
Our method
Do you suspect you have a zinc deficiency? Are you looking for information about suitable products and do you also want to find out about the effects of zinc? You've come to the right place.
In order to write the zinc capsules test 2022 without errors, we have carried out research on various medical databases. First of all, we will give you helpful tips so that you can find the right zinc capsules. You will also learn about the benefits and possible risks of zinc.
Contents
- 1 Weekly newsletter with the best personal finance tips
- 2 Summary
- 3 The Best Zinc Capsules: Our Picks
- 4 Buying and evaluation criteria for zinc capsules
- 5 Guide: Frequently asked questions about zinc capsules answered in detail
- 5.1 What are zinc capsules and how do they work?
- 5.2 When and for whom is it useful to take zinc capsules?
- 5.3 What types of zinc capsules are there?
- 5.4 How much do zinc capsules cost?
- 5.5 Can zinc capsules be harmful?
- 5.6 How should zinc capsules be dosed?
- 5.7 What are the alternatives to zinc capsules?
- 5.8 Conclusion
Summary
- The effectiveness of zinc for colds has not yet been scientifically confirmed. However, some studies suggest that zinc may be helpful in certain circumstances.
- You should allow a few hours between taking zinc and other medicines or preparations. Otherwise, there will be interactions with sometimes serious results.
- Common symptoms of zinc deficiency are dry skin, loss of appetite, fatigue and mood disorders. If you suspect you have this condition, take a zinc capsule on a trial basis. If the symptoms improve, it is a zinc deficiency.
The Best Zinc Capsules: Our Picks
Buying and evaluation criteria for zinc capsules
Before you decide on a specific product, zinc capsules, you should keep these criteria in mind:
Don't be afraid to set high standards. After all, it's about your health. Inform yourself comprehensively about a product before you buy it.
Quality is the most important factor in such products, so that you do not harm your body.
Dosage
Depending on the product, the dosage can vary considerably. Find out in advance how much zinc you should take daily. To avoid over- or under-dosing, it is important that you pay attention to the correct dosage of the individual zinc capsules. If they are low-dosed, you will obviously need to take a larger number.
Before you take high-dose zinc capsules, you should be examined by a doctor.
On the other hand, high-dose zinc capsules cost more, but you need a smaller amount. It is best to calculate the price of one gram of zinc for different products.
Bioavailability
This term describes how quickly a certain amount of an active ingredient enters the bloodstream(1). Logically, it would be a waste of money to buy zinc capsules with a low bioavailability. Because even a high dose of zinc will have no effect if almost none of it gets into your bloodstream.
But how do you know the bioavailability of zinc capsules? A French study has shown that zinc bisglycinate has the highest bioavailability(2). But zinc citrate and zinc gluconate have also been shown to have moderate to high bioavailability(3).
Additives
Additives such as the amino acid histidine are often added to increase the bioavailability of zinc capsules. However, zinc capsules also contain fillers. High-dose zinc capsules contain a smaller amount of fillers.
Caution is advised for allergy sufferers and vegans, as some products may contain gluten or lactose.
The capsule shells in particular may consist of gelatine. However, valuable additives are often added, such as vitamin C, L-histidine, vitamin B and vitamin A.
Interactions
You should be aware of the interactions of zinc with other supplements and medications. For example, the amino acids histidine and methionine support zinc absorption, while iron and cadmium inhibit this process. (4) .
A high zinc dose can also cause a copper deficiency. This then leads to anaemia and neutropenia, among other things. (5) .
Certain antibiotics (e.g. tetracyclines) should only be taken a few hours before or after zinc so that their effects do not weaken each other(6, 7).
And for the drug penicillamine to have its full effect, at least 2 hours must have passed between taking it and zinc(6).
Pack size
The sizes of zinc capsules can vary considerably. As a rule, the price per zinc capsule is lower for packs of 180 capsules. However, you are wasting your money if you have leftover capsules.
Especially if you have just started taking zinc capsules, we advise you to buy a smaller pack. Even though zinc capsules have a shelf life of up to 2 years, no one wants to leave a half-full pack lying around.
Guide: Frequently asked questions about zinc capsules answered in detail
In order to inform you comprehensively about the effectiveness of zinc capsules and to give you an understanding of the current state of science, we have summarised all the important information in the following sections.
What are zinc capsules and how do they work?
- decreased immunity
- Hair loss
- Diarrhoea
- dry skin
- Fatigue
- delayed wound healing
- poor appetite
- Fertility problems
- Mood disorders(8)
In zinc capsules, the mineral is contained in a small capsule made of cellulose or gelatine. Additives such as vitamins, magnesium or gluten are often added. These capsules are swallowed with water. One advantage of zinc capsules is that they have a shelf life of up to 2 years.
