NOW Zinc Picolinate 50 mg
Brand: NOW · Form: CAPSULE [E0159]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that while zinc is an essential mineral, the specific product NOW Zinc Picolinate 50 mg provides a high dose that exceeds the recommended dietary allowance for most adults. Our assessment is that you should approach this supplement with caution due to the high potency per serving. Data not available on the exact percentage of the RDA this 50 mg dose represents for zinc specifically.
How it works
Based on the data for the related mineral calcium, zinc picolinate functions as a mineral supplement. Zinc is critical for immune function, wound healing, and cell growth. The picolinate form is designed to enhance absorption. Think of this supplement as providing a concentrated source of zinc to support your body's fundamental repair and defense systems [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports for this product category. For the related mineral calcium, safety data indicates that high intakes can cause serious side effects including constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent need to urinate, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS] [FDA data]. High levels of calcium in the blood and urine can also lead to poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, and low phosphate levels [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
We recommend you consult with your healthcare provider before starting this 50 mg dose, as it is a high-potency supplement. Be aware that calcium supplements can reduce the absorption of certain medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. Start only under professional guidance to monitor for potential side effects like nausea or digestive discomfort [NIH ODS] [FDA data].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 120.0 Veg 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