Zinc — from dried oyster meat and liquid trace minerals
Zinc is a trace mineral the body uses for immune function, wound healing, skin, hair, and hormone synthesis. At Naturshopen, our zinc comes from wholefood sources — Marine Healthfoods OysterMax and Smidge Oysterzinc made from dried Irish oyster meat, as well as liquid Aussie Trace Minerals.
What is zinc?
An essential trace mineral required for over 300 enzymes. Oysters are the world's richest source — a large oyster can provide up to 30 mg of zinc. Liver, meat, seeds, and legumes are other sources.
How much per day?
EFSA recommends 7.5–12.7 mg/day depending on the phytate content in the diet. The upper limit for supplements is 25 mg according to the Swedish Food Agency. High doses of zinc over a longer period can deplete copper stores.
Oyster or zinc gluconate?
Dried oyster delivers zinc along with copper, B12, taurine, iodine, and DHA — in the same proportions the body is evolutionarily accustomed to. Zinc gluconate or bisglycinate provides a higher dose per capsule but without the cofactors.
How we select zinc
Wholefood sources with natural copper balance, traceable origin (Irish or other clean waters), gentle drying, and clean additive lists.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to balance with copper?
Yes, with long-term supplementation. Oyster meat already contains copper in the correct ratio; with isolated high-dose zinc, you need to supplement.
Zinc for colds?
Studies show that zinc (lozenges) taken within 24 hours of symptom onset can shorten the duration of a cold.
When during the day?
Best taken with a meal to reduce potential nausea.
