Zinc picolinate

Description

Zinc picolinate is an organic zinc supplement wherein zinc atom is attached to a picolinic acid molecule. Studies have also suggested that zinc supplements may reduce the incidence of respiratory infections in children. A number of zinc supplements are available, including zinc acetate, zinc gluconate, zinc picolinate, and zinc sulfate. Zinc picolinate is a highly available form of zinc supplement, easily dissolved to release the elemental zinc for use in the body. Surprisingly, although Zinc picolinate is widely used as a supplement with greater bioavailability claims, there are very few scientific studies to back this claim.

Chemical properties

White powder. slightly soluble in water.

The Uses of Zinc picolinate

Zinc Picolinate has pharmacological activity as it reduced tumor growth, tumor diameter in oviduct of Coturnix japonica. zinc picolinate is also a valuable source of absorbable zinc for use as a therapeutical agent against acne vulgaris, stasis ulcers and acrodermatis enteropathica.

Preparation

synthesis of zinc picolinate: Thirty grams of ZnSO4.7H2O was dissolved in 200 ml. deionized water at room temperature. Thereafter, 20 g. picolinic acid (Sigma Chemical, St. Louis, MO) was added to the solution and the solution was stirred continuously. Within 3-5 minutes a precipitate began to form. After 30 minutes the stirring was discontinued and the mixture was left standing at room temperature until the precipitate had settled to the bottom. The supernatant was removed by aspiration and the precipitate was suspended in enough deionized water to yield 200 ml. This suspension was then heated in a beaker with continuous stirring until the precipitate had completely dissolved after which the beaker was placed in an ice bath and stored overnight in a cold room (4°). The following morning the supernatant was aspirated from the crystals and the crystals were freeze dried. Assay of the crystals proved that the complex contained 2 moles of picolinic acid and 1 mole of zinc [zinc dipicolinate, Zn(PA)2 ].

Benefits

Zinc Picolinate is a dietary zinc supplement containing the zinc salt of picolinic acid, that can be used to prevent or treat zinc deficiency, and with immunomodulatory activity. Zinc picolinate appears to have the greatest efficacy in reversing the zinc deficiency of AE and is also absorbed to a higher degree in normal subjects than other zinc supplements.Upon administration, zinc picolinate supplements zinc. As an essential trace element, zinc is of key importance in many biological processes. It plays an important role in the proper functioning of the both the innate and adaptive immune system. Zinc inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and prevents inflammation. It acts as an antioxidant, prevents oxidative damage and protects cells against DNA damage. Zinc is required for the enzyme activities necessary for cell division, cell growth, and wound healing.