Description

Zinc Picolinate Powder

Zinc Picolinate is a coordination complex in which one zinc(II) ion (Zn²⁺) is chelated by two molecules of picolinic acid (pyridine-2-carboxylic acid). The resulting structure - a six‑membered ring incorporating the zinc ion, the pyridine nitrogen, and one carboxylate oxygen from each picolinate ligand - confers high stability and distinct physicochemical properties relative to simple zinc salts.

Chemical Context: Why Picolinate? Picolinic acid is a naturally occurring metabolite of the amino acid tryptophan, synthesized in the liver and kidneys. It functions in vivo as a metal‑binding ligand, participating in the intestinal absorption of certain divalent cations, including zinc. The rationale for using zinc picolinate as a supplement is based on the hypothesis that the pre‑formed chelate may utilize picolinate's endogenous transport mechanisms, potentially enhancing zinc bioavailability compared to non‑chelated inorganic salts.

Structural Chemistry: Each picolinate ligand coordinates zinc via the pyridine nitrogen and one oxygen atom of the carboxylate group. The resulting five‑membered chelate ring is thermodynamically stable and resists dissociation across a wide pH range (approximately 2–8). This stability is thought to protect zinc from binding to dietary antagonists in the gastrointestinal lumen.

Comparison with Other Zinc Forms

Property	Zinc Picolinate	Zinc Bisglycinate	Zinc Gluconate	Zinc Sulphate
Elemental Zn content	~21%	~21–22%	~14%	~36%
Solubility in water	Low (sparingly soluble)	Moderate	High	High
Chelation type	Synthetic aromatic chelate	Amino acid chelate	Salt (non‑chelated)	Salt (inorganic)
Cost	High	Moderate–High	Low–Moderate	Low

Specification: 98.0% – 102.0% (on dried basis)
Sample: Sample Available
Test method: HPLC / ICP-MS / Titration / USP method
Synonyms: Zinc dipicolinate, Zinc(II) picolinate, Picolinic acid zinc salt, ZnPic₂
MOQ: 1 KG | Package: 1kg/foil bag, 25kgs/drum
Certificate: HACCP, ISO 22000, HALAL, GMP, Kosher (available upon request)
Molecular Formula: Zn(C₆H₄NO₂)₂ | CAS: 17949-65-4

Product Characteristics

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Appearance

Fine, free-flowing white to off-white crystalline powder; odorless.

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Elemental Zinc Content

20.5% – 21.5% (theoretical ~21.1%). High zinc density.

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Solubility

Low in water (0.5–1.0 g/L), but readily soluble in gastric acid.

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Chelate Stability

Thermodynamically stable across pH 2–8; resists dietary antagonists.

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Particle Size

>95% pass 80 mesh (standard); micronized available.

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GMP Manufacturing

Produced in certified facilities with controlled chelation.

COA (Certificate of Analysis)

Benefits of Zinc Picolinate Powder

01Essential Zinc Supplementation

Zinc is required for immune function, enzymatic catalysis (over 300 zinc-dependent enzymes), DNA and protein synthesis, wound healing, and normal growth and development.

02Theoretical Bioavailability Advantage

The chelate structure resists binding to dietary antagonists (phytates, oxalates, fiber) that form insoluble complexes with free zinc ions, potentially enhancing absorption.

03Reduced Gastric Irritation

Zinc picolinate is generally better tolerated than inorganic zinc salts (sulphate, chloride), with less nausea when taken on an empty stomach.

04Less Interference from Phytates

In plant‑based diets high in phytic acid, chelated zinc may maintain higher absorption than non‑chelated salts.

05Minimal Taste in Solid Dosage Forms

Low solubility means minimal taste release in capsules and tablets - no metallic aftertaste.

06Antioxidant Defense

Zinc is a cofactor for copper‑zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), one of the body's primary antioxidant enzymes.

Application Fields

Dietary Supplements: Capsules (15 mg, 22 mg, 30 mg elemental zinc), tablets, chewable tablets, powder blends.
Multivitamin / Multimineral Blends: Compatible with most vitamins and minerals; careful with copper, calcium, iron competition.
Clinical Nutrition: Medical foods for zinc deficiency (acrodermatitis enteropathica, malabsorption syndromes).
Sports Nutrition: Recovery formulas, immune support blends for athletes.
OEM Finished Products: Capsules, tablets, chews, liquid suspensions, RTD drinks, bars - full custom manufacturing available.

Production Process

Production process of Zinc Picolinate

Product Quality Advantage

≥98% Purity – High-quality chelated zinc.

21% Elemental Zinc – Efficient zinc density.

Low Heavy Metals – Pb <0.3 ppm, As <0.5 ppm, Cd <0.2 ppm.

Low Free Picolinic Acid – ≤0.5% typical.

Excellent Dry Stability – 24 months shelf life.

cGMP Certified – Full traceability and documentation.

Annual Capacity: 1,500 Tons | 15+ years of chelated mineral manufacturing

Professional ODM/OEM Services

We provide full OEM/ODM manufacturing for finished products using zinc picolinate as the active ingredient.

① Finished Dosage Forms
Capsules: Sizes 0–00; 15 mg, 22 mg, 30 mg elemental zinc; vegetarian/gelatin; bottle or blister.
Tablets: Direct compression or wet granulation; round/oval; debossing; coated/uncoated.
Chews: Soft‑chew or gummy; fruit flavors; sugar‑free options.
Liquid Zinc Picolinate: Suspension format; single‑serve shots or multi‑dose bottles.
RTD Drinks: Pre‑mixed beverages; requires suspension stabilizers; flavored (fruit punch, berry, citrus).
Bars: Protein bars, snack bars; zinc picolinate blended into dough.

