Supplementary benefits

Colleen Zammer of Jungbunzlauer explains what makes Zinc Citrate such a versatile mineral.

Among the most recent additions to Jungbunzlauer’s portfolio is Zinc Citrate, an organic salt of the versatile mineral zinc. Zinc has been used for centuries for a variety of purposes, from tools and weapons to artwork. However, it wasn’t until 1869 when it was discovered as a nutritional requirement for the growth of aspergillus niger that a link was made to human health. Even with this knowledge, it was still the twentieth century before specific links were made to the function of zinc as an enzyme co-factor and that the research community was able to fully appreciate the functionality of zinc with regard to human health. Today it is known to be involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions that keep us functioning properly and in good health.

Because of its involvement in so many metabolic pathways, the mechanisms for zinc benefits vary widely. However, the key benefit areas include: normal growth and development, cognitive function, eyesight, hair & skin health as well as wound healing, bone & joint health, immune system support and protection from cellular oxidation.

Supplementation with zinc

Zinc is considered a 'trace mineral', with a very low recommended dietary intake of 10 mg/day in Europe and 15 mg/day in the US. However, even that low amount can be difficult to consume through diet, and there are many competing factors that make it difficult to maintain the 2-4 grams that the body should contain for optimal health.

In the diet, zinc is mainly found in sea and animal products. Oysters are by far the largest source of zinc with approximately 25 mg/100 grams. Red meat is significantly lower, with only 5 mg/100 grams, and it drops dramatically from there, with grains and fruits containing less than 1 mg/100 grams of food. 

There are also competing factors for the absorption of zinc, resulting in an uptake of only 20-40 percent of what is consumed. The main competition for zinc absorption is other minerals, such as iron and copper. If one consumes a meal in which iron, copper and zinc are combined, the iron and copper will win the race for absorption. In addition, phytates which are prevalent in fibre-containing grain products, will also reduce the absorption of zinc from a meal. The global emphasis on increasing fibre content in meals makes this bad news for dietary zinc, but good news for zinc supplementation.

Zinc has been recognised for its health and marketing benefits for years, and clearly consumers are responding. In the US alone, supplement sales for Zinc accounted for $72 million in 2007, according to Nutrition Business Journal. When you include other categories such as food, beverage, pet food and personal care, the picture becomes much clearer that the market for zinc supplementation is alive, well, and profitable.

The preferred form of Zinc

There are many sources of zinc one can choose from when formulating a food, beverage or supplement product, and which you choose depends on the following criteria: taste, solubility & bioavailability, and cost. Frequently inorganic forms of zinc such as zinc oxide are used because they contain very high levels of zinc at a very low cost. However, this form may not deliver on all formulation requirements as it has a bitter flavour and sandy mouthfeel, and is virtually insoluble, which means very little will actually be absorbed. 

With all of the competing factors listed above, it is best to use a zinc source that has the highest chance of absorption possible, and zinc citrate is significantly more soluble and therefore more bioavailable than the traditional inorganic zinc forms. Because citrates are the most common form of minerals found in fruits and vegetables, they are recognised and tolerated by the body. Zinc citrate has a neutral flavour, which is important when formulating functional foods and beverages where taste is a key success factor. Lastly, at 31 percent zinc, Zinc citrate is more economical than many other organic zinc salts.

Zinc Citrate is one of the organic mineral salts in the 'Healthy Choices' portfolio of the Jungbunzlauer Group, which additionally consists of highly bioavailable salts of calcium, magnesium and potassium as well as sub4salt (a patent-pending salt replacer), and the zero calorie bulk sweetener Erythritol. The production sites of these ingredients are dedicated ISO 9001 facilities in Ladenburg (Germany), Pernhofen (Austria) as well as Marckolsheim (France).

Colleen Zammer is Market Development Manager for Health & Nutrition at Jungbunzlauer, representing the HealthyChoices portfolio of ingredients. She has a 20 years' experience in the food, beverage and nutraceutical industries including product development, sales and marketing. Her specialty is linking consumer trends with food technology for the optimal positioning of healthy ingredients.