zinc picolinate

Zinc picolinate is a chelated form of the essential mineral zinc, where elemental zinc is bound to picolinic acid to enhance its absorption and bioavailability compared to inorganic salts like zinc oxide or zinc gluconate. It is primarily utilized as a dietary supplement to support immune function, DNA repair, and cellular metabolism. In a clinical context, it is being evaluated in the Phase 2 'Thinking Zinc' study by the University of New Mexico to mitigate the adverse effects of environmental metal toxicity (such as from mine waste) in tribal populations. The rationale for its use is that restoring zinc sufficiency can counteract mechanisms of metal toxicity by inducing the expression of metallothioneins — intracellular proteins that sequester toxic heavy metals — and by supporting the function of zinc-dependent enzymes involved in DNA repair and immune response.

Brand names

Zinmax

Other names

zinc dipicolinatezinc (as zinc picolinate)