Evidence supporting the use of: Zinc
For the health condition: Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Zinc has been studied for its role in supporting the immune system and potentially acting as an adjunct to antibiotics, but not as a direct alternative to antibiotics. The mineral is essential for normal immune function, and deficiency in zinc can impair the body's ability to fight infections. Several clinical trials have shown that zinc supplementation can reduce the duration and severity of certain infections, particularly in children with diarrhea or pneumonia, where it is recommended by the World Health Organization as part of standard treatment. However, zinc itself does not possess strong direct antibacterial properties comparable to antibiotics; rather, it may enhance the body's immune response and help prevent secondary infections. Some laboratory studies suggest that zinc ions can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria in vitro, but these concentrations are not typically achievable through dietary supplementation in humans. Overall, while zinc supplementation can support recovery from infection and potentially enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics in specific contexts, it should not be regarded as a standalone alternative to antibiotics for treating bacterial infections. The evidence supporting its use as an adjunct therapy is moderate (hence the evidence rating of 3), with strongest support in pediatric populations and certain regions where zinc deficiency is common.
Other ingredients used for Antibiotics (alternatives to)
berberinecurcumin
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
green tea
oregano
zinc
turmeric
vitamin C
10-Hydroxy-2-Decanoic Acid
Acemannan
ajoene
Alantolactone
Alchornea
algae
Algal protein
Allicin
Alliin
Allyl Sulfide
Alpha-terpineol
Andrographis
Andrographolide
2′-Fucosyllactose (2′-FL)
Anamu
astragalus
Bacillus
Bacillus indicus
bacillus subtilis
Bacteria
Baicalin
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bee hive
Bee products
Bee Propolis
benzyl isothiocyanate
caprylic acid
coptis chinesis
Garlic
lactoferrin
melaleuca alternifolia
Bidens pilosa
black cumin
black walnut
Alsonia scholaris
Asteracea
Aucubin
Azelaic acid
bacillus clausii
Bacillus licheniformis
Basidiomycota
Betulinic acid
Blue-Green Alage
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
butyric acid
caterpillar mushroom
clerodendrum indicum
clove
colostrum
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
European Elder
geranium
gooseberry
honeysuckle
horseradish
Indian tinospora
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus paracasei
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lactococcus lactis
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lentinula edodes mycelia
LH01-myoviridae
mastic gum
monolaurin
morinda
myrrh
neem tree
oregon grape
oriental arborvitae
oyster mushroom
paederia foetida
papaya
pau d'arco
phenolic acids
pistacia integerrima gall
plantain
rhizome
sage
shiitake mushroom
thyme
wasabia japonica
yellow root
Other health conditions supported by zinc
AcneAcquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Anemia
Anorexia
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Athlete's Foot
Attention Deficit Disorder
Autism
Autoimmune Disorders
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Birth Defects (prevention)
Bites and Stings
Blisters
Body Building
Body Odor
Boils
Broken Bones
Bruises (healing)
Bulimia
Burns and Scalds
Calcium Deficiency
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cataracts
Celiac Disease
Cervical Dysplasia
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholera
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colitis
Concentration (poor)
Congestion
Congestive Heart Failure
Conjunctivitis
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Copper Toxicity
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cradle Cap
Cramps (menstrual)
Crohn's Disease
Cuts
Cystic Fibrosis
Dandruff
Debility
Dehydration
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diaper Rash
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Duodenal Ulcers
Dysentery
Eczema
Endometriosis
Energy (lack of)
Enteritis
Epstein Barr Virus
Erectile Dysfunction
Exercise
Eye Infections
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Eyes (spots before)
Eyesight (poor)
Failure to Thrive
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatty Liver Disease
Fibrosis
Fingernails (weak or brittle)
