Zinc

What is Zinc?

Essential mineral for testosterone synthesis, immune function, and wound healing.

How Zinc works

Structural component of >300 enzymes and transcription factors. Required for Leydig cell testosterone synthesis (5-alpha reductase), T-lymphocyte function, and insulin signaling. Competes with estrogen at receptor level.

Benefits & uses

• Immune support
• Supports testosterone/hormonal health
• Wound healing
• Skin health

Common uses: Testosterone support, immune function, wound healing, enzyme cofactor, sleep quality.

Zinc dosage

Zinc half-life

Zinc side effects

Nausea on empty stomach. Long-term high doses deplete copper. Take with copper or ZMB.

Warnings & monitoring

• Doses >40 mg/day long-term can cause copper deficiency

Zinc interactions

• with Antibiotics

  Caution · mild

  Zinc chelates certain antibiotics in the GI tract, reducing their absorption and efficacy. Particularly relevant for fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin) and tetracyclines.

  Timing: Separate zinc by 2 hours from fluoroquinolone or tetracycline antibiotics

• with Magnesium

  Compatible

  ZMA (Zinc, Magnesium, B6) is a popular sleep and recovery supplement. Magnesium improves sleep quality and insulin sensitivity; zinc supports testosterone. No adverse interaction.

  Timing: Take together as ZMA before bed; zinc on empty stomach or with light food

• with Testosterone

  Compatible

  Zinc is a cofactor for testosterone production and aromatase modulation. Supplementing on TRT ensures aromatization is not exacerbated by zinc deficiency. Safe and beneficial.

  Timing: Zinc 30mg with evening meal; important for aromatase and hormone synthesis

Commonly stacked with