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Zinc Supplements Are Sometimes a Good Idea
It's the unsung nutrient you're probably not getting enough of.
WHEN IT COMES to supplements, there are 135,343,300 options. Roughly.
There are vitamins, minerals, botanicals, acids, and so much more—all available in any number of pills, potions, powders, and serums. Some of these supplements you've likely never even heard of. (Like, what the heck is cordyceps?)
But then there are others, like zinc, that you've aware of, but maybe aren't quite sure what it does, how much you're getting, or if you should supplement.
Zinc is an essential mineral and has plenty of plusses going for it. For starters, it can aid the immune system, protecting you from possible infection and viruses. It also helps the healing process, and can even help maintain your sense of smell and taste.
Because your body does not produce zinc, you have eat the stuff (to the tune of 11 milligrams a day, according to experts). Oysters contain a fair amount of zinc, but you'll also find the mineral in red meat, fish, dairy products, whole grains, legumes, and more.
How should you take it? As is the case with any supplement, you should first try to consume the nutrient through food or drink. That's because zinc-rich foods also contain other beneficial nutrients that you won't otherwise get from a supplement.
Should you look to try the avenue of the zinc supplement, we suggest the following.
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These supplements are bolstered by zinc, elderberry, echinacea, and vitamin C. As lozenges, they'll sooth the sore throat that tends to accompany a cold. And even if you're late to the game and already coughing and sniffing, there's data suggesting it's still worth taking.
High potency is the name of the game here. These caps deliver 50 milligrams of zinc, in a format that you're body is better able to absorb compared to some other zinc-rich foods. It's been reported that this format results in more absorption and more zinc hanging out in your body for a longer period of time (a win-win).
This product had us at fizzy drink mix. On top of the fun format, it throws a bunch of zinc and vitamins C and D your way. The convenient stick packs can go wherever you want to go.
This product packs a healthy punch. You get both whole mushroom powder alongside pure zinc and an added boost of vitamin D. That's great news for the immune system, your bones and cells, and your overall energy level, among other things.
Mark Stock is a food, drink, and outdoors writer from Portland, Oregon. He spent years making, selling, and sipping Pinot Noir in the Dundee Hills before a full return to his journalistic roots in 2016. In addition to Men's Health, he writes for SevenFifty Daily, Sip Northwest, The Somm Journal, The Drake, Willamette Week, Travel Oregon, and more.
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