The Most Bioavailable Form of Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that’s essential for many bodily functions. Per a Harvard Health overview, zinc is responsible for immune system functionality and wound recovery, along with bone growth, hormonal production, and fetal development. But the body doesn’t produce it independently.

This is why bioavailability of zinc is especially important—we need to take in zinc from the foods and supplements we eat, and we should be targeting sources that our body can actually use efficiently.

Below, we’ll establish what bioavailability means and why it matters before walking through the various sources of zinc and how bioavailable they are. We’ll also explain the Krebs Cycle and how it impacts zinc bioavailability, along with how to choose the best zinc sources for your goals.

What is Bioavailability?

Bioavailability is most commonly talked about in scientific contexts, particularly when referring to how drugs are absorbed and used by the body. It refers to how much of a substance actually reaches its intended biological target, such as the specific site of action or the relevant bodily fluid. The same goes for nutritional bioavailability and nutrients reaching the body.

In practice, bioavailability is a reckoning with the imperfect absorption of the substances and nutrients we want our bodies to use. We simply can’t get 100% of what we consume, but we want to get as close as possible to 100% with the best available approaches.

Ultimately, bioavailability matters because it influences the effectiveness and positive health impacts we get from the medicines, foods, and supplements we consume. It’s also a measure of efficiency.

Factors Impacting Bioavailability

Elements like the specific substance being consumed, the form it’s in, how it interacts with the body, and other phenomena all impact bioavailability. 

For example, the body processes liquids differently from solids. Powders and compounds suspended in liquids may also operate differently from tablets meant to be broken down within the body. And all of these forms may deliver nutrients differently than whole foods, which can also differ in bioavailability depending on whether they’re consumed raw or cooked, alone or with other substances.

Then, there are factors outside of the substances themselves.

For instance, researchers have found that individuals’ muscle mass can impact vitamin absorption. Interestingly, this holds true whether the vitamins are in liquid form or administered via capsule or tablet. In the case of vitamin C specifically, higher muscle mass was associated with better absorption. But that does not mean that the same is necessarily true for other vitamins, minerals, and overall nutrients.

Different Sources and Forms of Zinc

Like most minerals and vitamins, zinc comes in many unique forms, depending on the source from which it’s derived and the manner in which it’s delivered. Each has its own use case.

Some of the most common forms of zinc found in zinc supplements are:

• Zinc acetate – Zinc bound to citric acid to help shorten the duration of the common cold

• Zinc bisglycinate – Zinc bound to an amino acid, promoting digestive absorption

• Zinc gluconate – Zinc bound with gluconic acid, commonly found in lozenges

• Zinc picolinate – Zinc bound with picolinic acid, which occurs naturally in the body

• Zinc oxide – Water-insoluble zinc, typically in powder form, often used topically

• Zinc sulfate – Inorganic zinc salt that’s often used in liquid forms of zinc

With respect to supplements, some suppliers isolate a single form or source of zinc, whereas others combine forms for maximum effectiveness. Vibrant Health’s zinc supplement uses:

• Zinc alpha-ketoglutarate – A zinc compound formulated for anti-inflammation and detoxification, along with immune system and metabolic support, including stamina.

• Zinc citrate – Zinc salt made with citric acid, similar to acetate, used to treat colds.

• Zinc fumarate – Zinc compound with fumaric acid known for its high bioavailability.

• Zinc malate – Zinc salt made with malic acid, often used to fortify foods and cosmetics.

• Zinc succinate – Zinc bound to succinic acid, supporting white blood cell functionality.

These specific forms of zinc are all linked to a key biological phenomenon, the citric acid cycle (also known as the “Krebs cycle”), which adds another layer of bioavailability benefits.

Understanding the Krebs Cycle

The Krebs cycle, named for its discoverer, is a series of chemical reactions that powers essential bodily functions, starting with cell respiration. Through processes of reduction and oxidation, de- and rehydration, and decarboxylation, the Krebs cycle produces energy as adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

In practice, this tricarboxylic cycle creates a metabolic pathway for absorption and energy production. Biochemical reactions between different nutrients generate ATP, and that ATP powers essential cell functions that the body depends on for energy and sustenance.

The Krebs cycle is extremely important for bioavailability. Combining zinc with natural compounds used in the Krebs cycle, especially alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG), promotes better overall absorption and maximizes the benefits that zinc can deliver throughout the body.

How to Pick the Most Bioavailable Zinc

Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all zinc supplement that every single individual should take. Instead, people can choose the form of zinc that aligns best with their personal preferences, dietary needs, and lifestyle. For example, zinc acetate and zinc citrate are well-researched forms of zinc that are often used in tablets or capsules, while zinc sulfate is often used in liquid supplements.

Practical considerations like ease of use, dosing schedule, and personal preference are also important. A supplement that fits seamlessly into your routine is often more effective than one you might forget to take due to an inconvenient form.

Because of the citric acid cycle benefits noted above, along with the convenience of a once-per-day capsule, our Krebs Zinc supplement may be a convenient option for individuals looking for a bioavailable form of zinc.

Vibrant Health’s Bioavailable Zinc

Zinc is an essential trace mineral, and when choosing a supplement, bioavailability is a key factor to consider. While many factors influence absorption, one of the most controllable is the specific form of zinc you use. Some of the best options are those that are specifically formulated for better bioavailability by supporting Krebs cycle functionality, like Vibrant Health’s Krebs Zinc supplement.

Vibrant Health has been a pioneer in science-backed nutrition for over 30 years, promoting transparently sourced superfoods and supplements with real results. We’re committed to helping you understand which solutions work best —and why —backed by nutritional expertise.

To learn more about how we can support your health journey, get in touch or explore our collections today.