Dietary supplements as additional sources of zinc in the human organism

Abstract

Zinc is an important oligoelement of the body. It is a component of all biological systems and it is required for the proper function of many enzymes. Important physiological role in combination with the relatively frequent insufficient supply means that this element is often recommended for additional supplementation. The aim of the study was to assess the zinc concentration in the popular dietary supplements available in Poland. Zinc content in supplements was determined and compared with the declared characteristics on the package. Zn concentration was detected in samples of 42 different multinutrient dietary supplements by the flame atomic absorption spectrometry method. Declared zinc varied from 0.5 to 15.6 mg per tablet. The obtained results showed that the determined concentration of zinc is not always compatible with its content indicated by manufacturer. In general, zinc content for all tested products was lower than declared. Both excess and deficiencies in the concentration of metals can lead to adverse health effects. For ensuring a good quality, the supplements need regulation of their composition. Considering the results of our research and the fact that both excess and deficiencies of zinc may lead to adverse health disorders, the composition of dietary supplements should be carefully controlled.