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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Zinc wins 3 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Probably helps
2 of 3 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
21 of 26 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
200-400mg standardized extract
Morning, With or without food
Standardized root extract (100:1 or 200:1)
15-30mg daily
With meals
Zinc picolinate or zinc citrate
4-12 weeks
2-4 weeks
2-4 weeks
2-4 weeks
2-4 weeks
4-8 weeks
Immediate
Immunomodulation in Middle-Aged Humans Via the Ingestion of Physta® Standardized Root Water Extract of Eurycoma longifolia Jack--A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Study
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2016) · Rct · n=126
The numbers of total, naïve, and CD4(+) T cells were also higher in the TA group than those in P group (p < 0.05).
[Literature research and discussion on properties of a new oversea-introduced traditional Chinese medicine Malaysian ginseng(Tongkat Ali)]
Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica (2024) · Systematic review
Tongkat Ali has the main functions of tonifying kidney and replenishing essence, invigorating spleen and replenishing Qi, and soothing liver and relieving depression.
Effect of Eurycoma longifolia standardised aqueous root extract-Physta® on testosterone levels and quality of life in ageing male subjects: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre study
Food & Nutrition Research (2021) · Rct · n=105
Significant increase in total testosterone at week 12 (Physta 100 mg) and at weeks 4, 8 and 12 (Physta 200 mg) versus placebo.
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 significant testosterone elevation and multiple RCTs. Effects varied between healthy volunteers and hypogonadal men. Studies primarily used standardized water extracts.
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 6/10) and wins in 3 of 3 categories.
For fertility support, Zinc has a higher relevance score (85 vs 75).
No known interactions between Tongkat Ali and Zinc have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.