Zinc Oxide
This is what the ingredient is.
Zinc oxide is an inorganic compound used as zinc source for food fortification. Essential trace mineral important for immune function and wound healing.
Here is why it shows up on the label.
Nutrient fortification in cereals and supplements. Essential for immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, and DNA synthesis.
Here is what food agencies say.
FDA GRAS as nutrient source. RDA: 8-11 mg/day. Upper limit: 40 mg/day. It is approved in the US, Europe, and Canada.
Here is what research has found.
Essential trace mineral with well-established functions. Deficiency impairs immune function and growth. Zinc supplementation studied for reducing duration of common cold.
Here are a few things worth knowing.
Food fortification amounts are safe. High supplemental doses (>40 mg/day long-term) can cause copper deficiency, immune suppression, and GI upset. Can interfere with copper and iron absorption. Fortification levels pose no risk.
Sources
- FDA Regulations
- NIH Zinc Fact Sheet
- Cochrane Review 2013 - common cold
How to read this page
We publish plain facts about this ingredient so a label is easier to read. This is not medical advice, and it is not a recommendation to buy, avoid, or use anything. For a personal health question, talk with a clinician who knows your history.