4 forms with distinct bioavailability and use case · bisglycinate general canon · acetate lozenge acute · picolinate second option.
Patented Albion TRAACS®
Best for
Ideal use: chronic maintenance, general deficiency, gastric sensitivity.
Advantages
Bioavailability ~43% superior sulfate (Gandia 2007). Transport via PEPT1 di-peptide (bypasses saturable metal carrier). Superior digestive tolerance. No metallic taste.
Disadvantages
Expensive vs sulfate (~10-20 €/month). Label must specify elemental Zn (not total bisglycinate weight).
Chelated with picolinic acid
Best for
Ideal use: bisglycinate alternative, economic preference.
Advantages
Bioavailability similar bisglycinate (some studies superior, others equal). Economical.
Disadvantages
Picolinate can precipitate minerals if combined. Bisglycinate has more evidence.
Lozenge nasopharyngeal mucosa
Best for
Ideal use: acute cold/flu (5-7 day acute pulse).
Advantages
Form used in canon cold RCTs (Hemilä). Free Zn via mouth mucosa · local antiviral effect.
Disadvantages
Only acute 5-7 days. Metallic taste. NOT for chronic systemic maintenance.
Common classic OTC form
Best for
Ideal use (limited): only if extreme budget · avoidable with modern bisglycinate.
Advantages
Extreme economy. RDA legal label.
Disadvantages
Bioavailability ~28% (vs ~61% bisglycinate). Gastric nausea common at >15 mg fasted doses.
Ideal use: chronic maintenance, general deficiency, gastric sensitivity.
Ideal use: bisglycinate alternative, economic preference.
Ideal use: acute cold/flu (5-7 day acute pulse).
Ideal use (limited): only if extreme budget · avoidable with modern bisglycinate.
4 forms with distinct bioavailability and use case · bisglycinate general canon · acetate lozenge acute · picolinate second option.