Ingredient Guide
Zinc Bisglycinate Explained: The Well Absorbed Form of an Essential Mineral
Zinc is an essential mineral your body cannot store in large amounts. Why the bisglycinate form absorbs well, what zinc does, how much you need, and how much is in our Lithium Orotate Supplement.
Explore Immune SupportZinc on the Label
Exactly how much zinc is in our product, straight from the label.
How to use it (label directions): two capsules in the evening. Each bottle holds 30 servings. How this compares with daily needs: the Daily Value for zinc is 11 mg and the adult upper limit from all sources is 40 mg a day. Our 10 mg sits within everyday needs, so count any other zinc you take, including multivitamins, and stay under the upper limit. Use it as directed on the label.
A Small Mineral With Many Jobs
Zinc is an essential mineral: your body needs it every day but cannot make it. An adult body holds only about 2 to 3 g, and a small share is replaced each day from food. Zinc is found in oysters, red meat, poultry, beans, nuts and whole grains, although compounds called phytates in grains and legumes reduce how much is absorbed.
Zinc bisglycinate is zinc bound to two molecules of the amino acid glycine. This chelated form is well absorbed and tends to be gentle on the stomach. We include 10 mg of zinc as bisglycinate in our Lithium Orotate Supplement, alongside lithium orotate, lemon balm, reishi and vitamin B6 as P5P.
Tip: More zinc is not better. The goal is to meet daily needs and stay under the 40 mg adult upper limit from all sources.
What Zinc Does
Enzymes and Cell Growth
Zinc is needed by hundreds of enzymes, including those that build proteins and DNA and help cells divide. This is why it matters for growth, skin and wound healing.
Immune Function
Zinc is essential for normal immune function. It helps regulate signaling inside immune cells, and a review of the research describes it as a gatekeeper of immune function, with low zinc linked to a more inflammatory immune state.
Brain Signaling
Some nerve endings store zinc and release it along with the messenger glutamate, where it helps fine-tune signaling. This is one reason zinc appears in formulas aimed at mood and the brain.
Taste and Smell
Zinc is needed for normal taste and smell, which is why low zinc can dull them.
What the Research Shows
Absorption of the Bisglycinate Form
In a randomized crossover study, 12 healthy women took a single 15 mg dose of zinc as bisglycinate or as gluconate, a week apart. Zinc bisglycinate was well tolerated and raised blood zinc 43 percent more than zinc gluconate.
Who Falls Short
A review of zinc requirements estimates that about a quarter of the world's population is at risk of low zinc intake, mostly where diets rely on grains and legumes rich in phytates. In wealthier countries, food choices matter most, and older adults and people who eat little animal food are more likely to fall short.
Immune Support
Research reviews describe how adequate zinc supports both innate and adaptive immunity and helps keep inflammatory signaling in check. The benefit is clearest when zinc intake is otherwise low.
The honest summary: zinc is essential, and the bisglycinate form is well absorbed. A supplement helps most when your diet falls short. Our 10 mg is an everyday amount, not a high dose.
Zinc Bisglycinate vs Other Forms
Zinc supplements come in several forms. All can meet daily needs; they differ in absorption and how they feel on the stomach.
| Form | What it is | Absorption | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc bisglycinate | Zinc bound to two glycine molecules | Good; 43 percent higher than gluconate in one study | Gentle on the stomach; the form we use |
| Zinc gluconate | Zinc salt of gluconic acid | Moderate | Common in lozenges and multivitamins |
| Zinc citrate | Zinc salt of citric acid | Similar to gluconate | Common in multivitamins |
| Zinc oxide | Inorganic zinc | Lower | Found in many multivitamins |
Daily Needs, Timing, and Stacking
Daily Needs and Limits
The recommended intake for adults is 11 mg a day for men and 8 mg for women, and the Daily Value on labels is 11 mg. The adult upper limit from food and supplements combined is 40 mg a day. Our Lithium Orotate Supplement provides 10 mg per serving.
Timing
The Lithium Orotate label says two capsules in the evening. If zinc upsets your stomach, taking it with food can help.
Stacking
Zinc works alongside other nutrients, including vitamin B6, which is in the same formula. If you take a multivitamin, check its zinc content so your total stays under 40 mg. For more on minerals, see our guide to mineral functions.
Safety and Side Effects
At everyday amounts, zinc is well tolerated. Some people feel nauseated if they take zinc on an empty stomach.
Points Worth Knowing
- Copper balance: long-term intake above the 40 mg upper limit can lower copper levels, which can affect blood and nerve health.
- Medications: zinc can reduce the absorption of quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics and of penicillamine; take them a few hours apart.
- Stacking products: count zinc from multivitamins, lozenges and other supplements in your daily total.
Who should be cautious: speak with a qualified healthcare professional before taking zinc supplements if you are pregnant or nursing, take antibiotics, penicillamine or other regular medication, or already take other zinc-containing products.
Key Takeaways
- Zinc is an essential mineral for immune function, enzymes, growth, taste and smell.
- Zinc bisglycinate is a well absorbed, gentle form; one study found 43 percent higher absorption than gluconate.
- Adults need 8 to 11 mg a day; the upper limit from all sources is 40 mg.
- Our Lithium Orotate Supplement provides 10 mg per serving (91 percent of the Daily Value).
- Take it apart from certain antibiotics and count all your zinc sources.
Enough, Not More.
Zinc does its best work when you have enough of it, every day. A well absorbed form at an everyday amount is the right way to fill the gap, without pushing past the upper limit.
Zinc FAQ
What is zinc bisglycinate used for?
Zinc bisglycinate is a supplement form of zinc, an essential mineral that supports normal immune function, wound healing, taste and smell, and the work of hundreds of enzymes. The bisglycinate form binds zinc to the amino acid glycine, which helps it absorb well and tends to be gentle on the stomach.
Is zinc bisglycinate better than other forms of zinc?
In a study of 12 healthy women, a single dose of zinc bisglycinate raised blood zinc 43 percent more than the same dose of zinc gluconate. That points to good absorption. All common forms can meet daily needs; bisglycinate is a well absorbed, well tolerated option.
How much zinc do I need a day?
The recommended intake for adults is 11 mg a day for men and 8 mg a day for women, and the Daily Value on labels is 11 mg. The upper limit for adults from all sources is 40 mg a day.
How much zinc is in the Lithium Orotate Supplement?
Each 2-capsule serving contains 10 mg of zinc as zinc bisglycinate, which is 91 percent of the Daily Value, alongside lithium 5 mg, reishi, lemon balm and vitamin B6 as P5P.
What are the side effects of zinc?
At normal amounts zinc is well tolerated. Taking it on an empty stomach can cause nausea in some people. Long-term intake above the 40 mg upper limit can lower copper levels and affect immune function, so count all your sources.
Should zinc be taken with other medications?
Zinc can reduce the absorption of some antibiotics, including quinolones and tetracyclines, and of penicillamine. Take them a few hours apart and check with your pharmacist or clinician.
More on Zinc
Related guides
Sources
- Gandia P, et al. A bioavailability study comparing two oral formulations containing zinc (Zn bis-glycinate vs. Zn gluconate) after a single administration to twelve healthy female volunteers. International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, 2007. PubMed 18271278
- Maret W, Sandstead HH. Zinc requirements and the risks and benefits of zinc supplementation. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, 2006. PubMed 16632171
- Wessels I, et al. Zinc as a gatekeeper of immune function. Nutrients, 2017. PubMed 29186856
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Nothing here is medical advice. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication (especially antibiotics), or managing a health condition, consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.