Zinc citrate vs zinc gluconate
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Comparative Analysis of Zinc Citrate vs. Zinc Gluconate
Zinc Absorption Efficiency
Zinc Citrate and Zinc Gluconate Absorption Rates
Research indicates that zinc citrate and zinc gluconate have comparable absorption rates in humans. A study involving 15 healthy adults demonstrated that the median fractional absorption of zinc from zinc citrate was 61.3%, which was not significantly different from the 60.9% absorption rate of zinc gluconate . This suggests that both forms of zinc are equally effective in terms of bioavailability when taken as supplements without food.
Comparative Absorption with Other Zinc Compounds
In comparison to zinc oxide, both zinc citrate and zinc gluconate show superior absorption rates. Zinc oxide had a significantly lower absorption rate of 49.9%, with some individuals showing minimal absorption . This highlights the advantage of using zinc citrate or zinc gluconate over zinc oxide for better zinc uptake.
Zinc Bioavailability in Different Forms
Zinc Picolinate vs. Zinc Citrate and Zinc Gluconate
Another study compared the absorption of zinc picolinate, zinc citrate, and zinc gluconate. It was found that zinc picolinate significantly increased zinc levels in hair, urine, and erythrocytes, whereas zinc citrate and zinc gluconate did not show significant changes in these parameters . This suggests that while zinc citrate and zinc gluconate are effective, zinc picolinate might offer superior bioavailability in certain contexts.
Dialyzability in Infant Formulas
When considering zinc supplementation in infant formulas, zinc gluconate and zinc citrate show different levels of dialyzability. Zinc gluconate has a higher dialyzability compared to zinc citrate, making it a preferable choice for infant formulas to ensure better zinc availability .
Sensory Properties and Stability
Sensory Properties in Syrups
Zinc citrate is noted for its better sensory properties in syrups compared to other zinc compounds. This makes it a more palatable option for zinc supplementation in liquid forms, especially for children .
Stability in Lozenges
In the context of zinc lozenges, the stability constants of zinc salts do not significantly affect their anti-volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) effect. Both zinc citrate and zinc gluconate, despite their different stability constants, were effective in reducing VSCs, which are responsible for bad breath . This indicates that both forms can be used effectively in lozenges.
Conclusion
Both zinc citrate and zinc gluconate are effective forms of zinc supplementation with comparable absorption rates. Zinc citrate offers better sensory properties in syrups, making it a suitable option for children, while zinc gluconate may be more effective in infant formulas due to its higher dialyzability. Overall, the choice between zinc citrate and zinc gluconate can be based on specific use cases and personal preferences, as both provide similar bioavailability and health benefits.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Zinc Absorption by Young Adults from Supplemental Zinc Citrate Is Comparable with That from Zinc Gluconate and Higher than from Zinc Oxide
Zinc citrate supplements are as well absorbed by healthy adults as zinc gluconate, offering a useful alternative for preventing zinc deficiency and treating diarrhea.
Comparative absorption of zinc picolinate, zinc citrate and zinc gluconate in humans
Zinc absorption in humans can be improved by complexing zinc with picolinic acid, resulting in increased levels in hair, urine, and erythrocyte compared to gluconate, citrate, and placebo.
The significance of the source of zinc and its anti-VSC effect.
The anti-VSC effect of zinc is not related to the stability constant of the zinc salts used in lozenges, as alternative ligands with stronger affinity for zinc may be present in the oral cavity.
In vitro dialyzability of zinc from different salts used in the supplementation of infant formulas
Oxide and gluconate are the best compounds for zinc supplementation in infant formulas due to their higher dialyzability percentage compared to soy-based formulas.
Failure of zinc gluconate in treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infections
Zinc gluconate may slightly reduce symptoms of acute upper respiratory tract infections, but its clinical significance and high incidence of adverse effects make it unrecommendable for treatment.
EDTA disodium zinc has superior bioavailability compared to common inorganic or chelated zinc compounds in rats fed a high phytic acid diet.
EDTA disodium zinc has superior bioavailability compared to common inorganic or chelated zinc compounds in rats fed a high phytic acid diet.
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Comparative in vitro toxicity of seven zinc-salts towards neuronal PC12 cells.
Zinc-salts can be divided into three categories: high (zinc-citrate, zinc-sulphate), moderate (zinc-orotate, zinc-acetate, zinc-chloride), and low (zinc-histidinate) cytotoxicity towards neuronal PC12 cells
A bioavailability study comparing two oral formulations containing zinc (Zn bis-glycinate vs. Zn gluconate) after a single administration to twelve healthy female volunteers.
Bis-glycinate significantly increases the oral bioavailability of zinc compared to zinc gluconate, making it a safe and well-tolerated formulation for zinc supplementation.
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