Zinc Gummies: Zinc Bisglycinate with Copper, Iodine and Chromium

GUUDIES zinc gummies are part of a daily pouch of six. The zinc sits in the Daily Greens+ gummy as zinc bisglycinate, alongside copper, iodine and chromium. Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system and to the maintenance of normal hair, nails and skin.

What zinc does

Zinc is a trace mineral the body cannot store in large amounts, so it needs a regular supply from food. In Great Britain, zinc has authorised health claims including that it contributes to:

• the normal function of the immune system
• the maintenance of normal hair, nails and skin
• normal cognitive function
• the protection of cells from oxidative stress

The other three minerals have their own authorised claims: copper contributes to the normal function of the immune system and to normal hair pigmentation, iodine contributes to normal cognitive function and the normal production of thyroid hormones, and chromium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels.

How much zinc do you need?

The NHS says adults need about 9.5mg of zinc a day (men) and 7mg a day (women), and that most people get enough from a varied diet. It also advises not taking more than 25mg of zinc supplements a day unless a doctor recommends it, because high doses over time can lower copper levels (NHS). GUUDIES provides 2.75mg per day: a top-up to food, not a high-dose zinc supplement.

Who might want zinc gummies?

• People on plant-based diets: zinc from pulses and wholegrains is absorbed less well than zinc from meat and shellfish.
• People eating less than usual, for example on a calorie-reduced diet.
• People who prefer a gummy to a tablet and want zinc as part of a wider multivitamin rather than on its own.

Why zinc bisglycinate?

A mineral has to be bound to something to be stable in a supplement, and what it is bound to affects how readily the body can absorb it. Zinc oxide is cheap and common. Zinc bisglycinate, where the zinc is bound to the amino acid glycine, costs more and is generally better absorbed. We use bisglycinate. The same logic applies to copper as gluconate and chromium as picolinate.

Zinc and copper travel together

Zinc and copper compete for absorption. Taking a large amount of zinc on its own over a long period can lower copper levels, which is why sensible formulations include both rather than zinc alone. That is the reason copper is here at all.

Iodine and the UK diet

Dairy is the main source of iodine in the UK diet, which makes iodine one to be aware of if you have moved away from dairy, since plant milks are not always fortified. There is also iodine in the Sea Moss gummy, since seaweed is a natural source. If you take a separate kelp supplement or have a thyroid condition, speak to your GP about your total intake.

Food sources

Zinc is in meat, shellfish, cheese, seeds, pulses and wholegrains. Copper is in nuts, shellfish and offal. Iodine is in dairy, fish and seaweed. Chromium is in wholegrains, broccoli and meat.

How to take it

One pouch a day, with or after food. The Daily Greens+ gummy is vegan and pectin based, with about 0.4g of sugar. Five of the six GUUDIES gummies are vegan; Marine Collagen contains fish. Do not exceed the stated dose, and add up your totals if you take another zinc supplement.

Common questions

How much zinc is in GUUDIES zinc gummies?

2.75mg of zinc as bisglycinate per daily serving, in the Daily Greens+ gummy.

Are zinc gummies as good as zinc tablets?

The zinc is absorbed the same way whatever the format. Tablets can hold higher doses; a gummy suits a daily top-up as part of a multivitamin.

Why zinc bisglycinate rather than zinc oxide?

Bisglycinate binds the zinc to the amino acid glycine and is generally better absorbed than oxide, the cheaper option used in many multivitamins.

Why include copper alongside zinc?

Zinc and copper compete for absorption, and taking zinc alone over a long period can lower copper. Including both avoids that.

Can I take zinc gummies every day?

Yes, at the stated dose. The NHS advises not taking more than 25mg of zinc supplements a day unless a doctor recommends it.

Should I take this if I have a thyroid condition?

Speak to your GP first. Iodine intake is worth discussing with a clinician if you have a thyroid condition or take a kelp supplement.

Related reading

• Do gummy vitamins work?
• Vegan multivitamin UK: what to look for
• What makes a high quality gummy supplement