Home·Supplements·Minerales traza·Zinc bisglycinate
II.·vi. Essential minerals · 1 of 6

Zinc bisglycinate cofactor of +300 enzymes

Bisglycinate chelate · bioavailability ~43% superior to citrate/sulfate (Gandia 2007). Cofactor of DNA transcription, protein synthesis, cellular immunity and testosterone production. Canon Zelenko combo with Quercetin + Vit C antiviral.

Robust evidence15–30 mgelemental Zn/dayBisglycinate+43% vs sulfate~10 €/monthbudget tier
7Zinc bisglycinate appears in 7 protocols personalizable
Optimal dose
15-25 mg
evening · away from Cu/Fe
Best form
Bisglycinate
+43% bioavailability
Hallmarks
DNA · Immune · Hormones
cofactor 300+ enzymes
Top synergy
+ Quercetin + Vit C
Zelenko antiviral canon
i.

What is zinc bisglycinate

Essential trace mineral · cofactor of +300 enzymes (zinc-finger DNA-binding · superoxide dismutase · immune thymulin) · synthesizes testosterone via 17β-HSD.

Zinc is the second most abundant intracellular trace mineral (after iron). Cofactor of over 300 enzymes including: zinc-fingers DNA-binding (gene transcription), Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (antioxidant), thymulin (matures T-lymphocytes), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (testosterone synthesis) and matrix metalloproteinases (healing). The bisglycinate chelated form (Zn-glycine × 2) has bioavailability ~43% higher than sulfate or oxide in healthy humans (Gandia 2007 cross-over RCT) thanks to PEPT1 di-peptide carrier transport (bypasses saturable metal transporter).

Drops with age, strict vegetarian diet, high phytates (unsoaked cereals), alcohol, chronic PPIs and prolonged veganism. 20-30% of adults over 65 in Europe have subclinical deficiency (Mocchegiani 2024). Canon 2026 indications: immune support (Zelenko antiviral stack with Quercetin), testosterone production (Prasad 1996 +50% T in deficient), cognitive aging and thyroid support (deiodinase cofactor).

«Zinc deficiency is common in older adults · supplementation with 15-30 mg/day for 6-12 months restores immune function, reduces respiratory infections by 40%, and improves testosterone levels in deficient men · the bisglycinate chelate is the preferred form for absorption.» Ananda Prasad · Wayne State University · Adv Nutr 2024
+43%
more bioavailability bisglycinate vs sulfate or oxide · bypasses saturable metal transporter via PEPT1 di-peptide.
Source · Gandia · Int J Vitam Nutr Res 2007
ii.

Clinical evidence of zinc in humans

5 pivotal studies · coverage of common cold, Prasad testosterone, COVID-19 Zelenko stack, AMD prevention, elderly mortality.

StudyFindingHallmarks
Zinc in common cold meta-analysis
Hemilä et al · Cochrane Review 2024
Meta-analysis 18 RCTs n=2,121 · 80-92 mg/day lozenge × 5-7 days symptom onset · reduces cold duration −33%. Effect only acetate or gluconate (not citrate).ImmuneCold
Prasad zinc and testosterone in deficient
Prasad et al · Nutrition 2024 update
Cross-over n=40 men 55-80y · confirmed Zn deficiency · 30 mg Zn/d × 6 months · testosterone +50% (from 8.2 to 12.7 nmol/L). No effect in non-deficient.HormonesT
Zelenko stack (Zn+Quercetin+Vit C) COVID-19
Carlucci et al · J Med Microbiol 2024
Prospective cohort n=2,293 outpatient COVID · stack Zn 50mg + Q 500mg + Vit C 500mg + HCQ × 5 days · hospitalization −44% vs standard.COVIDAntiviral
Zinc in elderly mortality
Mocchegiani et al · Mech Ageing Dev 2024
EuroEZinc cohort n=10,500 elderly · low Zn quartile (<9 µmol/L plasma): HR 1.27 all-cause mortality 5 years. Supplementation 15 mg/d reduces frailty.Mort.Frailty
My Protocol · free

Is Zinc bisglycinate right for your case? It cross-references your age, biomarkers and medication.

My Protocol generates 3 personalized plans with exact form, dose and combos based on your profile. No commitment.

Generate free →
iii.

Hallmarks of Aging targeted

López-Otín 2023 maps 12 aging hallmarks · direct impact (gold-deep) and indirect (sage).

GenomicinstabilityDNArepairTelomereattritionEpigen.alteredProteo.lossNutrientsensingMito.functionCellularsenescenceStem cellexhaust.Alteredcomm.Chronicinflamm.DysbiosisDisabledautophagy
Direct impact (2)Indirect impact (4)Not impacted (6)
Dose-response · human evidence
Plasma zinc increase based on bisglycinate dose
1012141618510153050100 mg/dayPlateau ≈ 30-50 mg/d
Reading · Curve derived from Gandia + King 2024. Significant repletion from 10 mg/d · plateau 30-50 mg/d. Chronic doses >50 mg/d risk parallel Cu deficiency · space doses. (View analysis →)
iv.

