NOW Zinc Picolinate 50 mg
Brand: NOW · Form: CAPSULE [E0159] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that zinc is an essential mineral, but the 50 mg dose in this product exceeds the tolerable upper intake level for most adults. For long-term daily use, this amount poses a risk of copper deficiency and other side effects. Data on this specific product's benefits is not available, but general zinc supplementation is well-documented for immune function [NIH ODS].
How it works
Zinc acts as a catalytic cofactor for over 300 enzymes in your body. It is critical for immune cell development, DNA synthesis, and protein production. Zinc picolinate is a chelated form designed for better absorption compared to zinc oxide [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received 592059 total adverse event reports across all supplements, but specific data for zinc picolinate is not available. High zinc intake (50 mg daily) can cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Long-term use at this dose can lead to copper deficiency and reduced immune function [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
We recommend starting with a lower dose, such as 8-11 mg daily for most adults, unless you have a confirmed deficiency. Choose a product with a lower milligram strength. If you take this 50 mg product, do not use it daily for more than a few weeks without medical supervision [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 120.0 Veg 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