
Iron Absorption: improves
Infant Growth: improves

Infant Health: outcomes studied for Zinc
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Infant Birth Weight No effect		NoneNo effect		6,757 people
Iron Absorption	Improves (the measure goes up)		4 studies	5 people
Infant Growth	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	955 people
Preterm Birth Risk	Changes; see studies		1 study	7,637 people

General Cardiovascular Health

Blood Flow
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves
Cell Adhesion Factors: improves

General Cardiovascular Health: outcomes studied for Zinc
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood Flow No effect		NoneNo effect		40 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	80 people
Cell Adhesion Factors	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	40 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		1 study	40 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	80 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)			40 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			40 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			40 people
Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)			40 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			40 people
Plasma Nitrate	Improves (the measure goes up)			40 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			40 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			40 people

Low Birth Weight

Infant Birth Weight
Preterm Birth Risk: changes; see studies

Low Birth Weight: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Infant Birth Weight No effect		NoneNo effect		6,757 people
	Preterm Birth Risk	Changes; see studies		1 study	7,637 people

Pregnancy and Delivery Health

Infant Birth Weight
Preterm Birth Risk: changes; see studies

Pregnancy and Delivery Health: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Infant Birth Weight No effect		NoneNo effect		6,757 people
	Preterm Birth Risk	Changes; see studies		1 study	7,637 people

Pneumonia

Pneumonia Symptoms: improves

Pneumonia: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Pneumonia Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)		8 studies	7,082 people

Acne

Acne Symptoms: improves

Acne: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Acne Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	462 people

Chemotherapy Side Effects

Mucositis Symptoms: improves

Chemotherapy Side Effects: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Mucositis Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	194 people

Head and Neck Cancer

Mucositis Symptoms: improves

Head and Neck Cancer: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Mucositis Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	30 people

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron Absorption: improves

Iron Deficiency Anemia: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Iron Absorption	Improves (the measure goes up)		4 studies	22 people

Mucositis

Mucositis Symptoms: improves

Mucositis: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Mucositis Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	60 people

Optimal Nutrient Levels

Iron Absorption: improves

Optimal Nutrient Levels: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Iron Absorption	Improves (the measure goes up)		4 studies	28 people

Rosacea

Rosacea Symptoms: improves

Rosacea: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Rosacea Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	69 people

Warts

Wart Severity: changes; see studies

Warts: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Wart Severity	Changes; see studies		2 studies	133 people

General Cancer Care and Prevention

Dysgeusia: improves

General Cancer Care and Prevention: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Dysgeusia	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	58 people

Carbonic Anhydrase VI Deficiency

Dysgeusia: improves

Carbonic Anhydrase VI Deficiency: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Dysgeusia	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	14 people

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Wart Severity: changes; see studies

Human Papillomavirus (HPV): outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Wart Severity	Changes; see studies		2 studies	90 people

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD Symptoms: improves

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	ADHD Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	52 people

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Cirrhosis Severity: changes; see studies

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Cirrhosis Severity	Changes; see studies		1 study	52 people

Psoriasis

Psoriasis Symptoms: improves

Psoriasis: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Psoriasis Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	60 people

Dental Health

Dental Health Metrics: improves

Dental Health: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Dental Health Metrics	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	52 people

Gum Health

Dental Health Metrics: improves

Gum Health: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Dental Health Metrics	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	52 people

Immune Health

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Risk: changes; see studies

Immune Health: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Risk	Changes; see studies		1 study	100 people

Mood Improvement

Subjective Well-Being: improves

Mood Improvement: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Subjective Well-Being	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	387 people

Obsessive-Compulsive disorder (OCD)

OCD Symptoms: improves

Obsessive-Compulsive disorder (OCD): outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	OCD Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	23 people

Tinnitus

Tinnitus Symptoms: improves

Tinnitus: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Tinnitus Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	41 people

Uremic Pruritus

Itching: improves

Uremic Pruritus: outcomes studied for Zinc
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Itching	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	40 people

