OnePin Peptide Library · Metabolic
Zinc
Zinc Picolinate · Zinc Bisglycinate · Chelated Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace mineral required for the function of over 300 enzymes (zinc metalloenzymes) and structural integrity of over 1,000 proteins (zinc finger transcription factors). It is involved in DNA synthesis, immune function, wound healing, protein synthesis, taste/smell perception, growth and development, and reproductive function. The body contains ~2-3g of zinc, second only to iron among trace minerals.,Zinc deficiency is more common than typically recognized - the WHO estimates 17% of the global population is at risk. Symptoms range from mild (impaired immunity, slow wound healing, hair thinning, white spots on nails) to severe (growth retardation in children, hypogonadism, alopecia, dermatitis, severe immune compromise). Risk factors include vegetarian/vegan diets (phytates inhibit absorption), chronic GI disease, alcohol use, advanced age, and chronic illness.,Critically, zinc requires careful balance with COPPER. Zinc and copper compete for the same intestinal transporter (DMT1), and high-dose zinc supplementation (>40-50mg/day) chronically can cause copper deficiency, which has serious consequences (anemia, neuropathy, immune issues). Quality zinc supplements either include copper at a 10-15:1 zinc:copper ratio, or recommend separate copper supplementation. The 16:1 ratio used in products like Jarrow Zinc Balance reflects this consideration.
Take with food to reduce nausea (food reduces absorption ~50% but tolerability is more important for compliance). For acute cold treatment: zinc lozenges every 2 hours during waking, started within 24 hours of symptoms. For chronic supplementation: morning with breakfast or evening with dinner.
Start here. Every protocol below is ordered lowest-first. Begin at the smallest effective dose, hold about a week to assess tolerance, and step up only if needed.
How it works
Zinc is a cofactor for >300 enzymes including carbonic anhydrase, alcohol dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, RNA/DNA polymerases, and superoxide dismutase. It is the structural cofactor for zinc finger transcription factors regulating thousands of genes including immune response, growth, and metabolism.,In immune function, zinc is required for T-cell development and function, NK cell activity, antibody production, and cytokine signaling. Zinc deficiency is associated with thymic atrophy and impaired adaptive immunity. Zinc lozenges may directly bind rhinovirus ICAM-1 receptor, blocking viral entry and reducing cold duration.,Wound healing requires zinc for collagen synthesis (zinc is a cofactor for matrix metalloproteinases and collagen cross-linking), keratinocyte proliferation, and epithelial regeneration.,Reproductive: zinc is concentrated in the prostate and seminal fluid. It is required for testosterone synthesis (cofactor for steroidogenic enzymes), sperm formation, and androgen receptor function.,Antioxidant: zinc is the cofactor for cytosolic superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and supports glutathione metabolism. Indirect antioxidant via metallothionein induction.,Copper interaction: zinc and copper compete for intestinal absorption via DMT1. Excess zinc (>40mg/day) induces metallothionein in enterocytes which preferentially binds copper, sequestering it and excreting it in shed cells. Chronic high-dose zinc without copper supplementation causes copper deficiency.
Zinc is a cofactor for >300 enzymes including carbonic anhydrase, alcohol dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, RNA/DNA polymerases, and superoxide dismutase. It is the structural cofactor for zinc finger transcription factors regulating thousands of genes including immune response, growth, and metabolism.,In immune function, zinc is required for T-cell development and function, NK cell activity, antibody production, and cytokine signaling. Zinc deficiency is associated with thymic atrophy and impaired adaptive immunity. Zinc lozenges may directly bind rhinovirus ICAM-1 receptor, blocking viral entry and reducing cold duration.,Wound healing requires zinc for collagen synthesis (zinc is a cofactor for matrix metalloproteinases and collagen cross-linking), keratinocyte proliferation, and epithelial regeneration.,Reproductive: zinc is concentrated in the prostate and seminal fluid. It is required for testosterone synthesis (cofactor for steroidogenic enzymes), sperm formation, and androgen receptor function.,Antioxidant: zinc is the cofactor for cytosolic superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and supports glutathione metabolism. Indirect antioxidant via metallothionein induction.,Copper interaction: zinc and copper compete for intestinal absorption via DMT1. Excess zinc (>40mg/day) induces metallothionein in enterocytes which preferentially binds copper, sequestering it and excreting it in shed cells. Chronic high-dose zinc without copper supplementation causes copper deficiency.
What to expect
Days 1-14: Acute immune support (lozenges for active cold).
Evidence
Interactions & stacking
What's safe to combine, and what belongs in a separate pin.
Safe & synergistic
Keep separate
Pharmacokinetics
Storage. Store at room temperature (20-25C) in a cool, dry place. Capsules and tablets shelf-stable 2+ years. Lozenges should be kept dry to prevent dissolution.
Regulatory status
Classified as a dietary supplement in the US - no prescription required. Widely available. RDA: 11mg men, 8mg women. Tolerable Upper Limit: 40mg elemental zinc/day from supplements (chronic). FDA-approved as drug for Wilson's disease (high-dose).
Put it to work
Calculate, log & track
Open Zinc straight into OnePin with your vial and dose pre-filled, then let it handle the syringe math and remind you before the vial runs out.
Open Zinc in the app →Go deeper
The guide & community
The complete Zinc walkthrough, real protocol discussion and coaching live inside the BlessUp community on Skool.
Join the community ↗