Structural component of zinc-finger transcription factors (including AR, VDR, p53) and catalytic cofactor for carbonic anhydrase, alkaline phosphatase, DNA/RNA polymerases, and CuZn-SOD. Required for 5α-reductase and testicular testosterone synthesis. Intestinal uptake via ZIP4; efflux to portal blood via ZnT1. Competes with copper for DMT1 at high doses.
Half-Life (t½)
PO: 6h
Dosing Guidelines
PO: Typical 23.3 mg (Range: 15–40 mg)
Target Organ Systems
endocrine
digestive
reproductive
Interactions
Copper (caution): Zn induces metallothionein in enterocytes, which preferentially binds Cu and blocks its absorption. Chronic high-dose Zn → Cu deficiency.
Iron (caution): Competitive DMT1 absorption. Separate by 2 h.
Quercetin (synergistic): Ionophore mechanism — intracellular Zn²⁺ rises with co-administration.
Magnesium (caution): Competes for DMT1 transporter at high doses. Take 2 h apart.
Zinc Picolinate (synergistic): Same elemental mineral — picolinate is a commonly chosen well-tolerated form.