Foot Odor
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Giardia
Gingivitis
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Halitosis
Hashimoto's Disease
Hearing Loss
Heart (weakness)
Heavy Metal Poisoning
Hemochromatosis
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Herpes
Hypothyroid
Impetigo
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Infertility
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Injuries
Insomnia
Irritability
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Jock Itch
Labor and Delivery
Lead Poisoning
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leprosy
Lesions
Leucorrhea
Liver Detoxification
Lupus
Macular Degeneration
Mastitis
Measles
Memory and Brain Function
Menorrhagia
Menstrual Irregularity
Mental Illness
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Miscarriage (prevention)
Mononucleosis
Mood Swings
Nerve Damage
Nervous Exhaustion
Night Blindness
Nursing
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Oral Surgery
Osteoporosis
Pancreatitis
PMS (general)
PMS Type A
PMS Type C
PMS Type D
PMS Type H
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Pneumonia
Poison Ivy or Oak
Post Partum Depression
Post Partum Weakness
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Premature Ejaculation
Progesterone (low)
Prostatitis
Protein Digestion (poor)
Psoriasis
Puberty (hormone balancer)
Rashes and Hives
Rhinitis
Rosacea
Scars / Scar Tissue
Schizophrenia
Scratches and Abrasions
Seborrhea
Sex Drive (low)
Shingles
Sickle Cell Anemia
Sinus Infection
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin (infections)
Skin (oily)
Skin Care (general)
Sleep (restless and disturbed)
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
Smell (loss of)
Sore or Geographic Tongue
Sore Throat
Stress
Stye
Sugar Cravings
Sunburn
Surgery (healing from)
Surgery (preparation for)
Syphilis
Teeth (loose)
Testosterone (low)
Thinking (cloudy)
Tickle in Throat
Tonsillitis
Tooth Decay
Toxemia
Triglycerides (high)
Tuberculosis
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Vitiligo
Warts
Wasting
Worry
Wounds and Sores
Abrasions
Products containing zinc
Designs For Health
Acnutrol™ capsules
Vitabase
Active Man's Formula
Vitabase
Active Woman's Multi
Metagenics
AdvaClear
Metagenics
AdvaClear
Thorne
Advanced Nutrients Multivitamin
Pure Encapsulations
AntiOxidant Formula
Designs For Health
ArthroSoothe™
Metagenics
Axis Endo™ Mango
Douglas Laboratories
Basic Minerals ™
Thorne
Basic Nutrients 2/Day Multivitamin
Thorne
Basic Prenatal Multivitamin
Designs For Health
BioFizz® Immune
Vitabase
Blood Sugar Formula
Metagenics
Bone Builder Active
Metagenics
Bone Builder Chewable Chocolate
Douglas Laboratories
C-D-Zinc
Pure Encapsulations
CAL+ with Ipriflavone
Pure Encapsulations
CAL+ with Ipriflavone
Thorne
Catalyte
Metagenics
ChondroCare®
Designs For Health
Chromium Synergy™
Metagenics
Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Berry
Metagenics
Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus pH
Metagenics
Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus pH Pineapple Banana
Metagenics
Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Pineapple Banana
Metagenics
Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Vanilla
Metagenics
Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Berry
Metagenics
Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Chai
Metagenics
Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Vanilla
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Berry
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus pH Pineapple Banana
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus pH Vanilla
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Pineapple Banana
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Vanilla
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Berry
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Chai
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Vanilla
Metagenics
Clear Change Daily Essentials
Integrative Therapeutics
Clinical Nutrients HP
Metagenics
Collagenics®
Designs For Health
Complete Mineral Complex
Pure Encapsulations
Daily Immune
Designs For Health
Detox Antiox™
Integrative Therapeutics
Detoxication Factors
Integrative Therapeutics
Detoxication Factors
Designs For Health
Detoxification Support Packets
Designs For Health
DFH Complete Multi™
Designs For Health
DFH Complete Multi™ with Copper
Designs For Health
DFH Complete Multi™ with Copper & Iron
Pure Encapsulations
