Take 1 tablet daily with a meal to avoid stomach discomfort.
Research
The studies below reference peer-reviewed research on the key active ingredients in this product. These are ingredient-level studies.
Zinc (as zinc gluconate)
Jafari et al., 2022 · Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology
Meta-analysis of RCTs; 35 randomized controlled trials included; participants with various health conditions
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that participants who received zinc supplementation showed statistically significant reductions in inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha compared to those who received placebo; effects varied across populations and zinc forms studied.
Participants with zinc insufficiency who received zinc gluconate supplementation showed statistically significant improvements in serum zinc concentrations and natural killer cell cytotoxicity compared to those who received placebo; the study population had baseline zinc insufficiency and results may not generalize to zinc-sufficient individuals.
Dawson-Hughes et al., 1990 · New England Journal of Medicine
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial; n=301; 2 years; postmenopausal women
Postmenopausal women who received calcium supplementation showed statistically significant reductions in bone loss at the spine and femoral neck compared to those who received placebo; effects were most pronounced in women more than six years past menopause, and results are specific to this demographic.
Systematic review and meta-analysis; 43 randomized controlled trials included; various adult populations
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that participants who received calcium supplementation showed statistically significant improvements in bone mineral density at multiple skeletal sites compared to those who did not; effect sizes varied by supplementation form, dose, and baseline calcium status.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Vegan Zinc$16.89
How it works
Every ingredient, chosen with intention.
Here's what's in this bottle - and why each ingredient earned its place in the formula.
Zinc
as zinc gluconate
A trace mineral involved in the function of over 300 enzymes in the body, participating in cellular metabolism, protein synthesis, and immune cell activity.
Why we chose it
Formulated as zinc gluconate, zinc bonded to gluconic acid, a naturally occurring acid found in fruit, rather than zinc oxide, the cheapest and least bioavailable form commonly used in supplements. Gluconate dissolves readily in water and is better studied for absorption than oxide forms.
A 1,000mcg B12 tablet formulated to support energy metabolism and nervous system function, especially for those following a plant-based diet.
Questions, answered
What customers often ask.
The dose is 455% of daily value, is that safe?
The Daily Value for zinc is set at 11mg as a population-wide minimum. Many clinical studies use doses in the 25–50mg range. The upper tolerable intake level established by health authorities is 40mg/day, and this product contains 50mg, so if you take other zinc-containing supplements or multivitamins, check total zinc intake and consult your healthcare provider.
Should I take this with food or without?
The formula is described as gentle on the stomach and can be taken with or without food. If you find zinc causes any nausea on an empty stomach, taking it with a meal resolves this for most people. Zinc gluconate is a gentler form than zinc sulfate, which is more commonly associated with stomach upset.
What makes zinc gluconate better than zinc oxide?
Zinc oxide, the cheapest form in most budget supplements, is poorly soluble in water and has lower bioavailability. Zinc gluconate is zinc bonded to gluconic acid, a naturally occurring acid found in fruit. It dissolves readily and is better studied for absorption than oxide forms.
Does long-term zinc supplementation affect copper levels?
Zinc and copper compete for absorption in the gut, and sustained high-dose zinc can gradually reduce copper status. If you plan to take zinc daily long-term, consult your healthcare provider, they may recommend periodic monitoring or a copper supplement to balance intake.
Can I take this during cold and flu season?
Zinc is one of the most-studied minerals in relation to immune function. Research shows that participants with zinc insufficiency who received zinc gluconate showed improvements in immune cell activity. For ongoing immune support, daily use throughout the year tends to be more effective than short-term use.
Is this safe during pregnancy?
Zinc is an essential nutrient during pregnancy, but the required and upper-limit amounts differ from the standard adult dose. Please consult your healthcare provider or OB before taking this supplement while pregnant or breastfeeding.
What customers say
Results, backed by reviews.
5 stars: 191 (65%)
4 stars: 64 (22%)
3 stars: 23 (8%)
2 stars: 13 (4%)
1 star: 1 (0%)
g
gsilver
Best with food
I use this during busy travel months, mostly because I am not always eating as well as I do at home. The tablets are small and the bottle is easy to pack. On an empty stomach I felt a little off once, so now I take it with a snack and have had no issue. I am giving four stars because the label could be clearer about that small detail, but the product itself has been easy to keep in my routine.
E
Evan Cole
Gentle and easy to keep using
I have tried zinc a few times over the years and usually quit because taking it on an empty stomach was a terrible idea. This one has been much easier for me as long as I take it with lunch. I started using it during the busy part of the year when everyone around me seems to be passing something along, mostly because I wanted a simple daily zinc option that fits my vegetarian diet. The tablets are small enough that I do not put off taking them, and the bottle has lasted longer than I expected. I appreciate that the label is straightforward and does not try to promise the moon. After about six weeks, the main thing I can honestly say is that it has been easy on my stomach and easy to remember. That sounds boring, but boring is exactly what I want from a supplement routine. I will keep it in the cabinet and reorder when I run out.
M
MARGOT L.
Fine with breakfast
I only take this with food because it made my stomach feel off on an empty stomach. That part is annoying. With breakfast it has been fine, and the tablets are small enough that I do not put off taking them. I wish the directions stressed the food thing more clearly.
R
Renee
Take with food
Perfectly fine if I take it with breakfast. I tried it once on an empty stomach and felt a little queasy, so that is on me. The tablets are easy to swallow and I like having zinc around during busy travel weeks.
