Zinc Supplements (Systemic)

Proper Use of This Dietary Supplement

Dosing - The amount of zinc needed to meet normal daily recommended intakes will be different for different individuals. The following information includes only the average amounts of zinc.

• For oral dosage form (capsules, lozenges, tablets, extended-release tablets):
  • To prevent deficiency, the amount taken by mouth is based on normal daily recommended intakes (Note that the normal daily recommended intakes are expressed as an actual amount of zinc. The dosage form [e.g., zinc gluconate, zinc sulfate] has a different strength):
    For the U.S.
    • Adult and teenage males - 15 milligrams (mg) per day.
    • Adult and teenage females - 12 mg per day.
    • Pregnant females - 15 mg per day.
    • Breast-feeding females - 16 to 19 mg per day.
    • Children 4 to 10 years of age - 10 mg per day.
    • Children birth to 3 years of age - 5 to 10 mg per day.
    For Canada
    • Adult and teenage males - 9 to 12 mg per day.
    • Adult and teenage females - 9 mg per day.
    • Pregnant females - 15 mg per day.
    • Breast-feeding females - 15 mg per day.
    • Children 7 to 10 years of age - 7 to 9 mg per day.
    • Children 4 to 6 years of age - 5 mg per day.
    • Children birth to 3 years of age - 2 to 4 mg per day.
  • To treat deficiency:
    • Adults, teenagers, and children - Treatment dose is determined by prescriber for each individual based on severity of deficiency.

Zinc supplements are most effective if they are taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. However, if zinc supplements cause stomach upset, they may be taken with a meal. You should tell your health care professional if you are taking your zinc supplement with meals.

Missed dose - If you miss taking zinc supplements for one or more days there is no cause for concern, since it takes some time for your body to become seriously low in zinc. However, if your health care professional has recommended that you take zinc, try to remember to take it as directed every day.

Storage - To store this dietary supplement:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the dietary supplement to break down.
• Keep the dietary supplement from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
• Do not keep outdated dietary supplements or those no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded dietary supplement is out of the reach of children.