DopaPlus
Integrative Therapeutics
EHB
Designs For Health
ElectroPure Hydration™
Designs For Health
EndoTrim™
Pure Encapsulations
Energize Plus™ Pure Pack
Pure Encapsulations
EyeProtect Basics
Metagenics
Fem Prenatal®
Designs For Health
GastroMend-HP™
Designs For Health
GastroMend-HP™
Designs For Health
GI Revive®
Designs For Health
GI Revive®
Metagenics
GI Sustain™ Powder
Pure Encapsulations
GlucoFunction
Pure Encapsulations
GlucoFunction
Integrative Therapeutics
Glycemic Manager
Douglas Laboratories
Hair Growth+
Douglas Laboratories
Hair, Skin and Nails Plus
Vitabase
Hair, Skin & Nails Formula
Pure Encapsulations
Hair/Skin/Nails Ultra
Integrative Therapeutics
Heartburn Advantage
Metagenics
HerSynergy®
Pure Encapsulations
HM Complex
Pure Encapsulations
HM Complex
Douglas Laboratories
Hydrolyzed Collagen+
Metagenics
ImmuCore
Metagenics
Immune Active
Metagenics
Immune Defense Pack
Designs For Health
Immuno-Zn™ Lozenge
Integrative Therapeutics
K-PAX MitoNutrients
Metagenics
Ketogenic Shake Chocolate
Metagenics
Ketogenic Shake Vanilla
Klean Athlete
Klean Multivitamin ™
Vitabase
Life's Essentials Plus
Douglas Laboratories
Liquid Multivitamin
Pure Encapsulations
Liquid Zinc 15 mg
Pure Encapsulations
LiquiNutrients
Thorne
MediClear Plus
Thorne
Men's Multi 50+
Designs For Health
Metabolic Synergy™
Designs For Health
Metabolic Synergy™
Metagenics
MetaGlycemX™
Metagenics
MetaGlycemX
Metagenics
MetaKids Multi Soft Chew Grape
Metagenics
MetaKids Nutrition Powder Chocolate
Metagenics
MetaKids Nutrition Powder Vanilla
Metagenics
MethylCare
Pure Encapsulations
Mineral 650
Pure Encapsulations
Mineral 650 without Cu &Fe
Pure Encapsulations
Multi t/d
Pure Encapsulations
Multi t/d
Thorne
Multi-Vitamin Elite NSF
Thorne
Multi-Vitamin Elite NSF
Metagenics
Multigenics®
Metagenics
Multigenics Chewable Orange
Metagenics
Multigenics Intensive Care
Metagenics
Multigenics Intensive Care without Iron
Metagenics
Multigenics without Iron
Integrative Therapeutics
Multiplex-1 No-Iron
Pure Encapsulations
NeuroMood Pure Pack
Pure Encapsulations
NeuroPure
Pure Encapsulations
Nutrient 950®
Pure Encapsulations
Nutrient 950®
Pure Encapsulations
Nutrient 950®
Pure Encapsulations
Nutrient 950® A without Copper & Iron
Pure Encapsulations
Nutrient 950® with NAC
Pure Encapsulations
Nutrient 950® with Vitamin K
Pure Encapsulations
Nutrient 950® without Copper, Iron & Iodine
Pure Encapsulations
Nutrient 950® without Iron
Pure Encapsulations
Nutrient 950® without Iron
Integrative Therapeutics
Nutrivitamin No-Iron
Pure Encapsulations
O.N.E.™ Multivitamin
Pure Encapsulations
O.N.E.™ Multivitamin
Pure Encapsulations
O.N.E.™ Multivitamin
Designs For Health
OcuForce™
Douglas Laboratories
Opti-Zinc 30
Pure Encapsulations
OsteoBalance
Pure Encapsulations
OsteoBalance
Designs For Health
Osteoben®
Designs For Health
OsteoForce™
Designs For Health
OsteoForce™
Designs For Health
OsteoForce™ Supreme
Integrative Therapeutics
Osteoprime Ultra
Designs For Health
PaleoCleanse Plus™
Designs For Health
PaleoCleanse Plus™ Detox Program
Designs For Health
PaleoCleanse Plus™Chocolate Detox Kit
Designs For Health
PaleoMeal®
Designs For Health
PaleoMeal®
Pure Encapsulations
Peptic-Care ZC Zinc-L-Carnosine
Integrative Therapeutics
Physicians Elemental Diet Dextrose Free
Integrative Therapeutics
Physician's Elemental Diet
Integrative Therapeutics
Physician's Elemental Diet
Integrative Therapeutics
Physicians Elemental Diet Kit
Metagenics
PhytoMulti™ Multivitamin
Metagenics
PhytoMulti With Iron
Metagenics
PhytoMulti Without Iron
Metagenics
PhytoMultivitamin
Designs For Health
Plant Protein Cleanse
Designs For Health
Plant Protein Cleanse Plus™ 570g
Designs For Health
Plant Protein Meal
Designs For Health
Plant Protein Meal Plus
Designs For Health
Plant Protein Meal
Metagenics
PlusOne® Daily Prenatal Packs
Pure Encapsulations
Polyphenol Nutrients
Pure Encapsulations
Polyphenol Nutrients
Douglas Laboratories
Prenatal
Pure Encapsulations
PreNatal Nutrients
Pure Encapsulations
PreNatal Nutrients
Designs For Health
Prenatal Pro™
Designs For Health
Primal Multi™
Vitabase
Prostate Complex (Formerly Prostate Complete)
Vitabase
Prostate Support
Designs For Health
Prostate Supreme™
Designs For Health
Prostate Supreme™
Integrative Therapeutics
ProThrivers Multivitamin
Pure Encapsulations
PureDefense
Pure Encapsulations
PureDefense with NAC
Pure Encapsulations
PureDefense with NAC
Pure Encapsulations
PureGenomics® Multivitamin
Pure Encapsulations
PureGenomics® UltraMultivitamin
Pure Encapsulations
PureLean® Protein
