CompoAtlas

Zinc in food supplements

16,492 supplements declared in France contain a form of this nutrient

Zinc: in France, a food supplement may not provide more than 15 mg a day (Order of 9 May 2006, not revised since November 2006, Annex III); for adults, EFSA's upper safe limit is 25 mg a day. The doses of the 2006 Order have not been revised since the amending Order of 14 November 2006, and some were annulled by the Conseil d'État in 2011; the DGCCRF accepted higher levels for some nutrients through guidelines published until January 2019, and an update of the Order is being prepared (ministerial answer published in the Official Journal on 11 February 2025).

Order of 9 May 2006, Annex III. French orders of 9 May 2006 and 14 November 2006 as published in the Official Journal (maximum daily doses), retrieved 21 October 2026.

EFSA, Overview on Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (version 11, August 2025), retrieved 21 October 2026.

Written Question No 2686, ministry answer published in the Official Journal on 11 February 2025.

In plain words

À quoi il sert, selon les fabricants

Objectifs les plus souvent annoncés pour les compléments qui en contiennent (zinc) : immunité (2576 produits), cheveux et ongles (2465 produits), peau (2289 produits), antioxydant (1421 produits), sport (1059 produits).

Ce sont les objectifs déclarés par les fabricants à l'administration, pas des effets démontrés. Sur l'emballage, seules les allégations de santé autorisées par l'Union peuvent être écrites.

Compl'Alim, food supplement declarations (France), retrieved 23 October 2026.

Jusqu'où c'est sûr

Pour un adulte, l'EFSAEuropean Food Safety Authority. fixe la limite supérieure de sécurité à 25 mg/j : c'est l'apport quotidien qui, pris sur le long terme, toutes sources alimentaires réunies, ne devrait pas provoquer d'effet indésirable. Au-delà, le risque augmente. Un complément n'est qu'une partie de l'apport.

EFSA, Overview on Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (version 11, August 2025), retrieved 21 October 2026.

La règle en France

En France, la dose journalière recommandée d'un complément ne doit pas apporter plus de 15 mg (arrêté du 9 mai 2006, non révisé depuis novembre 2006). Compl'Alim ne publie pas la dose des produits déclarés : comparez celle de l'étiquette à ce plafond et à la limite de sécurité de l'EFSA.

French orders of 9 May 2006 and 14 November 2006 as published in the Official Journal (maximum daily doses), retrieved 21 October 2026.

EFSA safety references

Le repère de l'EFSA porte sur l'apport total d'une journée, alimentation et compléments.

EFSA daily references
PopulationTypeValue
1-3 yearsUpper limit7 mg/j
4-6 yearsUpper limit10 mg/j
7-10 yearsUpper limit13 mg/j
11-14 yearsUpper limit18 mg/j
15-17 yearsUpper limit22 mg/j
adultsUpper limit25 mg/j
pregnancyUpper limit25 mg/j
breastfeedingUpper limit25 mg/j

SCF, 2002c. EFSA, Overview on Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (version 11, August 2025), retrieved 21 October 2026.

Maximum dose in France

Maximum daily dose per supplement in France: 15 mg, according to the Order of 9 May 2006.

The doses of the 2006 Order have not been revised since the amending Order of 14 November 2006, and some were annulled by the Conseil d'État in 2011; the DGCCRF accepted higher levels for some nutrients through guidelines published until January 2019, and an update of the Order is being prepared (ministerial answer published in the Official Journal on 11 February 2025).

Order of 9 May 2006, Annex III. French orders of 9 May 2006 and 14 November 2006 as published in the Official Journal (maximum daily doses), retrieved 21 October 2026.

Authorised health claims

  • « Zinc contributes to normal DNA synthesis »
    Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of zinc as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
  • « Zinc contributes to normal acid-base metabolism »
    Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of zinc as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
  • « Zinc contributes to normal carbohydrate metabolism »
    Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of zinc as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
  • « Zinc contributes to normal cognitive function »
    Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of zinc as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
  • « Zinc contributes to normal fertility and reproduction »
    Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of zinc as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
  • « Zinc contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism »
    Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of zinc as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
  • « Zinc contributes to normal metabolism of fatty acids »
    Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of zinc as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
  • « Zinc contributes to normal metabolism of vitamin A »
    Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of zinc as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
  • « Zinc contributes to normal protein synthesis »
    Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of zinc as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
  • « Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal bones »
    Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of zinc as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
  • « Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair »
    Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of zinc as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
  • « Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal nails »
    Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of zinc as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
  • « Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin »
    Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of zinc as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
  • « Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood »
    Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of zinc as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
  • « Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal vision »
    Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of zinc as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
  • « Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system »
    Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of zinc as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
  • « Zinc contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress »
    Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of zinc as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
  • « Zinc has a role in the process of cell division »
    Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of zinc as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
8 refused or revoked claims: they cannot appear on packaging
  • « Gastric comfort. Supports a healthy gastric environment. Zinc-carnosine supports the natural defenses and healthy ecology of the gastric lining. »
    Reason: Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.
  • « Prevents bad breath by neutralising of volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) in the mouth and oral cavity. »
    Reason: Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect has not been linked to a function of the body, as required by Article 13 of the Regulation.
  • « Supplementation with B-vitamins, iron, magnesium as well as vitamin C can reduce fatigue and tiredness in situations of inadequate micro-nutrient status »
    Reason: Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.
  • « Without enough zinc in your diet, muscular performance will be impaired »
    Reason: Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.
  • « Zinc contributes to a healthy cardiovascular system »
    Reason: Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.
  • « Zinc for a healthy prostate Zinc helps to maintain a healthy prostate »
    Reason: Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.
  • « Zinc promotes joint health Zinc helps support the function of the joints »
    Reason: Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.
  • « Zinc supports a healthy thyroid function. Zinc is beneficial for the thyroid function. »
    Reason: Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, the evidence provided is insufficient to substantiate this claimed effect for this food.

Official English text, as entered in the Union register. A claim may only be used under its conditions.

18 authorised claims, 8 refused or revoked. EU Register of nutrition and health claims, retrieved 21 October 2026.

Forms declared in supplements

Union list: vitamin and mineral forms that may be used in a food supplement (Directive 2002/46/EC, Annex II).

Directive 2002/46/EC on food supplements, latest consolidated version (Annex II: forms of vitamins and minerals), retrieved 23 October 2026.

In cosmetics: ZINC OXIDE.

Products containing it