Thorne Zinc Picolinate – Immune & Prostate Support

Thorne Zinc Picolinate delivers 20 mg of OptiZinc® per tablet — a patented 1:1 complex of Zinc and the amino acid L-methionine. Zinc is one of 16 essential trace minerals the body needs for optimal health and is found in almost every cell. Next to iron, it is the most abundant mineral in the human body.

Zinc is central to the proper functioning of more than 300 enzymes and is essential for proper growth and development. It plays critical roles in immune function, reproduction, digestion, respiration, and proper brain, nerve, and vision function. Despite its importance, the body cannot synthesize Zinc on its own — it must be obtained through diet or supplementation.

Low levels of Zinc have been detected in people with a number of conditions, including eating disorders, male infertility, diarrhea, and osteoporosis. Because dietary Zinc deficiency is relatively common — with 35%–45% of adults aged 60 or older having Zinc intakes below the estimated average requirement — supplementation can be a practical strategy for maintaining adequate levels.

Not all Zinc supplements are created equal. Thorne Zinc Picolinate uses OptiZinc®, the only high-potency Zinc supplement FDA-approved as safe for human nutrition. OptiZinc® is a patented 1:1 complex of Zinc and 100% natural methionine — the amino acid best absorbed by the body — which also serves as an antioxidant.

Studies show that OptiZinc® is absorbed better, retained longer, and is more effective than ordinary Zinc supplements tested. It also resists binding with dietary fiber and phytate — organic compounds commonly found in plant-based diets that inhibit Zinc absorption. Zinc bioavailability can vary dramatically depending on dietary context: mixed diets offer 20–30% absorption, while diets high in unrefined grains may provide as little as 10–15%.

Unlike other Zinc supplements, OptiZinc® will not cause anemia by removing iron from cells — an important consideration for long-term use. This product is gluten free, dairy free, soy free, and grain free, and each bottle contains 250 tablets.

Thorne Zinc Picolinate is well suited for anyone looking to maintain healthy Zinc levels and support broad-spectrum wellness. It may be particularly beneficial for the following groups:

• Those focused on immune resilience: People who are deficient in Zinc are more susceptible to infections. Research suggests that Zinc supplementation supports immune function and may help protect against colds and upper respiratory illnesses.
• Men seeking reproductive and prostate support: The hormone testosterone requires Zinc for its production, and infertility resulting from low testosterone levels may respond to increased Zinc intake. Symptoms of an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may also be relieved with additional Zinc.
• Individuals preparing for or recovering from surgery: Studies show that taking sufficient Zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin C can help optimize wound healing before and after surgical procedures.
• Older adults: Between 20% and 25% of older adults have inadequate Zinc intakes even when accounting for both food and supplements. This population may be at particular risk for impaired immune function, delayed wound healing, and problems with taste and smell.
• People with digestive challenges: Those who have had gastrointestinal surgery or who have digestive disorders such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease may have difficulty absorbing sufficient Zinc from food alone.

Take one (1) tablet daily with meals. Store in a cool, dry place and away from direct light.

Each tablet delivers 20 mg of OptiZinc®, which falls well within the Recommended Dietary Allowance of 8 mg/day for women and 11 mg/day for men, while remaining comfortably below the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of 40 mg/day for adults.

Note that taking supplements containing a substantial amount of iron (25 mg or more) at the same time as Zinc may reduce Zinc absorption. Zinc may also interact with quinolone antibiotics, tetracycline antibiotics, and penicillamine — spacing these medications and Zinc by at least one to two hours is typically recommended.