Thorne Zinc Bisglycinate

Heavy training blocks put a temporary dent in immune function in the hours afterward, which is part of why athletes report more colds and scratchy throats during high-volume stretches than their fitness level alone would suggest. Zinc plays a direct role in that immune response, activating the T-cells your body relies on to fight off whatever's going around.

Thorne's Zinc Bisglycinate is built to support that system more effectively than standard zinc forms, using a true amino acid chelate shown to raise blood zinc levels 43% higher than zinc gluconate in a cross-over study.

Supports immune function when training load is highest – Zinc is required for T-cell activation and broader immune cell development, the exact system under extra strain during a heavy training block.

Actually absorbed, not just taken – The bisglycinate structure holds together through digestion and releases zinc once it reaches cells in the intestine, which is why it outperformed zinc gluconate in absorption research.

Supports more than immune function – Zinc also plays a role in skin and eye health, testosterone production, and antioxidant defense through the glutathione your body produces with the help of the glycine this form is bound to.

Zinc is involved in more than 200 enzymatic reactions throughout the body, but a lot of that depends on how much of it your gut actually absorbs rather than just what's printed on the label. Binding zinc to two molecules of glycine creates a true amino acid chelate that resists breaking down in digestion, releasing the mineral for absorption instead of competing with other minerals along the way. The glycine itself also supports the body's own glutathione production, an antioxidant used broadly for cellular defense.

How to Use Thorne Zinc Bisglycinate 15mg

Dose: Take one capsule once or twice daily, preferably with food to reduce the chance of stomach upset.

Note: Pair it with a copper supplement at roughly a 15:1 zinc-to-copper ratio, since zinc can inhibit copper absorption over extended use.

Space this a few hours apart from high-calcium or high-iron supplements, since those compete with zinc for absorption. Consult your healthcare provider before use if pregnant or nursing.