Do you find it difficult to know which supplement to choose?
Today we will compare three different supplements with liquid zinc. Which is the best value and how does the taste differ in the various products?
What is zinc?
Zinc is a metallic element and an essential mineral found in every cell in the body. It is part of hundreds of enzymes in the body that affect the formation of the body's materials such as bones, teeth, cartilage, connective tissue, skin, hair, and nails. But zinc is also found in high concentrations in the eyes, brain, adrenal glands, reproductive organs, thyroid, liver, and kidneys.
Zinc is important for digestion, vision, hearing, and taste and is also needed for sperm production, immune defense, and wound healing. Zinc is essential for cell division, cell growth, cell repair, and is needed for insulin release.
In recent years, it has been established that zinc also has a restorative function in connection with colds.
We excrete extra zinc during infections, stress, and intense workouts. Since zinc is not stored in the body, we depend on an adequate daily intake.
Symptoms of zinc deficiency
Zinc affects the entire body. Depression, reduced concentration, low sperm count, low testosterone levels, and delayed wound healing are other signs of zinc deficiency. Common skin changes caused by zinc deficiency include acne, eczema, skin cracks, boils, rosacea, and psoriasis.
If the body does not have enough zinc, you may notice it through:
- Weakened sense of smell and taste
- Delayed wound healing and skin problems
- Hair loss and brittle nails
- Impaired night vision
- Exhaustion
- Depression
- Increased susceptibility to infection and diarrhea
- Significant weight loss and muscle cramps
If you are curious about what zinc is and how it works in the body, you can read more at Morotsliv.
Zinc forms
Zinc supplements are available in all imaginable forms. Tablets, powders, capsules, lozenges, liquid form, and ointments.
Zinc supplements come in forms such as zinc histidine, zinc picolinate, zinc bisglycinate, zinc gluconate, and finally zinc sulfate, which should be taken on an empty stomach and are among the most common forms in supplements.
The recommended dose should not be exceeded. Supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet.
Liquid zinc or zinc pills
By choosing liquid zinc as a supplement, you avoid tablets and capsules.
Tablets require some form of binder to hold them together so they don’t crumble.
Capsules often consist of cellulose or gelatin, which is unnecessary and can cause varying sensitivities. Additionally, both tablets and capsules can be difficult to swallow.
With liquid zinc you avoid those worries.
Liquid zinc taste test
A taste test with zinc sulfate heptahydrate is a good way to evaluate zinc status, since taste buds are controlled by zinc-dependent enzymes. The taste experience is assessed after holding 1/2 tablespoon of zinc sulfate diluted with a sip of water in the mouth for 10–15 seconds.
- Strong, unpleasant taste immediately after intake means the person has good zinc levels and zinc stores.
- Moderate metallic taste indicates a moderate zinc deficiency.
- A somewhat sweet or astringent taste indicates fairly long-lasting or serious zinc deficiency.
- If it tastes like water, it indicates severe and long-lasting zinc deficiency.
Test of three different liquid zinc products
I have familiarized myself with three different liquid zinc products available in Glimja's range. They are Alpha Plus, Mary Ruth’s, and Vimergy's zinc sulfate.
Alpha Plus Zinc Sulfate
Liquid Zinc from Alpha Plus is a liquid zinc supplement made from zinc sulfate and a good budget option.
Adult dosage: 5 ml provides 15 mg zinc daily. Should be diluted with about 1/2 dl water.
Contents per daily dose: 15 mg zinc.
Ingredients: Water, zinc sulfate.
Contents per bottle: 250 ml, 50 servings.
Manufacturer: Alpha Plus, Sweden.
Price: 199 SEK
Mary Ruth's Ionic Zinc
Mary Ruth's Ionic Zinc is a liquid zinc supplement in the form of zinc sulfate.
Adult dosage: 3 ml (6 pumps of the dropper) per day with food – should be diluted with about 1/2 dl water. This provides 11.25 mg zinc daily.
Dosage for children & young adults:
Young adults (11-17): 3 ml per day.
Children (4-10 years): 3 ml per day.
Children (2-3 years): 0.8 ml (1 pump) providing 3 mg zinc per day.
Contents per daily dose (3 ml): 11.25 mg zinc (as zinc sulfate).
Ingredients: Zinc sulfate, organic glycerin (from mustard seed), and purified water.
Contents per bottle: 120 ml, approx. 40 servings.
Manufacturer: Mary Ruth's, USA.
Price: 269 SEK
Vimergy Zinc
Vimergy's Zinc is a liquid dietary supplement of zinc sulfate.
Dosage adults: 2 droppers = 2 ml. This dose can be taken 1-2 times per day.
Contents per daily dose: 2 droppers twice a day provide 15 mg zinc.
Ingredients: Zinc sulfate, organic vegetable glycerin (from flaxseed base), purified water, organic apple juice.
Contents per bottle: 100 ml, 25-50 daily doses.
Manufacturer: Vimergy, USA.
Price: 389 SEK
Evaluation
What these three have in common is that they contain zinc sulfate, which is the form best absorbed on an empty stomach with a little water. They are also free from citric acid, alcohol, corn, and harmful ingredients.
The taste
If you want to test your zinc status, Alpha Plus zinc sulfate is a good option for doing the taste test, as it contains nothing but zinc sulfate and water. The taste therefore depends on your own zinc status.
Mary Ruth’s contains glycerin, which gives a sweeter taste and is therefore suitable if you are sensitive to flavor.
Vimergy has the best taste thanks to the apple juice and is therefore probably the most appealing flavor-wise for many.
The price
Alpha Plus zinc sulfate has the lowest price at 199 SEK. An excellent budget alternative to Vimergy's zinc sulfate.
Mary Ruth’s zinc sulfate is priced at 269 SEK, in between the other two in price range. Vimergy offers a premium option at 389 SEK with the best taste.
My favorite & advice
My winner is Liquid Zinc from the Swedish brand Alpha Plus.
The reason is that if needed, I can test my zinc status with the taste test since the product has no other flavors than zinc. This allows me to lower my dosage if I notice the need is lower and increase it again when the situation changes.
Since the product comes in a larger bottle and is made in Sweden, it also has less environmental impact and less waste.
But if the most important thing for you is to get your zinc and if you are sensitive to flavors, then Mary Ruth's zinc sulfate can be a good option. Slightly cheaper than Vimergy and better taste than Alpha Plus.
Or Vimergy's zinc sulfate which definitely has the best taste.
