Zinc Monomethionine
Also known as: OptiZinc, zinc methionine, zinc monomethionine sulfate, L-OptiZinc
A complex of zinc with the amino acid L-methionine, best known under the OptiZinc trade name, carrying roughly 21% elemental zinc. It is promoted for staying soluble in the presence of phytate and fiber, an idea supported mostly by animal and in-vitro work. It appears in men's health, skin, and immune formulas, sometimes alongside copper. Peer-reviewed human absorption data specific to this complex are sparse.
Research summary
Supplies zinc for enzyme, immune, and antioxidant function; methionine complexation is proposed to protect zinc from binding by dietary phytate before absorption.
Dosage
Daily amounts, elemental (21% of the compound is the element).
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mg | 10–25 mg | 40 mg | 40 mg |
NIH ODS — UL of 40 mg/day for adults from all sources
Doses are elemental zinc. Take with food. Commercial zinc monomethionine is supplied at roughly 20–21% zinc by the manufacturer's specification; stoichiometry varies with the sulfate content, so verify against the supplier's certificate of analysis. Capped at the 40 mg UL. Ranges are borrowed from general zinc research because human trials of this specific complex were not located.
Source material: synthetic complex of zinc with L-methionine
As supplied: ≈ 20–21% Zn per manufacturer specification
Forms of Zinc
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc Monomethionine | 10–25 mg | 21% | Capsule, Powder, Tablet | mid |
| Zinc Gluconate | 10–25 mg | 14% | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Gummy, Liquid | low |
| Zinc Picolinate | 10–25 mg | 21% | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Gummy, Liquid | low |
| Zinc Bisglycinate | 10–25 mg | 25% | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Gummy, Liquid | mid |
| Zinc Citrate | 10–25 mg | 31% | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Gummy, Liquid | low |
| Zinc Oxide | 10–25 mg | 80% | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Gummy | low |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Small dose; slight sulfurous note from methionine is noticeable in powders at higher inclusion.
Formulation notes
Iron of 25 mg or more in the same serving lowers zinc absorption. Reduces absorption of tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics. Often formulated with copper.
- Has an upper limit
Sources
Related ingredients
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
VitaminAscorbic acid is the reference form of vitamin C and the most common form in supplements; NIH ODS notes its bioavailability equals that of vitamin C naturally present in food.
Typical: 250–1,000 mg
Zinc Picolinate
MineralZinc chelated with picolinic acid, a tryptophan metabolite that is proposed to aid mineral transport across the gut wall.
Typical: 10–25 mg
L-Selenomethionine
MineralThe organic selenium form found in Brazil nuts, grains, and selenium yeast, in which selenium replaces sulfur in the amino acid methionine.
Typical: 50–200 mcg
Zinc Citrate
MineralA zinc salt of citric acid with a relatively high zinc content of about 31%, giving it a compactness advantage over gluconate and picolinate.
Typical: 10–25 mg
Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate)
VitaminSodium ascorbate is the sodium salt of ascorbic acid.
Typical: 250–1,000 mg