P1

Zinc is an essential nutrient found in meat, dairy, and nuts. It has been used to help the body fight illness, improve digestion, and promote healing in wounds and skin infections. It is also used to treat zinc deficiency.

Zinc can be taken as a pill, liquid, syrup, or lozenge. Zinc can also be applied to the skin and has been used to prevent sunburns and improve acne. It can be applied as a cream, ointment, or salve.

Dosages

40 milligrams daily

P5

Likely effective

  • Growth outcomes in children—likely to improve growth outcomes in young children L1
  • Hemodialysis—likely to benefit the nutritional status of people having hemodialysis M1
  • Newborn jaundice—likely to reduce the duration of phototherapy Q1
  • Pneumonia—likely to prevent in young children and to improve outcome when used with standard treatment R1-R3

May be effective

  • Common cold—may shorten time of sickness G1-G3
  • Diarrhea in children—may ease symptoms I1-I3

May not be effective

  • Beta thalassemia—may not provide benefit C1
  • Dysmenorrhea—may not provide benefit J1
  • Pressure ulcers—may not prevent or treat T1

Unlikely to be effective

  • Birthweight—unlikely to have an effect D1
  • Cognitive function in children—unlikely to provide benefit F1
  • Leg ulcers—unlikely to promote healing N1
  • Mental and motor development in children—unlikely to provide benefit P1
  • Tinnitus—unlikely to improve symptoms W1

Not enough data to assess

  • Age-related macular degenerationA1
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorderB1
  • BirthweightD1
  • BurnsE1
  • Diabetic kidney diseaseH1
  • Ear infectionK1
  • Measles O1
  • Pregnancy outcomesS1
  • Sickle cell diseaseU1
  • Taste disturbancesV1

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

P6

It is likely safe to use zinc products on the skin and to take zinc orally in small doses for a short time, but nausea is possible when used as a lozenge. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take large doses of zinc.

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.