Reading the dose: elemental zinc first
As with all minerals, European labelling declares the elemental zinc content, to be compared against the NRV of 10 mg (Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011). The weight of the salt is not comparable from one form to another: it is the elemental content that matters.
Forms in the catalogue
Zinc bisglycinate
A chelate of zinc and glycine, around 20 to 25% elemental zinc. A widely used organic form, often chosen by manufacturers for single-dose products.
Zinc citrate
A salt of citric acid, around 31% elemental zinc, neutral in taste, suited to both chewable tablets and capsules.
Zinc gluconate
A salt of gluconic acid, around 13% elemental zinc. A long-established form in trace element therapy, widely used in tablets.
Zinc picolinate
A complex of zinc and picolinic acid, available in the catalogue in targeted formulations. The elemental content and dose are shown on the product page.
Zinc and copper
Several manufacturers combine zinc and copper in a single formulation; the two trace elements each have their own EU claims. The exact composition is shown on the product page.
How to choose
Three factual criteria: the target dose of elemental zinc, the form (a trade-off between content, solubility and galenical formulation), and the presence of combinations (copper, vitamin C). The catalogue’s Zinc hub lists products by form, with practitioner pricing.
