Trace MineralsModerate

Zinc

Zinc is a moderate-risk supplementwith an RDA of 11 mg and a safe upper limit (UL) of 40 mg per day according to FDA standards. CNS lists a RDA of 12.5 mg with the same UL; MHLW lists a RDA of 10 mg with the same UL. It has 3 known interactions with other supplements including copper, calcium, iron. Use NutriAudit to check if your supplement stack keeps this ingredient within safe limits.

Quick take

Zinc sits in the Trace Minerals category. This page consolidates 5 regional standards, and the limits vary enough that you should not treat one region's rule as universal.

It also has 3 known interactions, so the question is not just the label dose but whether the rest of your stack adds extra risk.

Overdose Risk Warning

High zinc long-term can impair copper absorption and immune function.

Safe Limits by Region

RegionOrganizationRDAUpper Limit (UL)Unit
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United StatesFDA1140mg
πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί EuropeEFSA1140mg
πŸ‡¦πŸ‡Ί AustraliaTGA1140mg
πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ ChinaCNS12.540mg
πŸ‡―πŸ‡΅ JapanMHLW1040mg

RDA = Recommended Daily Allowance (adequate intake for most adults). UL = Tolerable Upper Intake Level (maximum safe daily amount).

Known Interactions

Zinc + CopperModerate

High zinc intake can reduce copper absorption.

Maintain a 10:1 zinc to copper ratio.

Zinc + CalciumModerate

High doses of calcium may reduce zinc absorption.

Consider taking at different times.

Zinc + IronHigh Risk

Iron and zinc compete for absorption.

Take separately for better absorption.

How to use this page

First match your product label against the dose table above, then check whether the known interaction list includes anything in your current stack.

If you are taking multiple supplements, the safest approach is usually to audit the whole stack instead of judging a single bottle in isolation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much Zinc is too much?

The safe upper limit (UL) for Zinc is 40mg per day according to FDA. Exceeding this amount regularly may increase the risk of adverse effects.

What is the recommended daily dose of Zinc?

The RDA for Zinc is 11mg per day for most adults. This amount is sufficient to meet the needs of 97-98% of healthy individuals.

Does Zinc interact with other supplements?

Yes, Zinc has 3 known interactions with other supplements. High zinc intake can reduce copper absorption.

Are you taking Zinc?

Check if your supplement stack keeps Zinc within safe limits.

Audit My Supplements

Disclaimer: NutriAudit is a decision-support tool designed to help you review your supplement stack for potential duplicate, conflicting, or excessive ingredients. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your supplement routine, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.

Based on reference standards from FDA, EFSA, TGA, and MHLW.

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