What the published studies found

8 automated readings

Automated reading of the published studies (Decosa evidence engine), for outcomes Dr. Grey has not graded yet. It is not a Dr. Grey grade and does not change one. How it is read

LDL cholesterol
The studies disagree. A Cochrane review (2015, 3 studies, 128 people) found little or no difference in LDL cholesterol, while 3 of the 9 studies read found an improvement. The evidence is very weak.
Possible harm: 1 study read reported a worse result for LDL cholesterol with Zinc. One abstract says: "LDL cholesterol showed a modest increase (MD = 3.46; 95% CI 1.48 to 5.43)" Check the studies below, and ask a doctor or pharmacist if this applies to you.
9 studies counted of 9 read: 7 reviews and 2 trials (54 people in the trials).
1. Systematic review, 2015; 3 studies, 128 people; adults with insulin resistance: no clear difference (the review the verdict rests on). neutral effects for trials comparing zinc supplementation with placebo for total cholesterol Zinc supplementation for the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults with insulin resistancePubMed 26020622
2. Meta-analysis, 2026; 18 studies, 1,023 people; individuals with diabetes, gestational diabetes or prediabetes: worsens. Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Glycemic Control, Insulin Resistance, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled TrialsPubMed 42594341
3. Meta-analysis, 2023; 14 studies, 1,067 people; patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: improves. Following zinc supplementation, a significant decrease was observed in TC (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -16.16; … The Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Lipid Profiles in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical TrialsPubMed 37604307
4. Meta-analysis, 2021; 27 studies, 2,016 people: improves. significantly benefited fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol Effects of Dose and Duration of Zinc Interventions on Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisPubMed 32722790
5. Meta-analysis, 2020; 9 studies, 424 people; patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: no clear difference. overall effect of zinc supplementation on LDL-C levels was not significant Effects of zinc supplementation on lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsPubMed 32451277
6. Meta-analysis, 2015; 24 studies, 14,515 people: improves. LDL-c between Zinc supplemented and placebo group Effects of Zinc supplementation on serum lipids: a systematic review and meta-analysisPubMed 26244049
7. Systematic review, 2006: no clear difference. concentrations of LDL-cholesterol (c), total cholesterol and triglycerides in plasma are unaffected The effect of zinc supplementation in humans on plasma lipids, antioxidant status and thrombogenesisPubMed 16943449
8. Crossover trial, 1995; 10 people; healthy male volunteers: no clear difference. No changes in the oxidizability of LDL The effect of zinc supplementation on plasma lipids and low-density lipoprotein oxidation in malesPubMed 7590403
9. Randomised trial, 1984; 44 people; sedentary and endurance-trained men: no clear difference. low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels did not change Zinc ingestion and lipoprotein values in sedentary and endurance-trained menPubMed 6748177
Automated reading of the published studies (Decosa evidence engine), run 30 Sep 2026. It reads abstracts, can miss studies, and a repeat run can differ.
Acne
The best available review (2026) found an improvement in acne. That review studied patients with acne vulgaris. All 7 studies read agree. The evidence is limited.
7 studies counted of 10 read: 4 reviews and 3 trials (108 people in the trials).
1. Systematic review, 2026; patients with acne vulgaris: improves (the review the verdict rests on). available data support a potential clinical benefit Oral Zinc Supplementation in Acne Vulgaris and Hidradenitis Suppurativa: An Updated Comprehensive ReviewPubMed 42739037
2. Systematic review, 2020; 22 studies; patients with inflammatory dermatologic conditions: improves. beneficial in ten of 14 studies evaluating its effects on acne vulgaris Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Inflammatory Skin Diseases: A Systematic Review of the Clinical EvidencePubMed 31745908
3. Meta-analysis, 2020; patients with acne vulgaris: improves. significant improvement in mean inflammatory papule count Serum zinc levels and efficacy of zinc treatment in acne vulgaris: A systematic review and meta-analysisPubMed 32860489
4. Systematic review, 2013; patients with acne vulgaris: improves. zinc has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects The clinical effects of zinc as a topical or oral agent on the clinical response and pathophysiologic mechanisms of acne: a systematic review of the literaturePubMed 23652948
