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Zinc Glycinate

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: August 24, 2026

Zinc Glycinate is a chelated form of zinc bound to the amino acid glycine, designed to enhance mineral absorption and bioavailability. It serves as a dietary supplement to support adequate zinc levels in individuals with deficiency or increased nutritional needs.

Quick summary

A highly bioavailable zinc supplement used to correct deficiency and support immune function, wound healing, and various metabolic processes.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 24, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

RxNorm
1306063
Generic
Zinc Glycinate
Class
unclassified
Brands
—
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
oral
Forms
capsule
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
500mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
250mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
400mg daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Single dose of approximately 1 gram of zinc glycinate (containing 150-200 mg elemental zinc) may cause serious toxicity including severe gastrointestinal distress
Chronic overdose: Long-term daily intake exceeding 100 mg elemental zinc for weeks to months can lead to copper deficiency, anemia, and neurological complications
Immediate actions
gastric decontamination (activated charcoal within 1-2 hours if large dose), supportive care including IV fluids, electrolyte replacement, monitoring of hepatic and renal function
Antidote
Chelation therapy with calcium disodium EDTA or D-penicillamine may be considered for severe cases(chelation is moderately effective in accelerating zinc elimination, particularly when initiated early)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

10 groups
⚠

pregnancy

first trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

use lowest effective dose

Key Recommendations

consult healthcare provider before use; avoid exceeding 40mg daily

Monitor

regular prenatal checkups

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pregnancy

second trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

use lowest effective dose

Key Recommendations

consult healthcare provider before use; avoid exceeding 40mg daily

Monitor

regular prenatal checkups and monitoring of copper levels

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pregnancy

third trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

use lowest effective dose

Key Recommendations

consult healthcare provider before use; avoid exceeding 40mg daily

Monitor

regular prenatal checkups and monitoring of zinc and copper levels

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✓

lactation

breastfeeding
safe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no adjustment needed; do not exceed 40mg daily

Key Recommendations

follow recommended dietary allowance; monitor infant for adverse effects

Monitor

monitor infant growth and zinc status

⚠

pediatric_age

children 1 8 years
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

use age-appropriate dosing; do not exceed 10mg daily for ages 1-3, 15mg for ages 4-8

Key Recommendations

consult pediatrician before supplementation; prefer dietary sources when possible

Monitor

regular pediatric visits and monitoring of growth parameters

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pediatric_age

adolescents 9 18 years
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

use age-appropriate dosing; do not exceed 25mg daily for ages 9-13, 35mg for ages 14-18

Key Recommendations

consult pediatrician or healthcare provider before supplementation

Monitor

regular health checkups and monitoring of zinc and copper levels

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✓

geriatric

elderly over 65
safe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no routine adjustment needed; individualize based on diet and health status

Key Recommendations

follow recommended dietary allowance; consider supplementation if dietary intake is inadequate

Monitor

monitor zinc and copper levels periodically, especially with long-term use

⚠

renal_impairment

mild renal impairment
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

may require dose reduction; monitor closely

Key Recommendations

use under medical supervision; monitor renal function regularly

Monitor

regular monitoring of renal function, zinc and copper levels

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

renal_impairment

severe renal impairment
unsafe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

avoid or use with significant dose reduction under close medical supervision

Key Recommendations

not recommended without direct medical supervision; consider alternative therapies

Monitor

frequent monitoring of renal function, zinc, copper, and liver function tests

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✓

hepatic_impairment

mild to moderate hepatic impairment
safe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no routine adjustment needed

Key Recommendations

follow recommended dietary allowance; monitor liver function periodically

Monitor

monitor liver function tests and zinc levels periodically

Statistics and clinical data

prescribingFDA
2023

Commonly available since

Value:1990s

General availability of zinc glycinate as a dietary supplement

drug_classFDA
2023

Drug class

Value:Mineral supplement

Classification as a chelated mineral supplement

usageNIH
2023

Common uses

Value:Zinc deficiency, immune support

Common therapeutic and preventive applications

absorptionPubMed
2022

Bioavailability

Value:Higher than zinc gluconate

Comparative absorption rates of different zinc forms

Used to prevent and treat zinc deficiency, support immune system function, promote wound healing, and maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails. May be beneficial for individuals with malabsorption issues, restricted diets, or increased zinc requirements.

Zinc is an essential trace mineral that serves as a cofactor for over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. It plays critical roles in immune function, protein synthesis, DNA synthesis, cell division, wound healing, and maintaining normal taste and smell perception. The glycine chelation improves intestinal absorption compared to non-chelated forms.

Generally well-tolerated, though high doses may cause gastrointestinal upset. Prolonged high-dose supplementation can lead to copper deficiency. Should be taken at least 2 hours apart from antibiotics (quinolones, tetracyclines) and penicillamine, as zinc can reduce their absorption. Consult a healthcare provider before use if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy