NOW Zinc Picolinate 50 mg
Brand: NOW · Form: CAPSULE [E0159]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that zinc picolinate is an effective form for zinc supplementation, but the 50 mg dose in this product exceeds the recommended upper limit for daily intake. Our assessment: you should be cautious with this product because long-term use of high-dose zinc can lead to copper deficiency and other issues. Data on the specific effects of this exact product is limited, but the general science on zinc is well-established [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of zinc as a critical worker in your body. It supports immune cell function, helps with wound healing, and is necessary for DNA synthesis and protein production. The picolinate form is designed to be more easily absorbed than some other forms of zinc [NIH ODS]. For calcium, which is also in this product, it supports bone mineralization and neuromuscular relaxation [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements in their database. For zinc, high doses (like the 50 mg in this product) can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and headaches. Chronic use can lead to copper deficiency and reduced immune function [NIH ODS]. For calcium, high levels can cause constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
You should not take this 50 mg zinc product daily without a specific reason and medical supervision. The recommended dietary allowance for zinc is 8-11 mg daily for most adults, and the upper limit is 40 mg per day. This product provides 50 mg, which is above that limit. If you need zinc, choose a product with 15-30 mg instead. Also, be aware that calcium in this product can reduce absorption of medications like tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, and levothyroxine [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 60.0 Capsule(s) |
| Market Status | Off 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