5. Randomised trial, 1989; patients with inflammatory acne: improves. significantly different result between zinc and placebo groups Low doses of zinc gluconate for inflammatory acnePubMed 2575335
6. Randomised trial, 1980; 54 people; 54 patients with acne vulgaris: improves. Compared to placebo this result is slightly better Clinical evaluation in acnePubMed 6451126
7. Randomised trial, 1978; 54 people; patients suffering from acne vulgaris: improves. Clinical comparison with placebo showed the result of zinc sulphate therapy to be slightly, but … Oral zinc in acne vulgaris: a clinical and methodological studyPubMed 82356
Automated reading of the published studies (Decosa evidence engine), run 30 Sep 2026. It reads abstracts, can miss studies, and a repeat run can differ.
Blood pressure
The best available review (2024, 22 studies, 1,442 people) found an improvement in blood pressure. That review studied adults with type 2 diabetes. 2 of the 4 studies read agree; 2 found no clear difference. The evidence is moderate.
4 studies counted of 10 read: 3 reviews and 1 trial (242 people in the trials).
1. Meta-analysis, 2024; 22 studies, 1,442 people; adults with type 2 diabetes: improves (the review the verdict rests on). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) (MD): -3.64 mmHg Effect of zinc supplementation in the management of type 2 diabetes: A grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation-assessed, dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsPubMed 37183697
2. Meta-analysis, 2020; 20 studies, 1,141 people: no clear difference. effects of zinc supplementation on blood pressure Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled TrialsPubMed 31494808
3. Meta-analysis, 2020; 9 studies: improves. Zinc supplementation significantly reduced SBP compared to the control The effect of zinc supplementation on blood pressure: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trialsPubMed 32090294
4. Randomised trial, 2017; 242 people; peruvian children aged 4.5 years: no clear difference. No difference in measures of child cardiometabolic risk Effect of maternal zinc supplementation on the cardiometabolic profile of Peruvian children: results from a randomized clinical trialPubMed 27748235
Automated reading of the published studies (Decosa evidence engine), run 30 Sep 2026. It reads abstracts, can miss studies, and a repeat run can differ.
Hair growth
The 1 study read (200 people in all) mostly found an improvement in hair growth. The evidence is limited.
Side effects: 1 of the 2 studies that reported on them found more with Zinc (reddening and burning).
1 study counted of 9 read: 1 trial (200 people in the trials).
1. Randomised trial, 2003; 200 people; healthy men with androgenetic alopecia: improves. The effects of minoxidil, 1% pyrithione zinc and a combination of both on hair density: a randomized controlled trialPubMed 12932243
Automated reading of the published studies (Decosa evidence engine), run 30 Sep 2026. It reads abstracts, can miss studies, and a repeat run can differ.
Muscle soreness
Too few usable studies were found to tell whether Zinc changes muscle soreness. 3 studies were read and none could be counted.
Automated reading of the published studies (Decosa evidence engine), run 30 Sep 2026. It reads abstracts, can miss studies, and a repeat run can differ.
Respiratory infections
A Cochrane review (2024, 34 studies, 8,526 people) found little or no difference in respiratory infections. That review studied children and adults with or at risk of common cold. 3 of the 6 studies read agree; 3 found an improvement. The evidence is limited.
Side effects: 2 of the 5 studies that reported on them found more with Zinc (bad taste, nausea, non-serious adverse events).
6 studies counted of 8 read: 6 reviews.
1. Systematic review, 2024; 34 studies, 8,526 people; children and adults with or at risk of common cold: no clear difference (the review the verdict rests on). little or no reduction in the risk of developing a cold Zinc for prevention and treatment of the common coldPubMed 38719213
2. Systematic review, 2026; 19 studies, 11,576 people; children under 18 years old: no clear difference. Direct comparison meta-analysis showed no statistically significant differences between low-dose vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin … Comparative efficacy of nutritional supplements for the prevention of respiratory tract infections in children: a systematic review and network meta-analysisPubMed 42143317
3. Systematic review, 2026; children with respiratory infections: improves. reducing the incidence and burden of respiratory infections The Role of Zinc in Pediatric Respiratory Infections: Evidence from Clinical Trials and Real-World StudiesPubMed 41754074