Effect on colds
It is common advice to supplement zinc when you have a cold. Some people also use zinc capsules as a preventive measure during the winter.
But what results has science come to? Studies have already been conducted on this topic. However, most of them claim that not enough research has been done to support the use of zinc as a cold remedy.
Although some study results suggest the effectiveness of zinc in treating symptoms, the evidence is insufficient(10).
In any case, it is not recommended to use zinc nasal spray. This is because in some cases this led to anosmia, the loss of the sense of smell(11). Other studies suggest that cold symptoms can be successfully treated if zinc is started within the first 24 hours(10).
Effect on wound healing
Medical experts have long agreed that zinc deficiency slows down the healing of wounds. However, there is much disagreement about whether zinc supplements (such as zinc capsules) speed up the healing process. In only a small portion of the studies were conducted on humans.
Nevertheless, the results of the animal and human studies so far suggest that taking additional zinc has positive effects. However, it is essential that more research be done on this topic. Especially because zinc and zinc products like zinc capsules are relatively inexpensive and can offer good benefits to patients(12).
Effects on depression
Among other things, it is believed that zinc can help with depression. Various studies have shown that depression is associated with low zinc levels in the blood. But more studies need to be done to be fully sure(13). It should be added, however, that this is a controversial issue.
When and for whom is it useful to take zinc capsules?
- People who have Crohn's disease or similar conditions
- People with sickle cell anaemia
- Vegans and vegetarians
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Older babies who do not receive supplementary food
- malnourished people
- Alcoholics
- People with chronic kidney disease
- People with genetic mutations(14)
If you suspect you have a zinc deficiency, take a (low-dose) zinc capsule as a trial. If the symptoms are relieved, this proves that you have a zinc deficiency. Nevertheless, to be on the safe side, talk to a doctor before treating yourself with zinc capsules.
Regarding the time of intake, you should take the zinc capsules on an empty stomach. You can take the zinc capsules either half an hour before or a few hours after a meal. This will help prevent the zinc from mixing with other substances and not being absorbed into the blood. Most manufacturers recommend a daily dose of 1 zinc capsule.
What types of zinc capsules are there?
type | advantage | disadvantage |
---|---|---|
high-dose zinc capsules | no fillers, take fewer capsules | higher price, risk of overdose |
low-dose zinc capsules | useful additives, inexpensive | fillers |
A clear advantage of high-dose zinc capsules is that you have to swallow a smaller number of capsules. They also contain fewer fillers. On the other hand, there is a higher risk of overdose and the zinc capsules are more expensive.
Low-dose zinc capsules can score with a lower price. In addition, they may contain valuable vitamins and minerals. Unfortunately, such zinc capsules often contain useless fillers such as pumpkin seed powder or gluten.
How much do zinc capsules cost?
Quantity | Cost |
---|---|
60 - 100 pieces | 5 - 10 € |
100 - 200 pieces | 9 - 18 € |
However, before buying, think about how many zinc capsules you are likely to take. Because unused supplements are always a waste of money.
Can zinc capsules be harmful?
Although rare, zinc capsules can cause an overdose of zinc. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea(16).
How should zinc capsules be dosed?
If you want to take more than 1 zinc capsule, you should discuss it with a doctor beforehand to avoid an overdose. To enjoy the full benefits, you should never split the zinc capsules.
What are the alternatives to zinc capsules?
Type | Advantage | Disadvantage |
---|---|---|
Zinc tablets | Discrete intake | Swallowing, dose |
Zinc drops | more convenient, individual dosing | overdose, taste |
Zinc powder | dosable, more convenient to swallow | overdose, preparation |
Zinc tablets have the advantage that you can take them discreetly or have to measure out a quantity beforehand. A significant disadvantage, however, is that the dose cannot be adjusted. Swallowing is also a problem for many people. Fortunately, there are also lozenges.
The individual dosage speaks for zinc drops. They are also easier to transport and much more pleasant to take. Otherwise, an overdose can occur more quickly with zinc drops, so you have to be very attentive. But the taste is also unpopular with many people.
Like the drops, the zinc powder is easier to dose and also more pleasant to swallow. If the zinc powder is dissolved in water, it can also enter the bloodstream more quickly. However, the disadvantage of zinc powder is that you have to dissolve it in water beforehand. It is also easier to spill and thus inhale. Another danger is that the zinc powder becomes moist and clumps together.
Conclusion
A zinc deficiency can be recognised by various symptoms such as fatigue and dry skin. Pregnant women and alcoholics are particularly susceptible. Zinc capsules are a suitable option for remedying zinc deficiency. These are already dosed, so there is less danger of an overdose.
Although the intake of zinc is said to have some positive effects, no study has yet been able to clearly prove this. The reason for this is that not enough research has been done.
Source of the cover picture: 134404847/123rf.com
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