Advantages and disadvantages of zinc preparations on the market

Besides food sources of zinc (beef, shrimp, crab, fish,...), zinc supplements also play an important role, especially in cases of acute illness (eg: acute diarrhea in children,...) or unsafe diet and nutrition. Here is some reference information about the characteristics and advantages and disadvantages of common zinc preparations available on the market:

This is a zinc preparation with a salt base of sulphate (ZnSO4) or chloride (ZnCl2). Inorganic zinc preparations have the advantage of low cost, but bioavailability is quite low due to poor solubility, absorption ability is affected by other metal ions (easy to form chelate complex, difficult to absorb) available. in food.

Organic zinc preparations are composed of salts with organic acids (zinc gluconate or zinc lactate). Organic zinc has a higher solubility than inorganic zinc, so the ability to absorb into the body of organic zinc products is also higher, and at the same time, the taste is also pleasant and less irritating to the digestive tract than organic zinc. with inorganic zinc preparations. Therefore, the cost of the same organic zinc preparations is usually higher.

Biological zinc products are produced by fermentation by yeast, creating a mixture of zinc linked with biological compounds such as amino acids, peptides, proteins. As a result, bio-zinc preparations have high bioavailability and are easier to absorb than other zinc preparations. The metallic taste is also better masked, causing less bitterness and less risk of gastrointestinal irritation. Bio-zinc is also the most expensive zinc product among the three types.
The zinc content in zinc preparations is different, so usually the doctor will prescribe the dose of zinc supplement based on the amount of elemental zinc. Patients should follow the dosage instructions of the doctor, in case of uncertainty (confusion between elemental zinc content and salt content of the preparation), should carefully review the information on the instruction sheet. use of the product or consult a doctor/pharmacist to avoid using the wrong dose.
Zinc has an important role for the body, in addition to supplementing with nutrition and food, it is possible to supplement zinc with functional foods. It is very important to strictly follow instructions and advice from doctors and pharmacists, helping to ensure effectiveness for the health of users.
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