21st Century Amino Zinc Tablet

21st Century Amino Zinc Tablet is a zinc supplement from the 21st Century brand in which zinc is combined with amino acids, a form commonly described as zinc amino acid chelate. Chelated minerals are bound to amino acids, and this form is often chosen because it tends to be gentle on the stomach. The tablets are taken once daily and the pack contains 60 tablets; the exact amount of elemental zinc per tablet should be checked on the product label.

Zinc is an essential trace mineral that the body cannot store in large amounts, so it needs a regular supply from the diet. It is involved in the activity of many enzymes and contributes to normal immune function, normal protein and DNA synthesis, normal wound healing, and the maintenance of normal skin, hair and nails, as well as normal taste and smell. Good dietary sources include oysters, red meat, poultry, seafood, dairy foods, pumpkin seeds and legumes, although compounds called phytates in whole grains and beans can reduce how much zinc is absorbed.

A zinc supplement may be considered by adults whose diet provides limited zinc, for example people who eat little meat or seafood. The recommended daily intake for adults is about 8 mg for women and 11 mg for men, and the upper intake level for adults is 40 mg per day from all sources combined. Taking more zinc than needed over a long period can reduce copper absorption, so it is important to stay within the recommended serving and to consider zinc already present in a multivitamin.

Swallow one tablet with a glass of water, preferably with or after a meal to reduce the chance of nausea or stomach discomfort.

If you take antibiotics, iron supplements or other medicines that interact with zinc, space them apart from this tablet as advised by your doctor or pharmacist. Take the tablet at around the same time each day.

Adults: 1 tablet daily with a meal, or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not exceed the recommended dose. Check the elemental zinc amount on the label and add any zinc from multivitamins or other supplements, keeping your total intake from all sources at or below 40 mg per day unless a doctor advises otherwise. Not intended for children unless advised by a doctor or pharmacist.

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat and humidity. Keep the bottle tightly closed after each use.
• Keep out of reach of children.

• Common: Nausea or an upset stomach, especially if taken on an empty stomach.
• Common: A metallic taste or mild headache.
• Uncommon: Vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhoea or loss of appetite.
• Serious (long-term excessive intake): Copper deficiency, which may lead to anaemia, low white blood cell counts and nerve problems such as numbness, tingling or difficulty walking.
• Serious (long-term excessive intake): Reduced immune function and lower HDL cholesterol.
• Serious: Allergic reactions such as rash, swelling or difficulty breathing; stop use and seek urgent medical help.

• Known allergy to zinc or to any ingredient in the tablet.
• Not recommended for people with copper deficiency, or for people already taking zinc from other sources at or above the upper intake level, without medical advice.
• Not intended for children unless advised by a doctor or pharmacist.

• Quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin, doxycycline): zinc reduces the absorption of both the antibiotic and zinc; take the antibiotic at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after this tablet.
• Penicillamine: zinc can reduce its absorption; separate the doses by at least 1 hour.
• Thiazide diuretics (e.g. hydrochlorothiazide): increase zinc loss in the urine; ask your doctor whether your zinc needs are affected.
• Iron supplements: taking 25 mg or more of supplemental iron at the same time may reduce zinc absorption; take them at different times.
• Copper: long-term high zinc intake reduces copper absorption; discuss with your doctor if you need long-term supplementation.
• Calcium supplements and high-phytate foods (such as wholegrains, beans and bran): may reduce zinc absorption if taken at the same meal.

• Take the tablet with a meal to keep nausea to a minimum.
• Check whether your multivitamin already contains zinc before adding this tablet.
• Keep at least 2 hours between this tablet and antibiotics such as doxycycline or ciprofloxacin.
• Avoid taking it at the same time as an iron supplement.
• Include zinc-rich foods such as seafood, lean meat, eggs and pumpkin seeds in your diet.
• Speak to a doctor if you plan to take zinc supplements for many months, as copper balance may need to be considered.

Precautions: Do not take more than the recommended dose, and count all sources of zinc, including multivitamins, lozenges and fortified foods, to stay within the adult upper limit of 40 mg per day. Long-term use of high-dose zinc can cause copper deficiency, so people who need zinc for several months should discuss this with a doctor. People with kidney disease should speak to a doctor before use. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor or pharmacist, particularly if they already take a prenatal supplement containing zinc. Not intended for children unless advised by a doctor or pharmacist.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Seek medical advice if you experience persistent nausea, vomiting or stomach pain, unusual tiredness or paleness, frequent infections, or numbness, tingling or weakness in the hands or feet. Speak to a pharmacist before taking this tablet with antibiotics, penicillamine, diuretics or iron supplements.