zinc sulfate

Don't take a zinc supplement unless your provider checked your zinc levels and said that you need one. Most people don't typically need a zinc supplement because they already get enough zinc from food (e.g., shelled seafood, beef, beans, yogurt). Taking extra zinc won't help you if you're already getting enough zinc. In fact, taking too much zinc can potentially cause stomach side effects, such as diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. And having high levels of zinc over a long period of time might also lead to low copper or iron levels.

Most zinc supplements that you can get over the counter, like zinc sulfate or zinc gluconate, should be taken at the same time every day. Taking it with food might help prevent stomach upset. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you're unsure how to take your zinc supplement.

It's unclear whether one form of zinc is better than another. Ask your provider or pharmacist for guidance in choosing a trustworthy zinc supplement, such as one that's been tested by NSF or is USP certified. These markings on a product bottle mean that the supplement has gone through extra testing to make sure it contains ingredients listed on the label and not other potentially harmful ingredients.

Some common forms of oral zinc supplements include zinc gluconate, zinc sulfate, and zinc acetate. The main difference between these forms is the percentage of elemental zinc they contain: zinc gluconate (14%), zinc sulfate (23%), and zinc acetate (30%). Elemental zinc is the amount of zinc that your body actually absorbs. When you're choosing a zinc supplement, make sure to read the label to find out the form of zinc it contains and the amount of zinc you're getting from the product. Ask your provider if you're not sure how much zinc you need to take and which supplement is right for you.

The recommended daily amount of zinc you need depends on your age and gender, with teenagers and adult males requiring the most. Your daily zinc requirements are also greater if you're a pregnant or breastfeeding female. Confirm with your provider first about how much zinc you should take per day. Then, ask your provider whether you need a zinc supplement and which one is appropriate for you. Different zinc supplements can contain different strengths and forms of zinc.

Some studies show that zinc supplements might shorten the length of time that you're sick if you take it within 24 hours of the start of your symptoms. Though unclear, researchers believe that zinc might help stop the common cold virus from spreading in your nose and throat. Keep in mind that researchers used zinc in lozenge or syrup form in these studies. More research is needed to help better understand the proper form, dosage, and directions for using zinc supplements to fight off the common cold. Speak with your healthcare provider if you have additional questions about zinc supplements and the common cold.

It depends on the antibiotic you're taking. If you're taking quinolone or tetracycline antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) or tetracycline, you'll need to avoid taking them at the same time as your zinc supplement. Taking these types of antibiotics and zinc at the same time will make it difficult for your body to absorb both zinc and the antibiotic. If you're taking one of these antibiotics, make sure to take the antibiotic at least 2 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after your zinc supplement. Ask your provider or pharmacist whether you need to separate when you take your supplements and antibiotics.