Zinc citrate

Zinc citrate (CAS 546-46-3) is the zinc salt of citric acid, supplying bioavailable zinc.

Where is Zinc citrate used?

• Oral care: controls tartar formation and reduces oral bacteria in toothpastes and mouthwashes
• Dietary supplements and functional foods: zinc source with favorable absorption characteristics compared to inorganic zinc salts
• Pharmaceutical tablets and capsules: mineral supplement active for controlled zinc delivery
• Personal care and cosmetics: deodorants, skin preparations for antimicrobial and astringent properties
• Industrial applications: polymer stabilization and chelation uses
• It functions as both a mineral source and a mild antimicrobial agent.
• Added to shampoos and hair care products to prevent dandruff and nourish the scalp.
• Used in cosmetics for acne treatment, skin barrier strengthening, and anti-aging products.
• Used as a mineral supplement at low doses in infant formula and clinical nutrition.

Good to know: The trihydrate is the more common commercial grade. Standard grades include food-grade and USP/BP-compliant specifications; technical-grade material is available for industrial applications.

Formulation notes

• Recommended daily dosage in food supplements for adults is 15-30 mg of elemental zinc.
• Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.
• Incompatible with strong acids (dissolution and reaction).

Typical specification

• Zinc content assay specification is 30.0–31.5%.
• Loss on drying specification is ≤2.0%.
• Heavy metals specification (as Pb) is ≤10 ppm.
• The anhydrous powder grade is supplied with approximately 31% zinc by weight.

Regulatory status

• Listed in Directive 2002/46/EC on food supplements as a vitamin and mineral that may be used in the manufacture of food supplements.
• Listed as a mineral salt in EU Regulation (EC) No 609/2013 on foods for infants and young children, foods for special medical purposes and total diet replacement for weight control.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Should be stored cool (15–25°C), dry, and in a well-ventilated area.
• Commonly supplied in polyethylene lined paper bags with 25 kg net weight.

Frequently asked questions about Zinc citrate

What form is zinc citrate dihydrate available in?

Zinc citrate dihydrate is available as a powder.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.