4. Meta-analysis, 2022; 14 studies, 9,940 people; preterm or low birth weight infants: no clear difference. no effect on acute respiratory infections Enteral Zinc Supplementation in Preterm or Low Birth Weight Infants: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysisPubMed 35921675
5. Meta-analysis, 2016; 6 studies, 5,193 people; children aged 2 months to 59 months: improves. Zinc supplementation for the prevention of pneumonia in children aged 2 months to 59 monthsPubMed 27915460
6. Meta-analysis, 2013; 18 studies, 1,781 people; healthy people with common cold symptoms: improves. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) of developing a cold (IRR 0.64, 95% CI 0.47 to … Zinc for the common coldPubMed 23775705
Automated reading of the published studies (Decosa evidence engine), run 30 Sep 2026. It reads abstracts, can miss studies, and a repeat run can differ.
Stress
The best available review (2026, 18 studies, 1,023 people) found a moderate improvement in stress. That review studied individuals with diabetes, gestational diabetes or prediabetes. 2 of the 3 studies read agree; 1 found no clear difference. The evidence is moderate.
3 studies counted of 10 read: 2 reviews and 1 trial (40 people in the trials).
1. Meta-analysis, 2026; 18 studies, 1,023 people; individuals with diabetes, gestational diabetes or prediabetes: improves (the review the verdict rests on). Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Glycemic Control, Insulin Resistance, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled TrialsPubMed 42594341
2. Meta-analysis, 2021; 25 studies, 1,428 people: improves. Effects of zinc supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsPubMed 34560424
3. Randomised trial, 2011; 40 people; male type 2 diabetic patients with normal zinc levels: no clear difference. markers of oxidative damage, levels of hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid products and vascular indices were unchanged by … Oral zinc supplementation does not improve oxidative stress or vascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes with normal zinc levelsPubMed 21840002
Automated reading of the published studies (Decosa evidence engine), run 30 Sep 2026. It reads abstracts, can miss studies, and a repeat run can differ.
Warts
The best available review (2025, 33 studies, 2,728 people) found little or no difference in warts. That review studied patients with viral warts and cervical HPV infection. 3 of the 7 studies read agree; 4 found an improvement. The evidence is moderate.
Side effects: 3 of the 6 studies that reported on them found more with Zinc (gastrointestinal adverse effects, nausea and vomiting, severe pain during injection).
7 studies counted of 10 read: 3 reviews and 4 trials (318 people in the trials).
1. Meta-analysis, 2025; 33 studies, 2,728 people; patients with viral warts and cervical HPV infection: no clear difference (the review the verdict rests on). log OR was 2.97 [95% CI: 0.96; 4.97] Clinical Use of Zinc in Treatment of Human Papillomavirus Cervical Infection and Viral Warts: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisPubMed 40670323
2. Meta-analysis, 2025; 7 studies; patients with viral warts: improves. total clearance rate of warts was significantly higher Oral zinc sulphate reduces the recurrence rate and provides significant therapeutic effects for viral warts: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsPubMed 40334186
3. Systematic review, 2012; people with cutaneous warts: improves. limited evidence was found for the efficacy of zinc Systemic treatments for cutaneous warts: a systematic reviewPubMed 21054194
4. Crossover trial, 2023; 50 people; patients suffering from genital warts: no clear difference. no significant differences were observed between treatment with zinc and placebo The Efficacy of Cryotherapy and Zinc Gluconate in Management of Anogenital Warts: A Randomized Double-Blind, Split-Side, Placebo-Controlled TrialPubMed 36987822
5. Randomised trial, 2020; 105 people; patients with plantar warts: improves. Intralesional zinc sulfate 2% vs intralesional vitamin D in plantar warts: A clinicodermoscopic studyPubMed 32162438
6. Randomised trial, 2018; 83 people; patients with common warts: no clear difference. Warts completely resolved in 26 patients Cryotherapy plus oral zinc sulfate versus cryotherapy plus placebo to treat common warts: A double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trialPubMed 29872682
7. Randomised trial, 2002; 80 people; patients with recalcitrant viral warts: improves. complete clearance of warts observed in 20 patients (86.9%) Oral zinc sulphate in the treatment of recalcitrant viral warts: randomized placebo-controlled clinical trialPubMed 11952542
Automated reading of the published studies (Decosa evidence engine), run 30 Sep 2026. It reads abstracts, can miss studies, and a repeat run can differ.

