Zinc Lactate Encyclopedia — Scientific Background

What Is Zinc Lactate?

Zinc lactate (CAS 16039-53-5), also known as zinc dilactate or zinc 2-hydroxypropanoate, is the zinc salt of lactic acid. It is chemically characterized by the molecular formula C₆H₁₀O₆Zn and a molecular weight of 243.53 g/mol. Zinc lactate occurs as a white, odorless, crystalline powder that is freely soluble in water (55 g/L) and slightly soluble in ethanol. It loses its water of crystallization at 100°C and has a melting point of approximately 280°C. The compound contains approximately 22.2% elemental zinc by weight, the highest zinc content among common organic zinc salts. The European Union has registered zinc lactate with CAS No. 16039-53-5 and EINECS No. 240-178-9, with the IUPAC name "zinc dilactate." The FDA has established zinc lactate with UNII code 2GXR25858Y.

Regulatory Status and Pharmacopoeial Standards

Zinc lactate holds a well-established regulatory position:

FDA Status — Zinc lactate is listed in the FDA Global Substance Registration System with UNII code 2GXR25858Y and CAS Registry No. 16039-53-5. The FDA has established zinc lactate as a pharmacologic substance in the NCI Thesaurus.

EU Cosmetics Regulation — Zinc lactate is registered in the European Union cosmetics ingredient database under INCI name "ZINC LACTATE" with CAS No. 16039-53-5 and EINECS No. 240-178-9, where it functions as a deodorant and cosmetic astringent.

Global Standards — Zinc lactate is monographed in the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) and conforms to Chinese national standard GB/T 23735-2009 for feed additive zinc lactate. It is also recognized in the Korean cosmetic ingredient database (Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary).

Physiological Functions of Zinc

Zinc is an essential trace mineral present in all body tissues and fluids. As a component of over 200 enzymes, it is involved in more enzymatic reactions than any other mineral, affecting virtually all aspects of the immune system and playing essential roles in hormonal functions such as thyroid, insulin, growth, and sexual hormones.

• Immune Function — Zinc supports many aspects of innate and acquired immunity and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Clinical trial data support the value of zinc in reducing the duration and severity of symptoms of the common cold when administered within 24 hours of onset.

• Skin Health — Zinc stabilizes and maintains the structural integrity of biological membranes and plays a pivotal role in skin and connective tissue metabolism and repair. Zinc lactate has beneficial effects for the health of hair and nails and helps heal skin wounds and skin conditions such as acne and eczema. Zinc compounds help suppress sebum secretion and reduce acne inflammation.

• Protein Synthesis and Cell Growth — Zinc is essential for protein synthesis, cell growth, DNA formation, tissue repair, and immune system maintenance.

• Enzymatic Cofactor — Zinc is a cofactor for over 200 enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, protein synthesis, and nucleic acid metabolism.

• Sensory Perception — Zinc supports sensory perception to smell, taste, and see.

Mechanisms of Action and Absorption

Conventional Zinc Absorption Pathway

Zinc absorption occurs primarily in the small intestine through carrier-mediated transport mechanisms. The amount of zinc absorbed is regulated by the body's zinc status and is subject to tight homeostatic regulation. Zinc absorption decreases as dietary or supplemental intake increases, and the fractional absorption of zinc declines at higher doses.

Zinc lactate has a relative bioavailability of 35–50%, which is significantly better than inorganic zinc such as zinc sulfate and zinc oxide. The lactate anion maintains zinc solubility across a wide pH range and facilitates absorption through the intestinal epithelium.

liposomal Absorption Pathway

Liposomal encapsulation provides a fundamentally different absorption mechanism. The liposomal phospholipid bilayer is similar to cell membranes in the human body, which makes them progressively biocompatible. liposomes protect zinc from premature interaction with dietary inhibitors and facilitate efficient cellular delivery via lipid-mediated pathways.

A liposomal zinc formulation developed by West Bengal Chemical Industries Ltd. (WBCIL) using phosphatidylcholine as the lipid carrier achieved a high encapsulation efficiency of 94.51% and maintained stability over six months. The liposomal formulation was 3.82 times more bioavailable than the non-liposomal counterpart. In a randomized crossover trial, zinc concentrations were significantly higher from 0 to 6 hours in the liposomal group compared to non-liposomal comparators.

