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Jarrow Formulas Zinc Balance
Jarrow Formulas' take on supplemental zinc, in a vcaps format that is easy to keep to day after day.
Why people take it
- Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system
- Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin, hair and nails
- Zinc contributes to normal fertility and reproduction
- Zinc contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress
How to use
Take as directed on the pack, ideally with food and at the same time each day.
Good to know
- Format: vcaps
- Caffeine free
- Vegetarian-friendly capsule shell
A food supplement, not a substitute for a varied diet and healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the stated dose. Keep out of reach of children.
At a glance
£0.16
per daily dose
Moderate
evidence for zinc
Our honest take
One capsule gives 15 mg of zinc (as zinc L-methionine) with 1 mg of copper, the balanced pairing we would suggest for anyone taking zinc every day. The dose is well under the NHS limit of 25 mg a day, and it is vegan. At around 16p a day it is not the cheapest zinc, but it is one of the better-designed ones for long-term use.
- You want to take zinc daily over months with copper to keep the balance right
- You are vegan or eat few zinc-rich foods
- You want a sensible 15 mg dose rather than a mega-dose
- You already take a multivitamin with zinc and copper
- You have Wilson's disease or have been told to avoid copper
- You take tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics without checking timing with your pharmacist
The science
Zinc· evidence: Moderate
Zinc is a trace mineral needed for the immune system, skin, wound healing and many enzymes. Men need about 9.5 mg a day and women 7 mg in the UK, mostly from meat, shellfish, dairy, bread and cereals. Vegans and vegetarians can fall short because plant foods contain phytates that reduce absorption.
Supplements help people whose intake is low. Zinc lozenges taken at the very start of a cold have been studied with mixed results; tablets swallowed every day by well-fed people are not shown to add much.
Long-term high doses cause problems, mainly by blocking copper absorption, so more is not better.
Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system. Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin. Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair. Zinc contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. (Applies where a daily dose gives at least 15% of the NRV, i.e. 1.5 mg.)
Typical dose: Adults need about 7 mg (women) to 9.5 mg (men) a day from all sources (NRV on labels: 10 mg). Supplements usually give 5 to 25 mg.
Safety: The NHS advises not taking more than 25 mg of zinc a day from supplements unless a doctor advises it. Long-term high doses can cause copper deficiency, anaemia and weakened immunity. Zinc can upset the stomach if taken without food, and it reduces absorption of some antibiotics.
Research we looked at:
NHS. Others: vitamins and minerals (zinc). nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/others
EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific opinion on dietary reference values for zinc. EFSA Journal 2014;12(10):3844.
Hemilä H. Zinc lozenges and the common cold: a meta-analysis comparing zinc acetate and zinc gluconate, and the role of zinc dosage. JRSM Open 2017;8(5):2054270417694291.
Copper· evidence: Moderate
Copper is a trace mineral needed for making red blood cells, for the nervous system, connective tissue and hair and skin pigment. Adults need about 1.2 mg a day in the UK, which most people get easily from bread, cereals, nuts, seeds, shellfish and offal.
Copper deficiency is rare in people eating a normal diet. The main practical reason to see copper in a supplement is alongside zinc: zinc taken in high doses for weeks or months blocks copper absorption and can lead to copper deficiency and anaemia. Adding about 1 mg of copper to a zinc product is a sensible safeguard.
There is no good evidence that extra copper helps people who already get enough.
Copper contributes to the maintenance of normal connective tissues. Copper contributes to normal function of the immune system. Copper contributes to normal hair pigmentation. Copper contributes to normal skin pigmentation. Copper contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. (Applies where a daily dose gives at least 15% of the NRV, i.e. 0.15 mg.)
Typical dose: Adults need about 1.2 mg a day from all sources (NRV on labels: 1 mg). Supplements usually give 0.5 to 2 mg, often paired with zinc.
Safety: The NHS advises not taking more than 1 mg of copper a day from supplements unless a doctor advises it, as high intakes can cause stomach pain, nausea and, over time, liver damage. People with Wilson's disease must avoid copper supplements.
Research we looked at:
NHS. Others: vitamins and minerals (copper). nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/others
EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific opinion on dietary reference values for copper. EFSA Journal 2015;13(10):4253.
Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals. Safe Upper Levels for Vitamins and Minerals. Food Standards Agency, 2003.
Ingredients & nutrition
Always check the pack you receive, as manufacturers sometimes update recipes.
How to use
Price per dose & how it compares
| Product | Size | Price | Per daily dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| This product | 100 vcaps | £16.23 | £0.16 |
| Osavi Zinc + Copper | from £7.99 | £0.12 | |
| Cytoplan Zinc & Copper | from £19.23 | £0.32 | |
| OstroVit Zinc Picolinate | from £3.99 | £0.03 | |
| Nordic Naturals Zinc Glycinate | from £17.42 | £0.29 |
Cost per daily dose lets you compare packs of different sizes fairly.Worked out from our current prices.
Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. General information, not medical advice. Speak to your GP or pharmacist first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition or take medication.
Jarrow Formulas' take on supplemental zinc, in a vcaps format that is easy to keep to day after day.
Why people take it
- Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system
- Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin, hair and nails
- Zinc contributes to normal fertility and reproduction
- Zinc contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress
How to use
Take as directed on the pack, ideally with food and at the same time each day.
Good to know
- Format: vcaps
- Caffeine free
- Vegetarian-friendly capsule shell
A food supplement, not a substitute for a varied diet and healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the stated dose. Keep out of reach of children.
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