Puritan's Pride Zinc 50 mg
Brand: Puritan's Pride · Form: SUPPLEMENT FORM, OTHER [E0172]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that while zinc is an essential mineral, a 50 mg dose is significantly higher than the RDA of 11 mg for men and 8 mg for women [NIH ODS]. You should be cautious with this product because long-term use of high-dose zinc (50 mg daily) can lead to copper deficiency and other safety concerns [NIH ODS].
How it works
Zinc supports your immune system and helps with cell growth and division. Think of it as a critical cofactor for hundreds of enzymes in your body. However, at 50 mg, this is well above the tolerable upper intake level of 40 mg daily for adults, which is the maximum amount unlikely to cause harm [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
Data not available for specific adverse events for this product alone. The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all dietary supplements [FDA data]. High zinc intake can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and headaches [NIH ODS]. Long-term use at this dosage may also interfere with your body's absorption of copper and iron [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
We do not recommend taking Puritan's Pride Zinc 50 mg daily without a healthcare provider's supervision. For general health, a standard multivitamin containing 15-25 mg of zinc is sufficient [NIH ODS]. If you choose to take this product, do not exceed 40 mg daily from all sources combined, and consider taking a copper supplement (2 mg) if using this long-term [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Puritan's Pride |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 250.0 Caplet(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