Liposomal zinc lactate

Liposomal encapsulation of zinc lactate provides a fundamentally different delivery mechanism from conventional forms. The phospholipid bilayer surrounds the zinc lactate complex, forming a protective shell that enhances absorption and reduces gastrointestinal irritation. This delivery system:

• Enhances zinc absorption and bioavailability, achieving 3.82 times higher bioavailability compared to non-liposomal zinc

• Achieves 94.51% encapsulation efficiency with stability maintained over six months

• Reduces gastrointestinal irritation, making it gentle on the stomach

• Provides controlled release for prolonged physiological support

• Bypasses the saturable nature of carrier-mediated zinc transport

• Completely locks zinc ions inside the phospholipid layer, shielding them from metallic odor

Clinical Evidence

Oral Halitosis — Randomized Controlled Trial

A controlled, clinical, double-blind study was conducted to assess the efficacy of sugar-free tablets containing zinc lactate and magnolia bark extract on oral volatile sulfur-containing compounds (VSC) versus placebo tablets for two hours. One hundred subjects completed the trial (50 in the control group and 50 in the test group; 52 men and 48 women, mean age 38). The test tablet (0.7 g) contained 0.17 mg of zinc, in the form of zinc lactate, and 0.84 mg magnolia bark extract. The mean percentage reduction from baseline at the end of eight minutes of tablet sucking was 39% in the control group (p < 0.001) and 62% in the test group (p < 0.001); one hour later it was 6% in the control group and 30% in the test group (p < 0.001), and two hours later it was 2% in the control group and 18% in the test group (p < 0.001). The study concluded that tablets containing zinc lactate and magnolia bark extract can statistically significantly reduce the oral VSC levels for over two hours and were statistically significantly more effective than a control tablet.

Oral Care — Mouthwash and Dentifrice Applications

Multiple randomized clinical trials have evaluated zinc lactate in oral care applications. A mouthwash containing amine + zinc lactate + fluoride demonstrated antibacterial and clinical effectiveness in reducing gingivitis and plaque. A zinc lactate mouthwash and tongue scraping were evaluated for the reduction of intra-oral halitosis in a single-blind, controlled, crossover clinical trial. A dentifrice containing zinc lactate exhibited statistically significant reductions in gingival index and plaque index scores of 8.1% and 14.1% after six weeks of product use.

Bioavailability — Liposomal Zinc

A liposomal zinc formulation developed by WBCIL using phosphatidylcholine as the lipid carrier demonstrated 3.82 times higher bioavailability compared to non-liposomal zinc. The liposomal zinc formulation exhibited a high encapsulation efficiency of 94.51% and maintained stability over six months (EE%: 94 ± 1%, assay: 20 ± 1%). Thermal stability tests at room temperature and 105°C for 4 hours showed minimal changes in EE% and assay values. EDAX indicated carbon as the dominant element (48.99%), and sieve analysis showed 99.91% passed through a 400 μm mesh.

Human Pharmacokinetics — Liposomal Multinutrients

A randomized crossover trial evaluated the pharmacokinetics of liposomal multinutrients versus non-liposomal comparators. Zinc concentrations were significantly higher from 0 to 6 hours in the liposomal group compared to non-liposomal comparators, confirming the enhanced absorption profile of liposomal zinc formulations.

Safety and Regulatory

Zinc lactate is generally well tolerated at commonly used doses. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for zinc is 40 mg per day for adults. Long-term intake of 25 mg or above may lead to anaemia and copper deficiency. Common side effects of zinc supplementation may include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, and metallic taste.

Zinc lactate has been evaluated by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, which concluded that 27 zinc salts, including zinc lactate, are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in the safety assessment when formulated to be non-irritating. Zinc lactate is restricted in EU cosmetics at a maximum concentration of 1%.

Zinc lactate is widely commercialized as a dietary supplement ingredient, food additive, and cosmetic ingredient. It is monographed in the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) and conforms to Chinese national standard GB/T 23735-2009. Testing protocols must adhere to international standards including USP, European Pharmacopoeia, and FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius. Formulators should verify local regulatory requirements prior to market entry.

This product is intended for research, nutraceutical, and functional food applications. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

69$/KG