D
Danielle Roth
Take with food
Good zinc, but I learned the empty-stomach lesson the hard way. With breakfast it sits fine for me. The bottle is straightforward and the tablets are smaller than the giant ones I had before. I am not looking for fireworks from a basic mineral, just something simple I can take consistently.
o
omar_62
Good value
I take zinc with food during the busy months and this has been a solid option. No strange taste, no giant tablet, and the bottle lasts longer than I thought it would. Learned the hard way not to take it on an empty stomach, but that is on me.
H
H. Patel
take with food
Good zinc, just TAKE WITH FOOD. I got queasy once taking it on an empty stomach and learned real fast. With breakfast it is totally fine.
C
CAROL S.
Acne responded after 6 weeks
My dermatologist mentioned zinc can help with hormonal acne. Started this and within 6 weeks my breakouts were significantly less frequent. Not completely clear but the best my skin has been in two years. The mechanism makes sense — zinc regulates sebum production.
B
BARBARA K.
Good for plant-based nutrition
Zinc tends to be lower in plant-based diets. Supplementing with this has helped my immune health and my skin is clearer than it's been in years.
m
msimmons
Taste and smell improved post-COVID
Had COVID 18 months ago and my taste and smell never fully recovered. Zinc has been part of my recovery protocol. Over the past 8 weeks both senses have sharpened noticeably. Real improvement.
E
Elena
Worth supplementing if plant-based
If you're vegan or vegetarian you're probably not getting optimal zinc. Plant sources are less bioavailable. This supplement fills the gap clearly. My immune health and skin have both improved.
N
Nicole
Clean label wins
Checked every ingredient before buying. Nothing unnecessary. Just zinc in a bioavailable form. Effective and ethical. Stayed on it for 3 months, will keep going.
L
L. Barnes
Skin cleared up
Skin cleared up noticeably. Wasn't expecting that.
D
DIANE F.
Healed faster after surgery
Had a minor procedure in January. Started zinc to support healing. My surgeon commented I healed faster than expected. No infections. Keeping this.
P
P. Sullivan
Finally a clean zinc
Most zinc supplements have fillers or non-vegan capsules. This one is clean. Been taking 2 months. Immune system feels strong, skin looks better.
S
Sofia
Immune system has been strong all winter
I've been taking this zinc supplement consistently since early January and have not been sick once despite my household having multiple colds come through. My husband got a bad cold in February, my kids got it, and I stayed completely healthy. I usually get whatever they have.
I'm also noticing that my skin is better — fewer breakouts and my complexion looks more even. Zinc plays a role in skin health and the research on that is solid. And my nails, which used to peel and break constantly, are noticeably harder.
Clean plant-derived formula with no fillers. Easy to take. Staying on this.
E
Elena
Doctor confirmed levels improved
My zinc was borderline low at my last bloodwork. Added this supplement. Three-month recheck showed it was back in normal range. Exactly what it was supposed to do, confirmed by blood test.
K
Karen
Part of my daily stack
Taking zinc, b12, and iron together as my plant-based supplement foundation. Zinc is doing its part. Immune health has been excellent and my skin is the clearest it's been in years.
M
Marcus
Consistent immune support
January through March are brutal cold and flu months. Been taking zinc daily and sailed through. Colleagues were dropping left and right with colds. I stayed healthy. Simple and effective.
A
Anthony
Didn't get sick once
Didn't get sick once all winter. Zinc is staying.
D
D. Murphy
Kept me healthy in February
Everyone around me was sick in February. I kept taking my zinc and stayed healthy. Coincidence maybe but I'm not stopping to find out.
R
Robert
No nausea!!
No nausea on an empty stomach. That alone gets 5 stars from me.
j
jsmith92
Good for wound healing
Cut my hand badly in March. Started extra zinc to support healing. Healed faster than expected. Zinc's role in wound healing is well established and I can confirm it works.
C
Carol
Good for athletes
Zinc gets depleted through sweat. I've been training hard this year and supplementing zinc has helped my recovery. Less soreness, faster bounce-back between sessions. Recovery matters as much as training.
P
P. Sullivan
Good sensitive stomach option
I've tried many zinc supplements and most of them upset my stomach significantly even with food. I was genuinely worried about trying another one. This formula is gentle. Zero stomach upset in 8 weeks. Iron levels are good. I'm finally able to supplement zinc consistently which I've needed to do for years as someone on a plant-based diet.
T
T. Okafor
No metallic aftertaste
Hate the metallic taste some zinc supplements leave. This has zero aftertaste. Clean supplement that does its job.
D
Dorothy
Hair is stronger too
Wasn't expecting this but my hair stylist noticed less thinning at my temples after about 8 weeks. Apparently zinc deficiency contributes to hair loss. Going to keep taking it.
L
Laura
Consistent results
Nothing dramatic day one. But after 6-8 weeks the accumulated effect is clear. Immune system stronger, skin clearer, nails harder. Steady and reliable.
Z
ZINC_ESSENTIAL
Vegan Zinc
five stars. zinc is essential and this is the best form ive found for my body
c
core_supplement
Vegan Zinc
this supplement is genuinely excellent. the plant based absorption is real. levels up. no side effects. been on it 10 months. one of my core supplements now
d
doctor_directed
Vegan Zinc
been taking zinc since my doctor pointed out my levels were borderline. this brand specifically bc vegan and no reported GI issues from the reviews. those reviews were right. no issues at all
a
almost_two_years
Vegan Zinc
this is the most consistent zinc supplement ive used. been on it almost 2 years. skin clear. immune strong. hair healthy. no side effects ever. absolutely love this brand
