Zinc
US Daily Value for adults: 11 mg · unit on labels: mg
Reference intakes
| Value | United States | China | European Union |
|---|---|---|---|
| Label reference valueBasis of the % on labels, fixed by each regulation; not a recommended intake | 11 mgDV · Adults and children 4+1 | 15 mg; 11 mg from 16 March 2027 (GB 28050-2025)NRV3 | 10 mgNRV5 |
| Recommended intake, adults | 11 mg (men), 8 mg (women)RDA · Adults 19+2 | 12.5 mg (men 18–29), 12.0 mg (men 30+); 8.5 mg (women)RNI · Adults 18+4 | 9.4–16.3 mg (men), 7.5–12.7 mg (women), by dietary phytatePRI6 |
| Upper intake level | 40 mgUL · Adults 19+2 | 40 mgUL · Adults 18+4 | 25 mgUL7 |
- FDA, 21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(iv), Daily Values for adults and children 4 years and older
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Zinc fact sheet for health professionals (2026)
- GB 28050-2011 General rules for nutrition labelling of prepackaged foods, Appendix A nutrient reference values (NRV); revised value from GB 28050-2025, Appendix A (published 16 March 2025, in force 16 March 2027) (2025)
- Chinese Nutrition Society, Chinese Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs 2023) (2023)
- Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, Annex XIII Part A, nutrient reference values (consolidated text) (2011)
- EFSA NDA Panel, Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for zinc (2014)
- EFSA, Tolerable upper intake levels for vitamins and minerals (Scientific Committee on Food / NDA Panel) (2006)
Label values (DV, NRV) are the reference points behind the percentages on labels. Recommended intakes and upper levels are quoted from the bodies named; they vary by age, sex and life stage, and they are not advice.