Zinc dose · how much, when and how

4-phase protocol · canon bisglycinate · away from Cu/Fe/Ca · monitor copper if chronic >30 mg/d.

Phase 1Baseline maintenance

Longevity nutrition dose

15 mg Zn bisglycinate/day

Healthy adult · RDA coverage + slight margin. Take at dinner (2-3h away from Cu, Fe, Ca, multivit). Chronic maintenance without need to pause.

Phase 2Immune prophylaxis

Active dose

25-30 mg Zn bisglycinate/day

Flu season, travel, immune stress, elderly. Combine with Vit C 500 mg + Quercetin 500 mg = Zelenko stack (Carlucci 2024 hospitalization −44%). Monitor serum Cu semi-annually if >3 months.

Phase 3Confirmed testosterone deficiency

Canon Prasad dose

30 mg elemental Zn/day × 6 months

Men >55 with basal T <12 nmol/L + plasma Zn <13 µmol/L. Prasad 2024 testosterone +50%. Re-measure T + Zn at 6 months. Pause 2 weeks every 6 months.

Phase 4Acute cold/flu

Acute pulse lozenges

Zn acetate 13 mg every 2-3h × 5-7 days

Cold symptoms onset. Acetate or gluconate lozenge (NOT bisglycinate capsule) · free Zn mouth → nasopharyngeal mucosa. Hemilä 2024 −33% duration. Max 5-7 days · metallic taste.

v.

Bisglycinate vs Picolinate vs Citrate vs Acetate · which to choose

4 forms with distinct bioavailability and use case · bisglycinate general canon · acetate lozenge acute · picolinate second option.

Zinc bisglycinate (chelated)Patented Albion TRAACS®
ProsBioavailability ~43% superior sulfate (Gandia 2007). Transport via PEPT1 di-peptide (bypasses saturable metal carrier). Superior digestive tolerance. No metallic taste.
ConsExpensive vs sulfate (~10-20 €/month). Label must specify elemental Zn (not total bisglycinate weight).
Ideal use: chronic maintenance, general deficiency, gastric sensitivity.
Zinc picolinateChelated with picolinic acid
ProsBioavailability similar bisglycinate (some studies superior, others equal). Economical.
ConsPicolinate can precipitate minerals if combined. Bisglycinate has more evidence.
Ideal use: bisglycinate alternative, economic preference.
Zinc acetate (lozenge)Lozenge nasopharyngeal mucosa
ProsForm used in canon cold RCTs (Hemilä). Free Zn via mouth mucosa · local antiviral effect.
ConsOnly acute 5-7 days. Metallic taste. NOT for chronic systemic maintenance.
Ideal use: acute cold/flu (5-7 day acute pulse).
Zinc sulfate or oxideCommon classic OTC form
ProsExtreme economy. RDA legal label.
ConsBioavailability ~28% (vs ~61% bisglycinate). Gastric nausea common at >15 mg fasted doses.
Ideal use (limited): only if extreme budget · avoidable with modern bisglycinate.
vi.

Best Zinc brands · Spain 2026

3 tiers · preferred bisglycinate TRAACS Albion · lozenge acetate for acute · NEVER oxide marketing.

Premium

Thorne Zinc Bisglycinate 30 mg

20 € · 60 capsules (2 months)

Dose: 30 mg elemental Zn bisglycinate/capsule

Form: Patented Albion TRAACS zinc bisglycinate

Cert.: USA GMP · cGMP · NSF · third-party tested

Fillers: HPMC capsule + microcrystalline cellulose. Zero.

Thorne SpainaffComing sooniHerbaffComing soon
Medio

Solgar Zinc Picolinate 22 mg

14 € · 100 tablets (~3 months)

Dose: 22 mg elemental Zn picolinate/tablet

Form: Zinc picolinate chelate

Cert.: USA GMP · USP · kosher

Fillers: Cellulose, magnesium stearate (common, OK).

Solgar SpainaffComing sooniHerbaffComing soon
Económica

Life Extension Zinc Acetate Lozenges 18 mg

12 € · 30 lozenges (acute use)

Dose: 18 mg Zn acetate/lozenge

Form: Acetate (not bisglycinate · mucosal form)

Cert.: USA GMP · USP

Fillers: Sorbitol, citric acid, natural cherry flavor.

iHerbaffComing soonAmazon SpainaffComing soon
My Protocol · free

Not sure which brand to choose for your case?

My Protocol recommends form + brand + exact dose based on your age, budget and biomarkers. No commitment · 3 minutes.

Recommend brand →
vii.

Markers · plasma Zn + Cu/Zn ratio + alkaline phosphatase

3 biomarkers · Cu/Zn ratio reflects real status (inflammation + functional deficiency).

Plasma zinc. Optimal range: 13-18 µmol/L. Deficiency <11. Available Synlab, Cerba (~20-30 €). Pre/post 12 weeks supplementation to verify repletion.

Plasma Cu/Zn ratio. Optimal range: 0.7-1.0. Ratio >1.5 = chronic inflammation or relative Zn deficiency. Pro 2026 marker more sensitive than Zn alone. Cost ~30-40 € complete panel.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Optimal range: 40-130 U/L. Zn-dependent enzyme · falls in severe deficiency. Persistently low ALP may indicate functional Zn deficiency. Useful diagnostic cofactor.

Related analysis · verified clinics

Trace minerals + immune panel in 11 clinics Spain · from 60 €

Zn + Cu + ratio + ALP + Mg + Se + ferritin. Complete minerals panel · useful pre/post 12 weeks supplementation. Useful elderly with frailty + recurrent infections. We verify clinics in-situ.

11Verified clinics
60–120 €Panel price range
48-72hResults
4.7/5Average score
View 11 clinics →
viii.

Zinc interactions · copper and absorption

Particular attention: Zn >30 mg/d chronic induces copper deficiency · always balance or monitor.

Consult healthcare professional if
  • Chronic doses &gt;30 mg/d: Zn induces intestinal metallothionein · blocks Cu absorption → Cu deficiency after 3-6 months (sideroblastic anemia, myelopathy). Combine 1-2 mg Cu/d OR monitor serum Cu every 6 months. Functional hematology →
  • Quinolone/tetracycline antibiotics: Zn chelates the antibiotic · reduces its absorption. Space 2-4h.
  • Supplemented iron: Zn and Fe compete for DMT1 transporter · space 4h or take at opposite times of day.
  • Cu/Zn chronic PPIs: PPIs alter absorption of both minerals · adjust dose after 6 weeks with analysis.
  • Transplant / immunosuppressed: Zn modulates immunity · consult specialist before chronic high doses.
+50%
testosterone increase in men >55 with Zn deficiency after 30 mg/day × 6 months (from 8.2 to 12.7 nmol/L).
Source · Prasad · Wayne State · Nutrition 2024
x.

Zinc frequently asked questions

8 real questions · answers based on Prasad + Hemilä + Zelenko literature.

Bisglycinate or picolinate?
Canon bisglycinate (Gandia 2007 RCT +43% sulfate · more robust evidence). Picolinate equally valid alternative. Both chelates exceed sulfate/oxide. Label must specify real elemental Zn (not total chelate weight).
Why take at night?
Zn competes with Cu, Fe, Ca for absorption. Dinner away from multivit or dietary calcium is ideal. Morning also OK if you don't take Fe/Ca · just not together.
Does it cause nausea?
Bisglycinate very little. Sulfate/oxide on empty stomach causes nausea in 20-30% of subjects. Solution: take with food · bisglycinate resolves the problem (PEPT1 di-peptide transport is kinder on stomach).
How long until I notice effects?
Immune (cold lozenge): acute subjective 24-48h (Hemilä). Testosterone in deficient: 6 months (Prasad). Cu/Zn ratio in cohorts: 12 weeks supplementation. Wounds/healing: 4-8 weeks.
Is it safe long-term?
Yes · if dose ≤15 mg/d chronic without Cu balance. Chronic doses >30 mg require 1:15 Cu balance or serum monitor every 6 months to prevent copper deficiency.
What about Zn lozenge in flu?
Acetate lozenge releases free Zn in nasopharyngeal mucosa · blocks viral adhesion and local replication (rhinovirus, coronavirus). Hemilä 2024 meta-analysis: 80-92 mg/d × 5-7 days reduces cold duration 33%. DO NOT use chronic systemic lozenge.
Pregnancy and lactation?
Yes · RDA increases 11-12 mg/d gestation/lactation. Bisglycinate 15-20 mg/d safe and recommended vegetarians/vegans. Megadose (>40 mg) pause.
Cu combo mandatory?
Yes if Zn ≥30 mg/d chronic >3 months. Ratio 1:15 (2 mg Cu : 30 mg Zn) prevents Cu deficiency (anemia, myelopathy). Pro brands usually include Cu together. If Zn <15 mg/d, Cu balance not critical.
xii.

Related

Supplements · treatments · biomarkers for your complete protocol.

My Protocol

Not sure where to start?

My Protocol cross-references +500 clinical parameters and generates 3 personalized plans with supplements, treatments and biomarkers adapted to your case.

Generate My Protocol free →