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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Zinc wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Probably helps
4 of 6 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
21 of 26 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
160-900mg extract (standardized to 2-3% flavonoids or 18-20% OPCs)
With meals, Split into 2-3 doses
Standardized extract (WS 1442 or LI 132 are most studied)
15-30mg daily
With meals
Zinc picolinate or zinc citrate
8-12 weeks
6-12 weeks
2-4 weeks
2-4 weeks
4-8 weeks
Immediate
Would integrated Western and traditional Chinese medicine have more benefits for stroke rehabilitation? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Stroke and vascular neurology (2022) · Meta analysis · n=6339
Our results indicate that the combined use of CM and WM could be more efficacious in stroke rehabilitation compared with the use of WM therapy alone.
Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure: meta-analysis of randomized trials
The American Journal of Medicine (2003) · Meta analysis · n=632
Eight trials including 632 patients with chronic heart failure (NYHA classes I to III) provided data suitable for meta-analysis.
Traditional Chinese medicines benefit to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Molecular biology reports (2012) · Meta analysis · n=25661
Comparing with western medicines mentioned above, TCM had a better effect on the normalization of alanine aminotransferase and disappearance of radiological steatosis in the treatment of NAFLD.
Efficacy of Zinc Supplementation in the Management of Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2024) · Meta analysis · n=739
Zinc supplementation significantly reduced pain severity compared to placebo (Hedges's g = -1.541; 95% CI: -2.268 to -0.814; p < 0.001), representing a clinically meaningful reduction in pain.
Effects of Daily Zinc Alone or in Combination with Other Nutrient Supplements on the Risk of Malaria Parasitaemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Nutrients (2023) · Meta analysis · n=1339
The effect sizes, represented as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were standardised by transforming them into log RRs and then pooling them using a fixed-effects or random-effects model depending on the heterogeneity across studies.
Prevalence of Zinc Deficiency in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2022) · Meta analysis · n=806
Pooled analyses by the IBD subgroup showed a total population of 1677 with CD, for an overall mean zinc deficiency prevalence of 54% and 95% confidence intervals (CI) ranging from 0.51 to 0.56, versus 41% (95%CI 0.38-0.45) in the UC population (n = 806).
Based on meta-analysis showing 7-watt improvement in maximal workload. Effects primarily documented in mild heart failure patients. Most studies used WS 1442 extract standardized to 18.75% oligomeric procyanidins.
Based on meta-analyses showing reduced respiratory tract infections and improved immune markers (CD3/CD4). Effects primarily in deficient individuals. Take with food to reduce nausea risk.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Zinc has a higher evidence score (8.5/10 vs 6.5/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
No known interactions between Hawthorn and Zinc have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.