Swanson Zinc Gluconate 50 mg
Brand: Swanson · Form: CAPSULE [E0159] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that while zinc is an essential mineral for immune function, the 50 mg dose in this supplement exceeds the Tolerable Upper Intake Level for most adults. For long-term use, this can pose risks. For these reasons, we generally do not recommend this product for daily use without specific medical guidance. Data on the specific ingredient zinc gluconate at this dose is limited, so we must rely on general zinc safety information.
How it works
Zinc is a mineral that supports your immune system, helps with wound healing, and is critical for cell growth and division. Zinc gluconate is a common form used in supplements. However, data on the specific mechanism of zinc gluconate at this dose is not available in the provided data. For comparison, calcium, another mineral, supports bone mineralization and neuromuscular relaxation [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
The FDA has received 592,059 total adverse event reports for all supplements, but specific report counts for zinc gluconate 50 mg are not available in the provided data. General safety data for calcium, a different mineral, notes that high levels can cause constipation, nausea, and abnormal heart rhythms [NIH ODS]. However, this data is not for zinc. For zinc, data on specific side effects or report counts are not available in the provided data.
Our recommendation
We recommend you do not take this supplement without consulting a healthcare provider first. The 50 mg dose is high, and long-term use could lead to copper deficiency or other issues. Data not available to support its safe daily use for a general audience. Instead, focus on getting zinc from food sources like meat, shellfish, and legumes.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Swanson |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 250.0 Capsule(s) |
| Market Status | On Market |
How to Read This Label
Supplement labels contain several key sections regulated by the FDA:
- Serving Size — The recommended amount per dose. Always check this — some products require multiple capsules per serving.
- Amount Per Serving — Shows the quantity of each nutrient in the product, typically in IU (International Units), mg (milligrams), or mcg (micrograms).
- % Daily Value (%DV) — Indicates how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet. 5% DV or less is low; 20% DV or more is high.
- Other Ingredients — Lists inactive ingredients like fillers, binders, and capsule materials (e.g., gelatin, cellulose, magnesium stearate).
- Suggested Use — The manufacturer's recommended directions for taking the supplement, including timing and dosage.
Source: FDA Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide