Zinc
Trace mineral essential for immune function and wound healing. FDA RDI for adults 4+ is 11 mg per day. Common forms: picolinate, citrate, gluconate.
FDA Reference Data
About Zinc
Zinc is a voluntary-declaration mineral per FDA 21 CFR 101.36(b)(2) (mandatory only when added for fortification). FDA RDI is 11 mg/day for adults 4+. Like magnesium, the declared amount must be elemental zinc. Different salt forms have varying elemental content: Zinc Picolinate is ~18% elemental Zn; Zinc Citrate is ~31%; Zinc Gluconate is ~13%; Zinc Oxide is ~80%.
Common Supplement Forms
Note: When a salt form is used, the Supplement Facts panel must declare the elemental amount (e.g., “Magnesium 141 mg 34%”), not the salt weight. The salt name appears in the ingredient list below the panel. See %DV calculator for calculation details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FDA RDI for zinc?
The FDA RDI for zinc is 11 mg per day for adults and children 4 years and older (21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(iv)). %DV on Supplement Facts labels is calculated as: (declared elemental zinc / 11) × 100, rounded to the nearest whole percent.
How do I convert zinc salt weight to elemental zinc for my label?
Multiply the salt weight by the elemental percentage. For example, 50 mg of Zinc Picolinate (~18% elemental Zn) yields 9 mg elemental zinc. The Supplement Facts panel should declare "Zinc 9 mg 82%" (9 mg / 11 mg RDI = 81.8%, rounded to 82%). The salt form appears in the ingredient list, not the nutrient declaration line.
Which zinc form is best for supplements?
Zinc Picolinate and Zinc Citrate are generally preferred for oral supplements due to good bioavailability. Zinc Gluconate is common in cold lozenges. Zinc Oxide is inexpensive and high in elemental zinc (80%) but has lower absorption. The choice depends on the product format (capsule, lozenge, tablet) and cost considerations.
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