What is Zinc Picolinate (Zinc Picolinate · Mineral)?
Zinc picolinate is a chelate salt formed by zinc and picolinic acid (a tryptophan metabolite). Picolinic acid binds to zinc, forming a stable complex believed to facilitate absorption in the intestines. It is marketed as a highly bioavailable form of zinc.
- Molecular formula: C₁₂H₈N₂O₄Zn
- CAS number: 17949-65-4
- Form: Powder / Granules
- Quality: Food / Pharmaceutical Grade
- Zinc picolinate (Mw ~309.6) contains approximately 21% elemental zinc; 50 mg of the salt provides ~10.5 mg of elemental Zn.
What is Zinc Picolinate · Mineral Used For? Why is it Used?
Zinc picolinate is a preferred form of zinc due to its chelate structure and high bioavailability; its neutral taste makes it suitable for capsules and tablets. Since the claim of high bioavailability is based on a limited number of studies, the choice should be made based on the balance between bioavailability expectations and gastric tolerance.
Main applications: Dietary Supplements, Tablet Manufacturing, Capsules (Powder), Mineral Support, Immune System, Enzyme Support, Bioavailability, Food Formulation.
Usage in Dietary Supplements
- Picolinate chelate form: Zinc is chelated with two picolinic acid molecules; it has been suggested that picolinic acid is a natural zinc carrier and that this complex facilitates absorption.
- High bioavailability claim and evidence limit: A 1987 double-blind study showed that zinc picolinate increased hair/urine/erythrocyte zinc levels compared to gluconate and citrate; however, this single small study has not been replicated using isotopic methods (NIH ODS states that no definitive difference between forms has been proven).
- Usage range: It is generally formulated in doses providing 15–30 mg of elemental zinc; claims should be made based on elemental zinc.
- Gastric tolerance: The chelate structure may be less irritating to the stomach compared to ionic sulfate; however, nausea may occur at high doses.
Usage in the Food Industry
- Permitted zinc source: It is a permitted zinc source in the annex of the TR Regulation and EU legislation.
- Capsule and tablet usage: Due to its neutral taste and good solubility, it is primarily used as a zinc source in supplements in capsule and tablet forms.
Effects on Health
Zinc is a mineral that plays a role in many fundamental functions in the body. The main functions authorized/evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA):
- Immune system: Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system (EFSA).
- DNA synthesis and cell division: Zinc contributes to normal DNA synthesis and cell division (EFSA).
- Protection from oxidative stress: Zinc contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress (EFSA).
- Cognitive function: Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal cognitive function (EFSA).
- Fertility and testosterone: Zinc contributes to normal fertility and normal testosterone levels in the blood (EFSA). Note: In a large RCT, 30 mg of zinc + folic acid did not significantly improve semen quality/live birth rates.
- Hair, nails, skin, bone: Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, nails, skin, and bones (EFSA).
Usage Limits in Dietary Supplements
- Nutrient Reference Value (NRV): Zinc NRV is 10 mg (1169/2011).
- Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) (EFSA): EFSA sets the zinc UL at 25 mg/day (total elemental zinc).
- Turkish legislation (TETGK): Zinc picolinate is a permitted zinc source in the TR Regulation; the exact daily maximum zinc limit must be verified from the official annex (not fabricated).
Excessive zinc intake impairs copper absorption; long-term high doses carry a risk of copper deficiency, with a total UL of 25 mg/day.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Purity | 98.0 - 101.0% |
| Appearance | White Crystalline Powder or Granular Powder |
| Moisture | ≤5.0 % |
| Solubility | Water Soluble |
Scientific Studies
The following independent research studies relate to the bioavailability, usage, and effects of this mineral (evidence levels are indicated):
- PubMed 3630857 — Study comparing the absorption of zinc picolinate, citrate, and gluconate in humans (single, unreplicated small study).
- PubMed 31910279 — Randomized clinical study evaluating the effect of folic acid and zinc supplementation on semen quality and live birth in men (null result).
- PubMed 22566526 — Systematic review and meta-analysis of zinc in the treatment of the common cold.
Technical Documents and Supply — Asuka Kimya
You can contact Asuka Kimya for SDS, TDS, CoA, and supply conditions for Zinc Picolinate.
References
- efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
- ods.od.nih.gov
- eur-lex.europa.eu
- pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
The usage and health information on this page has been compiled from official legislation/institution sources (EFSA, NIH ODS, Turkish Food Codex, EUR-Lex) and independent scientific publications (PubMed). The product is a food supplement/food raw material and is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of disease.