Zinc Monograph

Scientific name of Zinc:
Zinc oxide

Action of Zinc:
Essential nutrient that supports healthy nervous system function

Zinc is used for these common wellness concerns:
Depressed mood, mild to moderate mood changes, focus, mental sharpness and other cognitive functions, occasional overactive behaviors

Find Zinc in these Clarocet blends:

Clarocet NRI® Immediate Response Capsules™
promote fast-acting relaxation when you need it most.

Clarocet ERT® Extended Release Tablets™
promote positive mood balance all day strong.

Clarocet CS® Controlled Release Tablets™
promote long-lasting energy and mental sharpness.

Clarocet PM® Rapid Release Capsules™
promote a deep, restful night's sleep.

Clarocet Junior® Easy-to-Swallow Tablets™
support Emotional Wellness in kids ages 7 thru 13.

An Overview of Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in almost every cell in the body. Good sources of Zinc include oysters, fish, kelp, egg yolks, mushrooms, whole grains, soybeans, legumes, pumpkin seeds. Zinc supplementation has been shown to provide positive support for:

  • Mild to moderate mood changes or a depressed mood caused by everyday stress
  • Occasional overactive behaviors like nervousness and nervous tension
  • A lack of focus or mental clarity caused by stress

Zinc is a trace element that the body is unable to produce on its own. Therefore, it must be replenished everyday through the diet. Zinc deficiencies may result in fatigue, loss of appetite, high cholesterol, and diarrhea.

Science and Pharmacology of Zinc

Zinc is a trace element that is involved in catalytic, coactive and structural roles in over 300 enzyme processes throughout the body, including DNA replication, protein synthesis and cell division. Zinc promotes healthy immune system function and is also vital to bone health.

Preliminary scientific data suggests that Zinc may provide significant emotional health benefits when it used as a dietary supplement. Although the exact mechanism of action is not yet understood, a cross section of clinical research studies indicates that there is a direct link between low blood-zinc levels and depressed mood. In clinical trials, participants observed improvement in depressed mood in conjunction with oral Zinc administration.

Zinc Safety and Usage

Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs) are the amounts of vitamins and minerals needed to provide for adequate nutrition in most healthy persons. RDAs for a given nutrient may vary depending on a person’s age, sex and physical condition, including considerations like pregnancy.

This chart shows the recommended daily amounts of Zinc for different groups:

Infants and children (Birth to 3  years) 5 – 10mg
4 to 6 years of age 10 mg
7 to 10 years of age 10 mg
 Adolescent and adult males 15 mg
Adolescent and adult females 12 mg
Pregnant females 15 mg
Breastfeeding females 15 mg

What are the potential side effects of Zinc?

Side effects have not been reported as a result of Zinc use.

Is Zinc safe for children?

Zinc is generally well tolerated when used in children. Because each child is unique, Zinc should be administered under the supervision of a professional healthcare provider.

Does Zinc adversely interact with prescription drugs?

Zinc has no known contraindications. If you are taking a prescription medication, it is recommended that you consult with your prescribing doctor before making any changes or additions to your current treatment plan.

What precautions should I take before beginning Zinc?

Consult with your healthcare provider before beginning a wellness plan that includes dietary supplements like Zinc.

Zinc Clinical Studies

1. National Institute of Health (NIH)
Clinical Nutrition Service , Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center
Office of Dietary Supplements
Rev.: December 9, 2002 [Read the Full Text]

2. Lower serum zinc in major depression in relation to changes in serum acute phase proteins.
Maes M, De Vos N, Demedts P, Wauters A, Neels H.
Clinical Research Center for Mental Health (CRC-MH), University Department
J Affect Disord. 1999 Dec;56(2-3):189-94. PMID: 10701476 [Read the Abstract]

3. The Science of SAM-e
Medicor Labs Corporation, A Reference Library for Anxiety and Depression Herbs
April 2004 [Read the Full Text]

4. Vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine in depression: the Rotterdam Study.
Tiemeier H, van Tuijl HR, Hofman A, Meijer J, Kiliaan AJ, Breteler MM.
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Erasmus Medical Centre, The Netherlands.
Am J Psychiatry. 2002 Dec;159(12):2099-101. PMID: 12450964 [Read the Abstract]

5. Zinc in depressive disorder.
McLoughlin IJ, Hodge JS.
Department of Psychiatry, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
Acta Psychiatr Scand. 1990 Dec;82(6):451-3. PMID: 2291414 [Read the Abstract]

6. Effect of zinc supplementation on antidepressant therapy in unipolar depression: a preliminary placebo-controlled study.
Nowak G, Siwek M, Dudek D, Zieba A, Pilc A.
Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences
Pol J Pharmacol. 2003 Nov-Dec;55(6):1143-7. PMID: 14730113 [Read the Abstract]

7. Mechanisms contributing to antidepressant zinc action.
G. NOWAK,B. SZEWCZYK.
Pol. J. Pharmacol., 2002, 54, 587–592. [Read the Full Text]

8. Antidepressant-like effects of acute and chronic treatment with zinc in forced swim test and olfactory bulbectomy model in rats.
Nowak G, Szewczyk B, Wieronska JM, Branski P, Palucha A, Pilc A, Sadlik K, Piekoszewski W.
Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences,
Brain Res Bull. 2003 Jul 15;61(2):159-64. PMID: 12832002 [Read the Abstract]

9. Rise in zinc affinity for the NMDA receptor evoked by chronic imipramine is species-specific.
Szewczyk B, Kata R, Nowak G.
Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow.
Pol J Pharmacol. 2001 Nov-Dec;53(6):641-5. PMID: 11985339 [Read the Abstract]

10. Relationships between serum free fatty acids and zinc, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a research note.
Bekaroglu M, Aslan Y, Gedik Y, Deger O, Mocan H, Erduran E, Karahan C.
Department of Psychiatry, Technical University, Faculty of Medicine, Trabzon, Turkey.
J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 1996 Feb;37(2):225-7. PMID: 8682903 [Read the Abstract]

11. Zinc sulfate as an adjunct to methylphenidate for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children: a double blind and randomized trial
Akhondzadeh S, Mohammadi MR, Khademi M.
Pychiatric Research Centre, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences
BMC Psychiatry. 2004 Apr 8;4(1):9. PMID: 15070418 [Read the Abstract]

12. Zinc Supplements
National Library of Medicine, Micromedex, Pharmacopeia Drug Information, Volume II
Medline Plus; Rev.:September 8, 2000 [Read the Full Text ]

Related online research destinations

Last Updated: February 2012 [PHMF-02-0]