With the hustle and bustle of daily life, most of us are left juggling career and personal commitments. As our focus shifts away from ourselves, it is more important than ever to take care of yourself, especially your health. Aside from frequent exercise and balanced meals, adding health supplements to your routine can ensure that you meet your daily requirements. Zinc, an essential nutrient, is imperative for our bodies to perform several vital functions, yet it can’t always be obtained solely from foods. Research published in the National Library of Medicine has shown that taking zinc supplements can increase the amount of zinc in the blood. If you are often troubled by continuous health issues, it is time to take a step back and prioritise your health. Take a look at our list of the best zinc supplements in Singapore.

What Exactly is Zinc?

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Zinc is an essential nutrient for our health that is not naturally produced by the body, necessitating us to obtain it from various sources such as food intake and supplements. It plays a significant role in several processes in the body, including DNA synthesis, wound healing, thyroid function, immune response, as well as growth and development. While its deficiency is quite uncommon, an insufficient amount of zinc can impair the body’s processes and make the individual susceptible to symptoms such as diarrhea, hair loss, slow wound healing, and a weak immune system.

The Benefits and Side Effects of Taking Zinc Supplements

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A journal published in 2023 highlighted that zinc supplements can efficiently treat its deficiency, helping to alleviate the symptoms. The other benefits of incorporating zinc supplements into your daily routine include:

  • Boosting the immune system
  • Promoting wound healing
  • Reducing inflammation
  • Improving acne
  • Controlling blood sugar levels
  • Lowering the risk of developing several age-related illnesses

While zinc supplements are generally well tolerated, they have been associated with several side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. In fact, individuals who consume more than 40 milligrams of zinc supplements may experience flu-like symptoms. Aside from preventing your body from absorbing copper, zinc also obstructs the absorption of certain antibiotic medications. The rule of thumb to avoid the side effects of zinc is to adhere to the recommended dosage.

The Recommended Dosage 

Before purchasing a zinc supplement, it is important to determine the suitable dosage recommended for you. For adult males, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is 11 mg, and for adult females, it is 8 mg. The maximum dosage for a zinc supplement is 40 mg; however, this depends on individuals who suffer from zinc deficiency, which might require a larger dosage. For supplements, it is recommended that you select absorbable forms such as zinc citrate or zinc gluconate, instead of zinc oxide, which is not highly absorbable based on this study. Regardless, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the suitable dosage based on your health conditions.

The Best Zinc Supplements in Singapore 2024

1. Holistic Way Zinc Citrate High Absorption 15mg

With its impeccable formulation, Holistic Way Zinc Citrate High Absorption 15mg tops our list of the best zinc supplements. It contains a total of 15 mg of zinc citrate to meet your daily requirements. Unlike other similar supplements, the high absorption formula ensures that your body effectively absorbs the supplement for optimal performance. Its bottle houses a whopping 100 tablets, providing long-lasting consumption at an affordable price tag.

Why we love it:

  • Contains 100 tablets per bottle
  • High-absorption formula 
  • Does not contain wheat, gluten, yeast, soy, milk, nuts, eggs, fish, artificial colours, flavours or preservatives

Cons:

  • Needs to be refrigerate after opening for maximum results

Price: $29.60

Where to buy: Watsons

2. Thorne Zinc Picolinate 30 mg

Thorne Zinc Picolinate 30 mg offers a highly absorbable formula with recommended dosing, crafted to provide you with immune support and overall foundational health. For those who have trouble swallowing tablets, you will be glad to know that this supplement features a small capsule. It is also free from gluten, dairy, soy, and artificial flavours. Simply take one capsule once or twice a day with your meal.

Why we love it:

  • Small capsule size
  • Ideal for immune support
  • High absorption form 

Cons:

  • It is recommended to take it with a meal 

Price: $41.24

Where to buy: Amazon

3. NOW Zinc Picolinate 50 mg

NOW Zinc Picolinate 50 mg is expertly formulated to nourish your body with optimal potency, making it ideal for busy professionals. It features a total of 50 mg of zinc for immune support and enzyme function. Apart from being free from artificial colours and flavours, its tablets are created with vegetable capsules. However, due to the dosage of the zinc, it might cause digestive discomfort for some.

Why we love it:

  • A bottle contains 120 of capsules
  • Promote immune support
  • Supports enzyme function 

Cons:

  • The capsules might be difficult to swallow
  • May cause digestive discomfort 

Price: $21.90

Where to buy: FairPrice

4. NaturesPlus ImmunActin Zinc 

If you dislike the idea of swallowing a supplement, consider lozenges to make it a hassle-free experience. NaturesPlus ImmunActin Zinc, which contains 60 lozenges, is encapsulated with a concoction of elderberry, olive leaf, and echinacea. This supplement has a delicious wild cherry flavour, making consumption easier.

Why we love it:

  • Vegetarian
  • Delicious wild cherry flavour 
  • Increases immune system against cold and flu

Cons:

  • Contains only about 10 mg of zinc 

Price: $26.50

Where to buy: Guardian

5. GreenLife Zinc Forte

If you’re looking for the best zinc supplements, look no further than GreenLife Zinc Forte. Aside from its highly absorbable 15 mg of zinc, it is also fortified with vitamins B6, C, and D. These essential vitamins and minerals work together to improve the immune system, energy levels, skin and eye health, as well as overall well-being. Unlike other supplements that use capsules of animal origin, it utilises veggie capsules, making it ideal for everyone.

Why we love it:

  • Added with vitamins B6, C and D
  • Veggie capsule
  • Free from gluten, egg, dairy, soy, artificial flavours, sweeteners and colours

Cons:

  • It needs to be taken with food

Price: $26.70

Where to buy: GreenLife’s official website 

6. Shaklee Zinc Complex

Our list of zinc supplements would be incomplete without the Shaklee Zinc Complex. It contains a high potency of zinc with 15 mg and 120 mg of calcium, offering a multitude of benefits including supporting thyroid function, boosting the immune system, and promoting cell growth and development. With 120 tablets per bottle, it ensures longer consumption.

Why we love it:

  • Added with calcium
  • Contains 120 tablets per bottle
  • Free from artificial flavours, sweeteners, colours or preservative, 

Cons:

  • Capsules may be difficult for some people to swallow 

Price: $28.20

Where to buy: Guardian 

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