Key findings

Acute Respiratory Tract Infection RiskAcute Respiratory Infection (ARI)Improves (the measure goes down)
Diarrhea SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)
Common Cold SymptomsCommon ColdImproves (the measure goes down)

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Third-party tested Zinc products, in the forms the graded studies used where we can match them.

Grade A

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Studies cited

79 studies from PubMed

Effects of folic acid and folic acid plus zinc supplements on the sperm characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of infertile men: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Heliyon · PMID 37539255
A systematic review and meta-analysis examining the role of zinc supplementation in ameliorating physical and psychological manifestations of premenstrual syndrome in young females.Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol · PMID 40435711
Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Physical and Psychological Symptoms, Biomarkers of Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Young Women with Premenstrual Syndrome: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled TrialBiol Trace Elem Res · PMID 31154571
Effect of zinc sulfate supplementation on premenstrual syndrome and health-related quality of life: Clinical randomized controlled trialJ Obstet Gynaecol Res · PMID 28188965
Effect of zinc supplementation on markers of insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation among prepubescent children with metabolic syndromeMetab Syndr Relat Disord · PMID 21028969
Effect of zinc supplementation on insulin resistance and components of the metabolic syndrome in prepubertal obese childrenHormones · PMID 20045801
Effect of zinc supplementation on antioxidant activity in young wrestlersBiol Trace Elem Res · PMID 19597720
Randomized, double-blind trial of 220 mg zinc sulfate twice daily in the treatment of rosaceaInt J Dermatol · PMID 22435439
Oral zinc sulfate in the treatment of rosacea: a double-blind, placebo-controlled studyInt J Dermatol · PMID 16863527
Prophylaxis and treatment of rhinovirus colds with zinc gluconate lozengesJ Antimicrob Chemother · PMID 3440773
Two randomized controlled trials of zinc gluconate lozenge therapy of experimentally induced rhinovirus coldsAntimicrob Agents Chemother · PMID 2820298
Zinc gluconate and the common cold: a controlled clinical studyJ Int Med Res · PMID 1397668
Duration and severity of symptoms and levels of plasma interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor, and adhesion molecules in patients with common cold treated with zinc acetateJ Infect Dis · PMID 18279051
Zinc acetate lozenges for the treatment of the common cold: a randomised controlled trialBMJ Open · PMID 31980506
Zinc gluconate lozenges for treating the common cold. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studyAnn Intern Med · PMID 8678384
Effect of treatment with zinc gluconate or zinc acetate on experimental and natural coldsClin Infect Dis · PMID 11073753
Reduction in duration of common colds by zinc gluconate lozenges in a double-blind studyAntimicrob Agents Chemother · PMID 6367635
Zinc gluconate lozenges for common cold. A double-blind clinical trialDan Med Bull · PMID 2192839
Duration of symptoms and plasma cytokine levels in patients with the common cold treated with zinc acetate. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialAnn Intern Med · PMID 10929163
Zinc supplementation decreases incidence of infections in the elderly: effect of zinc on generation of cytokines and oxidative stressAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 17344507
Zinc sulfate in the prevention of radiation-induced oropharyngeal mucositis: a prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized studyInt J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys · PMID 14697435
Zinc increases the effects of essential amino acids-whey protein supplements in frail elderlyJ Nutr Health Aging · PMID 19536417
Effects of zinc supplementation on efficacy of antidepressant therapy, inflammatory cytokines, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients with major depressionNutr Neurosci · PMID 23602205
