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Zinc Bisglycinate (Zinc Glycinate)

Evidence Level
Moderate
2 Clinical Trials
5 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

Zinc bisglycinate is a gentle, well-absorbed chelated form of zinc in which the mineral is bound to two molecules of the amino acid glycine. Its main advantage is tolerability, causing less of the nausea that zinc, especially on an empty stomach, can trigger, which makes it a favorite for sensitive individuals. As with all zinc, it supports immune function, skin, wound healing, and many enzyme systems. Typical doses provide 15 to 30 mg of elemental zinc and can be taken with or without food. Long-term intake above about 40 mg per day should be avoided, since chronic high zinc can deplete copper.

Studied Dose 15–30 mg elemental zinc/day for general supplementation; up to 50 mg for short-term therapeutic uses
Active Compound Zinc bisglycinate (chelate)

Benefits

Highest Bioavailability Form

2024 Hosain et al. systematic review (Nutrients) and Gandia et al. crossover RCT both found zinc bisglycinate ~43% more bioavailable than zinc gluconate. Recent comparative evidence positions bisglycinate as the most absorbable zinc supplement form.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Superior GI Tolerability

The chelate structure protects zinc through gastric pH changes and from competing absorption inhibitors. Causes less GI distress than zinc sulfate or high-dose oxide. Better tolerated for chronic dosing.

Supported by Trial 2

Immune Support

Zinc supports T-cell function, NK cell activity, and inflammatory cytokine balance. Adequate zinc status critical for proper immune response.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Skin and Wound Healing

Zinc bisglycinate's bioavailability advantages translate to faster zinc tissue repletion — relevant for skin healing applications.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Reproductive Health

Zinc is critical for sperm production, ovulation, and reproductive hormone regulation. Zinc deficiency contributes to infertility; supplementation in deficient populations supports reproductive function.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Mechanism of action

1

Chelate Stability and Absorption

Bisglycinate structure: zinc ion bonded to two glycine molecules forming a 5-membered ring. Stable through gastric pH; absorbed via dipeptide transporters in addition to standard zinc transporters (ZIP family).

2

Reduced Absorption Inhibition

Phytates (in grains, legumes) and oxalates (in spinach, etc.) inhibit zinc absorption from typical zinc salts. Chelation protects zinc from these inhibitors — allowing better absorption when taken with meals.

3

Glycine Synergy (Theoretical)

Glycine itself supports collagen synthesis and immune function. Some theoretical synergy proposed though clinical evidence specific to glycine contribution is limited.

4

Standard Zinc Functions

All zinc forms share same fundamental biology — cofactor for >300 enzymes, zinc finger transcription factors, immune function, antioxidant via Cu/Zn-SOD.

Clinical trials

1
Zinc Bisglycinate vs Gluconate

Randomized crossover study comparing zinc bisglycinate (15 mg elemental) vs zinc gluconate (15 mg elemental) for plasma zinc PK in healthy adults.

Healthy adults.

Zinc bisglycinate showed significantly higher serum zinc Cmax, AUCt, and AUCinf vs gluconate — calculated as 43.4% more bioavailable. Foundational comparative data.

2
Comparative Zinc Forms

Evidence review comparing absorption and bioavailability of zinc acetate, citrate, glycinate, gluconate, oxide, picolinate, sulfate in human studies.

Pooled across human PK trials.

Zinc glycinate and zinc gluconate ranked best-absorbed across human trials. Zinc oxide consistently worst. Picolinate competitive but not consistently superior.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated — less GI distress than sulfate or high-dose oxide.
Metallic taste at high doses.
GI distress at very high doses uncommon.
Copper deficiency at chronic high doses (>40 mg/day).

Important Drug interactions

Tetracycline/quinolone antibiotics — separate by 2 hours.
Bisphosphonates — separate by 2 hours.
Penicillamine (Wilson's disease) — interaction.
Iron — separate dosing if both supplemented.
Calcium — high-dose calcium reduces zinc absorption.

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Frequently asked questions about Zinc Bisglycinate (Zinc Glycinate)

What is zinc bisglycinate?

Zinc bisglycinate is zinc bound to two molecules of the amino acid glycine. This chelated form is well absorbed and notably gentle on the stomach, making it a good choice for those who feel nauseous from other zinc forms.

Is zinc bisglycinate easy on the stomach?

Yes, gentleness is its main advantage. The glycine chelation helps it absorb well while reducing the nausea that zinc, especially on an empty stomach, can cause. It is a popular form for sensitive people.

How much zinc bisglycinate should I take?

Doses commonly provide 15 to 30 mg of elemental zinc per day. Keep long-term intake under about 40 mg from all sources unless directed by a doctor, since high zinc can deplete copper. Check the label for elemental zinc.

When should I take zinc bisglycinate?

It can be taken with or without food, though its good tolerability means many take it on an empty stomach. Keep it separate from calcium, iron, and coffee, which reduce zinc absorption.

What is Zinc Bisglycinate used for?

Zinc Bisglycinate is researched primarily for Immune Support and Hair, Skin & Nails. 2024 Hosain et al. systematic review (Nutrients) and Gandia et al. crossover RCT both found zinc bisglycinate ~43% more bioavailable than zinc gluconate.

What is the recommended dosage of Zinc Bisglycinate?

The clinically studied dose is 15–30 mg elemental zinc/day for general supplementation; up to 50 mg for short-term therapeutic uses Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Zinc Bisglycinate safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Zinc Bisglycinate is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated — less GI distress than sulfate or high-dose oxide. Metallic taste at high doses. It may also interact with some medications. Zinc Bisglycinate is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Zinc Bisglycinate interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Tetracycline/quinolone antibiotics — separate by 2 hours. Bisphosphonates — separate by 2 hours. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Zinc Bisglycinate?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Zinc Bisglycinate as Moderate (3 out of 5). It is backed by 2 clinical trials and 1 cited reference summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(1 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Wang MX, Win SS, Pang J. Zinc Supplementation Reduces Common Cold Duration among Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials with Micronutrients Supplementation. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2020;103(1):86-99..PubMedUsed to support: Systematic review of zinc supplementation reducing common cold duration (zinc bisglycinate is a zinc form).