Considering its massive scope for human health, it’s too bad we’re not consuming enough of this essential mineral. Each day, “considering food sources alone, 15% of U.S. adults are not getting enough zinc. Because this statistic comes from nationally representative data, that means that approximately 50 million Americans have an unaddressed zinc gap,” mbg’s vice president of scientific affairs Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN, previously explained. In the day-to-day, women require 8 milligrams of zinc, while men need 11 milligrams to reach their needs. However, these nutritional requirements1 rise to 11 and 12 milligrams of daily zinc during pregnancy and lactation. Again, these levels are simply your baseline needs for zinc sufficiency (i.e., to avoid zinc deficiency). As zinc is critical for your immune system function and overall well-being, it may be worth adding a supplement to the mix to promote resilience. After all, this essential trace mineral even helps with basic (but critical) things like DNA and protein synthesis, plus the ability of our trillions of cells to divide and grow.* Not sure where to start in choosing a zinc supplement that fits into your routine and lifestyle? Here are our favorites. Additionally, keep an eye out for artificial colors and flavors. Gluten-free, GMO-free, dairy-free, and soy-free labels are all good indicators of a well-made supplement. Whether you’re choosing a specialized complex, complete multivitamin, or pure zinc formulation, make sure to pair your supplement with a healthy lifestyle, so you can reap the full, wide-ranging benefits of this vital mineral.* Talking to your doctor or another qualified health care professional is always a good idea before adding any new supplements to your regimen, but our list is a great jumping-off point for choosing a well-formulated option to achieve your specific needs and goals.