Zinc monotherapy increases serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and decreases depressive symptoms in overweight or obese subjects: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trialNutr Neurosci · PMID 24621065
Zinc supplementation combined with antidepressant drugs for treatment of patients with depression: a systematic review and meta-analysisNutr Rev · PMID 32885249
Effect of zinc supplementation on mood states in young women: a pilot studyEur J Clin Nutr · PMID 20087376
Zinc supplementation augments efficacy of imipramine in treatment resistant patients: a double blind, placebo-controlled studyJ Affect Disord · PMID 19278731
Zinc supplementation improved cognitive performance and taste acuity in Indian adolescent girlsJ Am Coll Nutr · PMID 20368377
Short-term zinc supplementation in women with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: effects on plasma 5'-nucleotidase activities, insulin-like growth factor I concentrations, and lipoprotein oxidation rates in vitroAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 9280186
Effect of zinc supplementation in the management of type 2 diabetes: A grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation-assessed, dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · PMID 37183697
Effect of zinc supplementation on glycemic biomarkers: an umbrella of interventional meta-analyses.Diabetol Metab Syndr · PMID 38849958
Zinc decreases C-reactive protein, lipid peroxidation, and inflammatory cytokines in elderly subjects: a potential implication of zinc as an atheroprotective agentAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 20427734
Oral zinc supplementation does not improve oxidative stress or vascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes with normal zinc levelsAtherosclerosis · PMID 21840002
New insights about iron bioavailability inhibition by zincNutrition · PMID 17350802
Effect of fatiguing bicycle exercise on thyroid hormone and testosterone levels in sedentary males supplemented with oral zincNeuro Endocrinol Lett · PMID 17984944
Zinc may regulate serum leptin concentrations in humansJ Am Coll Nutr · PMID 9627914
Oral zinc sulphate in the treatment of recalcitrant viral warts: randomized placebo-controlled clinical trialBr J Dermatol · PMID 11952542
Topical zinc sulphate solution for treatment of viral wartsSaudi Med J · PMID 17768472
The efficacy of zinc supplementation on outcome of children with severe pneumonia. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trialIndian J Pediatr · PMID 21660402
Efficacy of zinc given as an adjunct in the treatment of severe and very severe pneumonia in hospitalized children 2-24 mo of age: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 23636236
Two weeks of zinc administration to Nepalese children with pneumonia does not reduce the incidence of pneumonia or diarrhea during the next six monthsJ Nutr · PMID 20631326
Role of zinc in severe pneumonia: a randomized double bind placebo controlled studyItal J Pediatr · PMID 22856593
A randomized controlled trial of oral zinc in acute pneumonia in children aged between 2 months to 5 yearsIndian J Pediatr · PMID 21660397
Zinc adjunct therapy reduces case fatality in severe childhood pneumonia: a randomized double blind placebo-controlled trialBMC Med · PMID 22316073
A randomized controlled trial of the effect of zinc as adjuvant therapy in children 2-35 mo of age with severe or nonsevere pneumonia in Bhaktapur, NepalAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 20375190
A randomized controlled trial of zinc as adjuvant therapy for severe pneumonia in young childrenPediatrics · PMID 22392179
Normalization of zinc intake enhances neurological retrieval of patients suffering from ischemic strokesNutr Neurosci · PMID 19761652
The role of zinc in the treatment of tinnitusOtol Neurotol · PMID 12544035
The effect of exhaustion exercise on thyroid hormones and testosterone levels of elite athletes receiving oral zincNeuro Endocrinol Lett · PMID 16648789
Multicenter randomized comparative double-blind controlled clinical trial of the safety and efficacy of zinc gluconate versus minocycline hydrochloride in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgarisDermatology · PMID 11586012
Oral zinc sulphate therapy in acne vulgaris: a double-blind trialActa Derm Venereol · PMID 6163281
