Zinc Supplements (Systemic)
Proper Use of This Dietary SupplementDosing - The amount of zinc needed to meet normal daily
recommended intakes will be different for different individuals. The following
information includes only the average amounts of zinc.
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For oral
dosage form (capsules, lozenges,
tablets, extended-release tablets):
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To prevent deficiency, the amount taken by mouth is based on normal
daily recommended intakes (Note that the normal daily recommended intakes
are expressed as an actual amount of zinc. The dosage form [e.g., zinc gluconate,
zinc sulfate] has a different strength):
For the U.S.
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Adult and teenage males - 15 milligrams (mg) per day.
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Adult and teenage females - 12 mg per day.
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Pregnant females - 15 mg per day.
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Breast-feeding females - 16 to 19 mg per day.
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Children 4 to 10 years of age - 10 mg per day.
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Children birth to 3 years of age - 5 to 10 mg per day.
For Canada
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Adult and teenage males - 9 to 12 mg per day.
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Adult and teenage females - 9 mg per day.
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Pregnant females - 15 mg per day.
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Breast-feeding females - 15 mg per day.
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Children 7 to 10 years of age - 7 to 9 mg per day.
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Children 4 to 6 years of age - 5 mg per day.
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Children birth to 3 years of age - 2 to 4 mg per day.
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To treat deficiency:
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Adults, teenagers, and children - Treatment dose is determined
by prescriber for each individual based on severity of deficiency.
Zinc supplements are most effective if they are taken at least 1 hour before
or 2 hours after meals. However, if zinc supplements cause stomach upset,
they may be taken with a meal. You should tell your health care professional
if you are taking your zinc supplement with meals.
Missed dose - If you miss taking zinc supplements for one or
more days there is no cause for concern, since it takes some time for your
body to become seriously low in zinc. However, if your health care professional
has recommended that you take zinc, try to remember to take it as directed
every day.
Storage - To store this dietary supplement:
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Keep out of the reach of children.
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Store away from heat and direct light.
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Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other
damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the dietary supplement to break down.
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Keep the dietary supplement from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
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Do not keep outdated dietary supplements or those no longer needed.
Be sure that any discarded dietary supplement is out of the reach of children.
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