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Mechanism of ActionKey BenefitsDosage & FormsIn the Singular FormulaSafety & PrecautionsScientific StudiesFrequently Asked Questions
Zinc

Zinc

Zn · Bisglycinate de zinc · Zinc bisglycinate · Zinc chélaté

MineralsGenomic stability

Zinc is an essential trace element, involved in a very large number of the body's reactions. Its strongest benefit concerns natural defenses: zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system. On equally solid ground, it contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, meaning the wear caused by oxidation. It also contributes to normal DNA synthesis, a function central to cell renewal. Skin, hair, nails, vision, bones, cognitive function and testosterone levels are among the other functions it helps maintain. With age, zinc status tends to decline, driven by lower dietary intake and less efficient intestinal absorption. A steady intake aims to preserve these immune and cellular functions over the years.

Last updated: August 18, 2026

Mechanism of Action

Zinc operates at three distinct biological levels. At the enzymatic level, it binds to the active site or structural framework of key metabolic proteins. This binding stabilizes the enzyme's three-dimensional shape and enables catalysis.

At the immune level, zinc governs the maturation of T lymphocytes in the thymus, the gland that programs adaptive immune responses. A steady intake supports thymic function against the gland's natural involution with age.

At the genomic level, zinc stabilizes regulatory proteins that control gene expression. It also supports the fidelity of DNA replication during each cell division.

Key Benefits

  • Strong

    Immune defenses supported day to day: zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system.

  • Strong

    Cells better shielded from oxidation: zinc contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

  • Strong

    Sustained cell renewal: zinc contributes to normal DNA synthesis and has a role in the process of cell division.

  • Moderate

    More resilient skin: zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.

  • Moderate

    Hair and nails preserved: zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and normal nails.

  • Moderate

    Vision maintained with age: zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.

  • Moderate

    A sharp mind: zinc contributes to normal cognitive function.

  • Moderate

    Preserved hormonal balance: zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood.

  • Moderate

    Better-maintained bones: zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.

Dosage & Forms

Several zinc forms coexist on the market: oxide, sulfate, gluconate, citrate, picolinate and bisglycinate. They differ in elemental zinc content and in solubility, two parameters that govern how much is actually absorbed.

Only one direct human comparison exists at a nutritional dose. A randomized crossover trial in twelve volunteers, on a single 15 mg dose, places the oral bioavailability of bisglycinate 43.4% above that of gluconate. A second trial, at 60 mg daily for six weeks in thirty women, found a rise in plasma zinc under glycinate that was absent under gluconate. No human trial separates bisglycinate from oxide, sulfate, citrate or picolinate.

The clinical effects reported in the literature were measured between 25 and 100 mg per day. In food supplements, the maximum daily dose authorised in France is 15 mg of zinc, and the European nutrient reference value is 10 mg.

In the Singular Formula

Inclusion rationale

Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system, to normal DNA synthesis, to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, to the maintenance of normal vision, normal skin and normal bones. The second most abundant trace element in the body after iron, zinc has no significant storage reserve, making a regular daily intake essential. Structurally involved in over 300 enzymes and approximately 10% of all human proteins, zinc is ubiquitous in cellular biochemistry. 'Zinc fingers' are structural protein motifs that allow hundreds of transcription factors to bind to DNA and regulate gene expression. Zinc is also a structural component of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), one of the first lines of enzymatic antioxidant defense in the body. This enzyme works in tandem with copper (also present in the formula in bisglycinate form), both minerals being necessary for its catalytic activity. A zinc-copper-iron balance is maintained in the formula to optimize absorption without excessive competition between these minerals. The dose is calibrated on serum zinc and on the copper to zinc ratio, two markers re-read at every blood panel.

Selected form

PHARMAGNESIA® ZBg A is a zinc bisglycinate containing 26.8 to 34.5% zinc and no added excipient. In this complex, each zinc atom is bonded to two glycine molecules, the smallest amino acid naturally present in the body. Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system and to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

Formula dosage

0 to 15 mg.

Dose expressed as active substance, excluding excipients and carriers of the raw material.

Synergies in the formula

Zinc forms a structural duo with copper within Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), a key antioxidant defense enzyme. Both minerals are present in the formula as bisglycinate, and their ratio is calibrated to avoid absorption competition. Selenium complements this antioxidant network through a distinct enzymatic pathway, that of the glutathione peroxidases, providing complementary coverage. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system, through a pathway parallel to zinc. Vitamin D3 covers the same axis: vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system. Vitamin B6 (P5P) is a cofactor in numerous amino acid metabolism reactions. It works in complementarity with zinc in protein synthesis pathways.

Linked Biomarkers

ZincCopper/Zinc RatioCopperAlkaline phosphatase (ALP)

Safety & Precautions

Zinc is well tolerated at nutritional intakes. The tolerable upper intake level set at European level is 25 mg per day for adults, from all sources combined, including food. Prolonged intake above this level may reduce copper absorption, underscoring the importance of balancing these two minerals.

Zinc is not recommended at the same time as certain antibiotics (quinolones, tetracyclines), which form insoluble complexes with zinc. A gap of at least two hours between doses is advised. During pregnancy or breastfeeding, professional guidance is recommended before supplementation.

Scientific Studies

AuthorsYearTypeJournal

A bioavailability study comparing two oral formulations containing zinc (Zn bis-glycinate vs. Zn gluconate) after a single administration to twelve healthy female volunteers

Randomized crossover trial in twelve volunteers, single 15 mg dose: the oral bioavailability of bisglycinate exceeded that of gluconate by 43.4%.

Moderately High Dose Zinc Gluconate or Zinc Glycinate: Effects on Plasma Zinc and Erythrocyte Superoxide Dismutase Activities in Young Adult Women

Thirty women, 60 mg daily for six weeks: glycinate raised plasma zinc, gluconate did not, and neither form altered copper status.

Effect of zinc supplementation on the immune status of healthy older individuals aged 55-70 years: the ZENITH Study

Controlled trial at 15 or 30 mg daily for six months in healthy adults aged 55 to 70: the authors report no lasting effect on immune status, apart from a rise in the CD4 to CD8 ratio at six months on 15 mg.

Antioxidant effect of zinc supplementation on both plasma and cellular red-ox status markers in a group of elderly Italian population

Double-blind trial in 108 volunteers aged 70 to 85, placebo versus 15 and 30 mg daily for six months: no effect on red-ox markers in subjects whose zinc status was already adequate.

Clinical effectiveness of zinc supplementation on the biomarkers of oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Ten controlled trials: supplementation lowered malondialdehyde, a marker of fat oxidation, and raised total antioxidant capacity, with a non-linear dose-response relationship.

Vitamin and mineral supplementation for maintaining cognitive function in cognitively healthy people in mid and late life

Systematic review of 28 studies: for zinc combined with copper, one trial of 1,072 participants followed for five to ten years showed little or no effect on global cognitive function.

Is Zinc an Important Trace Element on Bone-Related Diseases and Complications? A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review from Serum Level, Dietary Intake, and Supplementation Aspects

Meta-analysis covering serum zinc, dietary intake and supplementation: an effect on bone mineral density at the femoral neck and lumbar spine, and a correlation with serum osteocalcin.

Correlation between serum zinc and testosterone: A systematic review

Systematic review of 38 publications, eight of them clinical: serum zinc correlates positively with total testosterone, and the size of the effect depends on baseline status, dose and duration.

Frequently Asked Questions

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