Zinc picolinate is the zinc salt of picolic acid. Studies have demonstrated that zinc picolinate is more bioavailable than other zinc compounds. While zinc picolinate does not have the highest zinc content of all the zinc compounds, it is considered an easily absorbed form (compared with zinc gluconate and zinc citrate). The most popular applications for zinc is in 'beauty from within', testostesterone 'boosters' and immune health products, but there are a long list of health claims authorised for zinc.
Dose
The reference intake (RI) for zinc is 10mg
The zinc content of zinc picolinate is 20-23%; therefore 50mg of zinc picolinate would be required to obtain 100% of the RI for zinc.
Data on the toxicity of zinc picolinate are limited.
The upper limit for zinc (adults) is 25mg/day.
The Department of Health advises that long term intake of >25mg/day of zinc may lead to anaemia.
EFSA Health Claims for Zinc
Zinc contributes to normal DNA synthesis
Zinc contributes to normal acid-base metabolism
Zinc contributes to normal carbohydrate metabolism
Zinc contributes to normal cognitive function
Zinc contributes to normal fertility and reproduction
Zinc contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism
Zinc contributes to normal metabolism of fatty acids
Zinc contributes to normal metabolism of vitamin A
Zinc contributes to normal protein synthesis
Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal bones
Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair
Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal nails
Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin
Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood
Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal vision
Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system
Zinc contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress
Zinc has a role in the process of cell division
Resources
The EFSA Scientific Opinion on Chromium picolinate, zinc picolinate and zinc picolinate dihydrate added for nutritional purposes in food supplements (Adopted on 4 June 2009) can be found here: https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1113
CR - 15/05/2019