Updated: December 20, 2024

The market for zinc supplements is continuously growing across the world due to the growing consumption of zinc and its increasing demand due to changing dietary habits and working lifestyles. This trend presents substantial opportunities for businesses in the health and wellness sector.

Zinc is a mineral referred to as an "essential trace element" because very small amounts are necessary for human health. Since the human body does not store excess zinc, it must be consumed regularly as part of the diet. Common dietary sources of zinc include red meat, poultry, and fish. Zinc is a nutrient found throughout the body that helps the immune system and metabolism function. It is also important for wound healing and the senses of taste and smell. Zinc deficiency can cause short stature, reduced ability to taste food, and the inability of testes and ovaries to function properly. Oral zinc can help treat and prevent zinc deficiency and its consequences, including stunted growth, acute diarrhea in children, slow wound healing, and Wilson's disease. It is also used to boost the immune system, improve growth and health in zinc-deficient infants and children, and treat conditions like the common cold, recurrent ear infections, and the flu. Zinc helps stabilize blood sugar levels and supports healthy skin, eyes, and heart.

Dietary Sources

The major trend that can be observed at the present moment is turning to plant-based and organic forms of zinc, which would suit the conscience of consumers switching to organic food. A well-balanced diet with zinc-rich foods is essential for meeting daily requirements:

Since the body does not store zinc, a daily intake through diet is essential. A healthy, balanced diet with zinc-rich foods can meet daily requirements.

• Red Meat: A 100-gram serving of raw ground beef provides 43% of the daily recommended zinc intake for men. However, excessive red meat consumption, especially processed meat, is linked to heart disease and some cancers.

• Shellfish: Shellfish such as oysters, crab, mussels, and shrimp are low-calorie sources of zinc. Six medium oysters provide 32 mg of zinc or 290% of a man's daily recommended intake. Pregnant women should ensure shellfish are fully cooked to avoid food poisoning.

• Legumes: Chickpeas, lentils, and beans are significant sources of zinc. 100 grams of cooked lentils contain about 12% of a man's daily recommended intake. Phytates in legumes reduce zinc absorption, but cooking methods like sprouting and fermenting can enhance bioavailability.

• Seeds: Hemp, pumpkin, squash, and sesame seeds contain substantial zinc. Three tablespoons of hemp seeds provide 31% and 43% of the daily recommended intake for men and women, respectively.

• Nuts: Pine nuts, peanuts, cashews, and almonds boost zinc intake. A 1-ounce serving of cashews provides 14% of a man's daily recommended intake.

• Dairy Products: Milk and cheese are notable sources, with 100 grams of cheddar cheese providing 28% of the daily recommended zinc intake and a single cup of full-fat milk offering around 9%.

• Eggs: One large egg contains 5% of the daily recommended intake of zinc.

• Whole Grains: Wheat, quinoa, rice, and oats contain zinc but also have phytates that reduce absorption.

• Vegetables: Potatoes contain approximately 1 mg of zinc per large potato, while green beans and kale offer around 3% of the daily recommended intake per 100 grams.

• Dark Chocolate: A 100-gram bar of 70-85% dark chocolate contains 3.3 mg of zinc (30% of recommended intake). It should be consumed in moderation due to high sugar and calorie content.

Deficiency

Zinc deficiency is common worldwide. Symptoms include slowed growth, low insulin levels, loss of appetite, irritability, generalized hair loss, rough and dry skin, slow wound healing, poor sense of taste and smell, diarrhea, and nausea. Moderate zinc deficiency can result from malabsorption syndromes, alcoholism, chronic kidney failure, and chronic debilitating diseases. Zinc deficiency affects vision and can cause retinal changes. It is associated with male infertility, sickle cell disease, HIV, major depression, and type 2 diabetes. Zinc supplements can combat deficiency. Forms include capsules, tablets, and lozenges, though zinc-containing nasal sprays should be avoided due to the risk of smell loss

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Side Effects & Safety

Zinc is generally safe for adults when applied to the skin or taken orally in amounts under 40 mg daily. Higher doses may decrease copper absorption, causing anemia. Zinc inhalation can result in a permanent loss of smell. High doses over long periods can increase the risk of prostate cancer. Single doses of 10-30 grams can be fatal.

Special Precautions & Warnings

• Infants and Children: Safe within recommended amounts.

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Safe within recommended amounts. Excessive doses are unsafe.

• Alcoholism: Long-term alcohol use hinders zinc absorption.

• Diabetes: High doses can lower blood sugar and require caution.

• Malabsorption Syndromes: Linked to zinc deficiency.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: May reduce zinc absorption.

• Hemodialysis: Patients may need zinc supplements.

• HIV/AIDS: Use cautiously, as it may shorten survival.

Interactions

• Antibiotics (Quinolones and Tetracyclines): Zinc can reduce their absorption. Take zinc supplements a few hours apart from these antibiotics.

• Penicillamine: Zinc decreases its absorption.

• Cisplatin: May increase side effects.

• Amiloride: May cause excessive zinc levels when combined with supplements.

Dosing and Application Methods

• For adults, RDA varies by age and condition. For example, adult men require 11 mg/day, and pregnant women require 11-13 mg/day.

• For children, RDA varies by age, from 3 mg/day for toddlers to 8 mg/day for adolescents.

• Dosages depend on the ailment, ranging from 10-450 mg daily for issues like diarrhea, acne, depression, or warts.

Application Methods

• Oral: Zinc can treat deficiencies, colds, and various conditions.

• Topical: Used for acne, ulcers, bed sores, and gingivitis.

• Injectable: Administered for burns or certain skin lesions.

Consumer Trends and Opportunities

There is a strong trend for plant-based and organic brands of zinc supplements, which are attractive to clients who prefer healthy and natural products. Competitive advantage might be achieved by brands that will be able to market the products focusing on quality, sustainability, and on beneficial bioavailability of the zinc sources. Additionally, COVID has led to increasing distribution points, for instance, online stores that help in reaching a good number of customers and the current generation which heavily relies on technology. The following trends show that there is a shift towards supplements containing zinc together with several other vitamins and minerals, which consumers desire as multi-benefit products. (Source: Market Research Future on Zinc Supplement Market).

This means there are opportunities for manufacturers as well as brands to develop new products and innovative options in zinc supplements. Indeed, when launching goods into the market, creating products that can address some health issues, like immune boosters or skin health benefits, can be a good approach to capture a certain customer base. Furthermore, product development is another key competitive edge in the market to improve the intake level and performance of products.

Final Thoughts

Zinc supplements are becoming popular because they are needed for the human body and help it fight infections, regulate metabolism, and reverse deficiencies. This blog aimed to discuss zinc's importance as a micronutrient, various food sources of the micronutrient, and its importance in the prevention and treatment of zinc deficiency. Products made from plant-based and organic zinc concentrates are becoming popular with consumers who are more conscious about health.

As mentioned, zinc supplements can be helpful in numerous ways, but like any other supplement, they are not without risks, including possible side effects and interactions with other medications. Moreover, there continues to be business opportunities available within the zinc supplements market since the market may continue to evolve in the years to come especially in the area of multi-benefit supplements and environmentally friendly products.