Low doses of zinc gluconate for inflammatory acneActa Derm Venereol · PMID 2575335
Oral zinc in acne vulgaris: a clinical and methodological studyActa Derm Venereol · PMID 82356
Failure of zinc gluconate in treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infectionsAntimicrob Agents Chemother · PMID 2665639
Elevated intakes of zinc in infant formulas don not interfere with iron absorption in premature infantsJ Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr · PMID 9740203
Zinc supplementation for improving pregnancy and infant outcome.Cochrane Database Syst Rev · PMID 33724446
Zinc supplementation for the promotion of growth and prevention of infections in infants less than six months of age.Cochrane Database Syst Rev · PMID 32266964
Effect of enteral zinc supplementation on growth and neurodevelopment of preterm infants: a systematic review and meta-analysisJ Perinatol · PMID 34006967
Effects of low dose zinc supplementation on biochemical markers in non-alcoholic cirrhosis: a randomized clinical trialArch Iran Med · PMID 22827782
The effect of zinc sulfate in the prevention of high-dose chemotherapy-induced mucositis: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studyHematol Oncol · PMID 21692101
Treatment of localized psoriasis with a topical formulation of zinc pyrithioneActa Dermatovenerol Alp Panonica Adriat · PMID 22367374
Supplemented zinc does not alter mood in healthy older European adults--a randomised placebo-controlled trial: the Zenith studyPublic Health Nutr · PMID 21272413
Impact of oral zinc therapy on the level of sex hormones in male patients on hemodialysisRen Fail · PMID 20446777
Effects of zinc supplementation on serum zinc and C-reactive protein concentrations in hemodialysis patientsJ Ren Nutr · PMID 19541504
Zinc for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: placebo-controlled double-blind pilot trial alone and combined with amphetamineJ Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol · PMID 21309695
A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of zinc sulfate supplementation for alleviation of radiation-induced oral mucositis and pharyngitis in head and neck cancer patientsJ Med Assoc Thai · PMID 23720981
Evaluation of the efficacy of zinc sulfate in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced mucositis: a double-blind randomized clinical trialArch Iran Med · PMID 22724877
Evaluation of oral zinc sulfate effect on obsessive-compulsive disorder: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trialNutrition · PMID 22465904
A randomized, placebo controlled trial of oral zinc for chemotherapy-related taste and smell disordersJ Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother · PMID 22764846
The effect of systemic zinc supplementation on oral health in low socioeconomic level childrenTurk J Pediatr · PMID 20112596
Zinc sulfate for relief of pruritus in patients on maintenance hemodialysisTher Apher Dial · PMID 22458392
Efficacy of exogenous oral zinc in treatment of patients with carbonic anhydrase VI deficiencyAm J Med Sci · PMID 10616164
Zinc inhibits nonheme iron bioavailability in humansBiol Trace Elem Res · PMID 17873388
Effect of increasing concentrations of zinc on the absorption of iron from iron-fortified milkBiol Trace Elem Res · PMID 22760642
Oral zinc for treating diarrhoea in children.Cochrane Database Syst Rev · PMID 27996088
Oral zinc supplementation for the treatment of acute diarrhea in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Nutrients · PMID 24284615
Zinc supplementation for treating diarrhea in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Rev Panam Salud Publica · PMID 23764669
Zinc supplementation for acute and persistent watery diarrhoea in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.J Glob Health · PMID 39641338
Zinc for the prevention or treatment of acute viral respiratory tract infections in adults: a rapid systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trialsBMJ Open · PMID 34728441

Evidence by condition

Diarrhea

General Cardiovascular Health

What the published studies found

LDL cholesterol

Acne

Blood pressure

Hair growth

Muscle soreness

Respiratory infections

Stress

Warts

Key findings

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Studies cited

Related supplements

Protocols that include Zinc