② Additional Services
Flavor development, sweetener selection, third‑party certification (NSF, Informed Sport, Kosher, HALAL), stability studies, regulatory documentation.

Export Certificates

Certificates HACCP ISO HALAL GMP Kosher

Why choose us

XI'AN LANDNUTRA CO., LTD. – Your Trusted Manufacturer of Antioxidant & Functional Ingredients. Rooted in Quality, Driven by Expertise, Committed to Health and Excellence.

Strong Production Capability: Annual capacity 1,500 tons. 15+ years experience, own facility.
Leading Service: ONE-STOP OEM/ODM from pre-sales to after-sales.
Quality Assurance: CQC-certified enterprise, purity embedded in every process.
Broad Market: Botanical Extracts, Cosmetic Ingredients, Functional Ingredients.

15+ years of chelated mineral manufacturing. cGMP‑certified facilities. Full in‑house OEM/ODM capabilities for capsules, tablets, chews, liquids, RTD drinks, and bars. Regulatory documentation support for over 50 countries. Batch‑specific COA including zinc assay, heavy metals, and free picolinic acid. Technical support for formulation, especially regarding mineral‑mineral interactions.

FAQ

Q1: Is zinc picolinate better absorbed than other forms of zinc?

A: The evidence is mixed. Some studies show modestly higher absorption compared to zinc gluconate or zinc citrate, especially when taken with meals. Other studies show no significant difference when taken between meals. Zinc picolinate is well absorbed, but its advantage over other soluble, chelated forms may be small. It is, however, generally better tolerated (less nausea) than zinc sulphate or zinc chloride.

Q2: Why does zinc picolinate have lower solubility in water?

A: The chelate structure is designed to be stable in neutral to slightly alkaline environments but dissociates in acidic conditions (stomach). Low water solubility does not indicate poor bioavailability; the compound dissolves readily in gastric acid (0.1 M HCl).

Q3: Can zinc picolinate be taken with other minerals (calcium, iron, copper)?

A: Yes, but competition for absorption occurs. Best practices: take zinc separately from high‑dose calcium and iron. If combining, use chelated forms which are less affected by competition. Our formulation support can help optimize multi‑mineral blends.

Q4: What is the recommended daily dose of zinc picolinate?

A: For general supplementation: 10–30 mg elemental zinc per day. Convert to zinc picolinate powder: divide by 0.21 (21% Zn). Example: 15 mg Zn = ~71 mg zinc picolinate. Upper tolerable limit (adults): 40 mg/day elemental zinc.

Q5: Does zinc picolinate cause nausea like zinc sulphate?

A: Zinc picolinate is generally better tolerated and less likely to cause nausea, especially when taken on an empty stomach. Very high doses or individual sensitivity can still cause distress. Taking with food reduces risk.

Q6: Is zinc picolinate suitable for vegans?

A: Yes. Zinc picolinate is synthesized from picolinic acid and a zinc source. No animal products are involved. (Check HALAL status for specific batches if required.)

Q7: Does zinc picolinate interfere with antibiotics?

A: Zinc can reduce absorption of tetracyclines and quinolones. Separate doses by at least 2–3 hours. Consult a healthcare provider if taking prescription medications.

Q8: What is the shelf life of zinc picolinate powder?

A: 24 months in original sealed container under cool, dry conditions (≤25°C, ≤60% RH). Once opened, use within 12 months. The chelate is very stable under proper storage.

Q9: Can zinc picolinate be used in clear liquid supplements?

A: No. Zinc picolinate has low water solubility and forms a suspension, not a clear solution. For clear liquid requirements, use zinc gluconate, zinc sulphate, or zinc bisglycinate.

Q10: Is zinc picolinate more expensive than other zinc forms?

A: Yes. The additional synthesis and purification steps make zinc picolinate one of the more expensive zinc forms, along with zinc bisglycinate. The premium price reflects the chelation technology and theoretical bioavailability advantages.

Q11: Why choose zinc picolinate over zinc bisglycinate?

A: Both are chelated, well‑absorbed forms. Zinc picolinate has a longer history in the supplement market; zinc bisglycinate is more water‑soluble with a neutral taste. Choice depends on brand positioning, cost, and specific formulation requirements.

Q12: Does zinc picolinate cause copper deficiency?

A: Excessive zinc intake (>40–50 mg/day for extended periods) can induce copper deficiency. This is a risk with any zinc supplement, not specific to picolinate. At recommended doses (10–30 mg/day), copper deficiency is unlikely.

Test Item	Specification (High-Purity Grade)	Test Result	Conclusion
Appearance	White to off-white crystalline powder	Conforms	Pass
Assay (as Zn(C₆H₄NO₂)₂, dried basis)	98.0% – 102.0%	99.4%	Pass
Zinc Content (as Zn)	20.5% – 21.5%	21.0%	Pass
Picolinic Acid Content	77.0% – 80.0%	78.5%	Pass
Water Content (KF)	≤2.0%	0.8%	Pass
pH (1% suspension)	5.5 – 7.0	6.3	Pass
Lead (Pb)	≤1.0 ppm	<0.3 ppm	Pass
Arsenic (As)	≤1.0 ppm	<0.5 ppm	Pass
Cadmium (Cd)	≤1.0 ppm	<0.2 ppm	Pass
Free Picolinic Acid	≤1.0%	0.4%	Pass
Total Plate Count	≤1,000 cfu/g	<100 cfu/g	Pass
E. Coli / Salmonella	Negative	Negative	Pass

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