How does zinc picolinate differ from other forms of zinc in supplements? — Sw zinc picolinate body pref 22mg 60CP

In supplements zinc comes in different chemical forms: oxide, sulfate, gluconate, citrate, picolinate and others. The difference between them lies in which molecule the mineral is bound to and how easily the body absorbs it.

Zinc picolinate is a compound of zinc with picolinic acid, which is a derivative of tryptophan. This form is believed to be well recognised and used by the body: picolinic acid helps the mineral pass through the intestinal wall. That is why picolinate is often chosen by those looking for a form with high bioavailability.

For comparison: zinc oxide is the cheapest and most common form, but is considered less bioavailable. Citrate and gluconate are absorbed better than oxide, though in a number of studies picolinate showed comparable or higher absorption results.

Swanson capsules contain 22 mg of elemental zinc in the picolinate form specifically — without additional minerals or vitamins, which makes the product a convenient single-ingredient preparation for those who want to control the dose of a specific nutrient. According to the label, the composition also includes microcrystalline cellulose and gelatine; it may contain magnesium stearate and/or silicon dioxide.