Pure Encapsulations
PurePals
Pure Encapsulations
PurePals with Iron
Pure Encapsulations
PureResponse™ Multivitamin
Pure Encapsulations
SeroPlus
Pure Encapsulations
SP Ultimate
Pure Encapsulations
SP Ultimate
Thorne
Stress Balance Phytisone
Vitabase
Super Antioxidant Formula
Integrative Therapeutics
Testosterone Formula
Metagenics
Testralin®
Pure Encapsulations
Th1 Support
Thorne
Thyrocsin
Pure Encapsulations
Thyroid Support Complex
Designs For Health
Thyroid Synergy™
Metagenics
Thyrosol
Thorne
Trace Minerals
Pure Encapsulations
Trace Minerals
Designs For Health
Twice Daily Essential Packets
Designs For Health
Twice Daily Multi™
Designs For Health
Twice Daily Multi™
Designs For Health
Twice Daily Multi™
Metagenics
Ultra Glucose Control® Chocolate
Metagenics
Ultra Glucose Control Chocolate
Metagenics
Ultra Glucose Control Vanilla
Metagenics
Ultra Glucose Control Vanilla
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive ® 2 Daily
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive 50+ -EZ Swallow
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive ®-EZ Swallow
Douglas Laboratories
ULTRA PREVENTIVE® III W/COPPER
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive ® Kids Grape Flavor
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive ® Kids Orange Flavor
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive One Daily
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive® X
Metagenics
Ultra Prostagen Concentrated
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Protein Green
Pure Encapsulations
Ultra Pure Pack
Metagenics
UltraClear Detox Powder
Metagenics
UltraClear Plus® Detox Powder
Metagenics
UltraClear Plus Detox Powder Berry
Metagenics
UltraClear Plus Detox Powder Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics
UltraClear Plus pH Detox Powder Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics
UltraClear Plus pH Detox Powder Vanilla
Metagenics
UltraClear RENEW Detox Powder Berry
Metagenics
UltraClear RENEW Detox Powder Chai
Metagenics
UltraClear RENEW Detox Powder Vanilla
Pure Encapsulations
UltraDetox 10-Day Pure Pack
Metagenics
UltraGI Replenish® Chocolate
Metagenics
UltraGI Replenish Chocolate
Metagenics
UltraGI Replenish Vanilla
Metagenics
UltraGI Replenish Vanilla
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360°® Chocolate/Orange
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Orange
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Original Spice
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics
UltraMeal Advanced Protein® Dutch Chocolate
Metagenics
UltraMeal Advanced Protein French Vanilla
Metagenics
UltraMeal Advanced Protein Plain
Metagenics
UltraMeal Cardio 360°® Pea/Rice Chocolate
Metagenics
UltraMeal Cardio 360° Pea/Rice Vanilla
Metagenics
UltraMeal® Daily Support Dutch Chocolate
Metagenics
UltraMeal Daily Support Mixed Berry
Metagenics
UltraMeal Rice Vanilla
Pure Encapsulations
UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations
UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations
UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations
UltraZin Zinc
Douglas Laboratories
Uro-Pro ®
Vitabase
Vision Support
Pure Encapsulations
VisionPro Nutrients
Designs For Health
Vitamin B-6 Liquid
Designs For Health
Weight Loss Support Packets
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Active Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Brain Health Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials® Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Healthy Balance Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Men's Vitality Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Women's Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Women's Prime Daily Packs
Thorne
Women's Multi 50+
Pure Encapsulations
Women's Nutrients
Pure Encapsulations
Women's Nutrients
Designs For Health
Women's Twice Daily Essential Packets
Pure Encapsulations
Zinc 15
Vitabase
Zinc
Pure Encapsulations
Zinc 30
Pure Encapsulations
Zinc 30
Metagenics
Zinc A.G.
Metagenics
Zinc A.G.™
Thorne
Zinc Bisglycinate 15mg
Thorne
Zinc Bisglycinate 30 mg
Integrative Therapeutics
Zinc-Carnosine
Integrative Therapeutics
Zinc Chelate 30 mg
Pure Encapsulations
Zinc Chewables
Pure Encapsulations
Zinc Citrate
Pure Encapsulations
Zinc Citrate
Douglas Laboratories
ZINC LOZENGES
Douglas Laboratories
Zinc Picolinate
Thorne
Zinc Picolinate 15 mg
Thorne
Zinc Picolinate 30 mg
Thorne
Zinc Picolinate 30 mg NSF
Designs For Health
Zinc Supreme™
Metagenics
Zinlori 75®