Zinc
Mineral
Overview
- Zinc (Zn²⁺) is an essential trace mineral crucial for over 300 enzymes and the structural integrity of numerous proteins.
- Its primary function is as a catalytic, structural, and regulatory cofactor supporting cellular metabolism, immune function, and DNA/RNA synthesis.
Chemistry
- Element: Zinc (Zn), atomic number 30, atomic weight 65.38 g·mol⁻¹.
- Oxidation State: +2 in biologically active forms (e.g., Zn²⁺).
- IUPAC Name: Zinc(II).
- Typical Supplement Forms: Zinc gluconate (C₁₂H₂₂O₁₄Zn), zinc citrate (C₆H₆O₇Zn), zinc picolinate (C₁₀H₈NO₂Zn), and zinc oxide (ZnO).
- Physical Properties: Metallic, bluish-white, malleable, low-melting (419 °C). Insoluble in water as elemental Zn; soluble as salts (e.g., ZnCl₂) with high aqueous solubility, facilitating absorption.
Sources & Quality
- Natural Sources: Red meat, oysters, crab, pumpkin seeds, legumes, nuts, and whole-grain cereals provide biologically bound zinc.
- Supplement Production: Zinc metal is purified by electro-refining; salts are synthesized via reaction of metallic zinc with appropriate acids (e.g., sulfuric acid → ZnSO₄) or by neutralizing zinc oxide with organic acids (e.g., gluconic acid).
- Quality Considerations: Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance, USP or NSF verification, and low heavy-metal contamination (<10 ppb lead) are essential for safe supplementation. Organic-acid salts (e.g., zinc picolinate) often show higher bioavailability than inorganic salts (e.g., zinc sulfate).
Where to Buy Zinc
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