About the Product
HSN's EssentialSeries Zinc Picolinate 25 mg is a food supplement in vegetable capsules based on zinc picolinate, one of the forms of Zinc with the highest documented oral bioavailability in comparative studies, combined with chelated Copper Bisglycinate (1 mg elemental Copper). Zinc picolinate is formed by the conjugation of a Zinc ion (Zn2+) with two molecules of picolinic acid (an endogenous tryptophan metabolite with a natural role in mineral chelation in the body) in an approximate ratio of 21% Zinc/79% picolinate by weight. The reference study by Barrie et al. (1987) documented that zinc picolinate has superior absorption to zinc acetate and zinc citrate in healthy volunteers, establishing picolinate as one of the preferred forms for Zinc supplementation. The formulation is Clean Label, without aesthetic additives or colorants. 1 capsule every other day. Vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO.
Benefits
Zinc picolinate: highly bioavailable form with picolinic acid as an endogenous natural chelator: Picolinic acid is an endogenous metabolite of the tryptophan degradation pathway (kynurenine pathway), naturally produced by the body and secreted by the pancreas to facilitate intestinal absorption of minerals such as Zinc, Manganese and Chromium. The physiological endogenous role of picolinic acid as a chelator of minerals in the intestine is the basis for the rationale of zinc picolinate as a form of supplementation: by supplying Zinc already conjugated with its natural chelator, the salt's resistance to negative interactions with phytates, oxalates and other antinutrients present in foods that reduce the absorption of inorganic forms of Zinc is maximized. The comparative study by Barrie et al. (1987), published in Agents and Actions, documented that zinc picolinate raised Zinc levels in hair, erythrocytes and leukocytes significantly more than zinc acetate or zinc citrate at the same dose, being considered the foundational study for the use of zinc picolinate as a highly bioavailable supplement.
Zinc: more than 10 EFSA-approved health claims covering all major physiological systems: Zinc is the trace element with the highest number of EFSA-approved health claims for any supplemental mineral. It acts as a cofactor for over 300 metalloproteins and over 1000 transcription factors that regulate gene expression in virtually all cell types. Approved EFSA health claims include contributions to: the protection of cells from oxidative damage, normal cognitive function, normal functioning of the immune system (both innate and adaptive immunity), maintenance of normal vision, maintenance of normal skin, maintenance of normal hair, maintenance of normal nails, normal DNA synthesis, normal fatty acid metabolism, normal macronutrient metabolism, normal protein synthesis, normal vitamin A metabolism, maintenance of normal bones, maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood, and normal male reproductive function.
Immune and antioxidant support: Zinc in the first and second lines of defense: Zinc is essential for the development and maturation of T and B lymphocytes (adaptive immunity), for the activity of NK cells (innate immunity) and for antibody production. Thymulin, the thymic hormone that regulates T lymphocyte maturation, is a metalloprotein strictly dependent on Zinc for its biological activity. At the antioxidant level, Zinc is a cofactor of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), one of the body's main enzymatic antioxidants, responsible for neutralizing the superoxide radical (O2•⁻).
Support for skin, hair and nails: Zinc is a cofactor for multiple transcription factors of the zinc finger protein family that regulate the differentiation and proliferation of keratinocytes in the epidermis, hair follicles, and nail matrix cells. Zinc deficiency causes dermatitis, alopecia, and nail changes that are reversible with supplementation. Zinc picolinate, due to its superior bioavailability, ensures more efficient replenishment of Zinc levels in keratinized tissues with high cell turnover.
Support for testosterone and male reproductive health: Zinc is a cofactor of 5-alpha-reductase (conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone) and inhibits aromatase (conversion of testosterone to estradiol), contributing to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels as recognized by EFSA. The study by Prasad et al. (1996) documented that men with Zinc deficiency who received Zinc supplementation for 6 months showed a significant increase in serum testosterone levels.
Chelated Copper Bisglycinate: synergistic protection and Zn/Cu balance: The inclusion of chelated Copper Bisglycinate (1 mg = 100% of the European NRV) is a decision based on scientific evidence regarding Zinc-Copper competition for the same intestinal transporter DMT1. Prolonged Zinc supplementation can induce Copper depletion, with clinical consequences including anemia, neuropathy, and decreased Cu/Zn-SOD activity. Copper Bisglycinate is one of the most bioavailable chelated forms of Copper with less gastrointestinal irritation. Its inclusion in the formula ensures physiological Zn/Cu balance and simultaneously covers daily Copper needs without requiring additional separate supplementation.
Full transparency in labeling: 25 mg of elemental Zinc accurately declared: HSN declares with full transparency that each capsule provides 25 mg of elemental Zinc (and not the total weight of the zinc picolinate salt, which would be approximately 116 mg). This distinction is important given that zinc picolinate contains only ~21.5% Zinc by weight of the salt, and less transparent brands may declare the total weight of the salt (creating the false impression of higher doses). The elemental Copper content is also explicitly declared (1 mg = 100% of the NRV).
Usage
Recommended dose: Take 1 capsule every other day. This less frequent intake (compared to the daily dose of some forms of Zinc) is an appropriate safety choice given that 25 mg of elemental Zinc corresponds to the upper limit of the European NRV, and the high bioavailability of zinc picolinate ensures effective accumulation in tissues even with intake every other day.
