Researchers tested a new type of zinc supplement called zinc-di-tripeptide against the traditional zinc sulfate in young pigs. Both supplements helped pigs grow better than no supplement at all. However, the new zinc-di-tripeptide version was absorbed better by the pigs’ bodies, showing up more in their blood and bones while less ended up in their waste. This means farmers could use about one-third less of the new supplement to get the same results, which is better for both the pigs and the environment.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a new type of zinc supplement (zinc-di-tripeptide) works better than the traditional type (zinc sulfate) for helping young pigs grow healthy
  • Who participated: 90 young male pigs, about 2 months old and weighing around 56 pounds each, tested over a 60-day period
  • Key finding: The new zinc-di-tripeptide supplement was absorbed much better by the pigs’ bodies compared to zinc sulfate. Pigs getting the new supplement had more zinc in their blood and bones, and less zinc wasted in their feces
  • What it means for you: If this finding applies to other animals or humans, it suggests that newer chelated zinc supplements may be more efficient, potentially allowing people to use smaller doses while still getting the same health benefits. However, more research in humans would be needed to confirm this

The Research Details

Scientists divided 90 young pigs into different groups and fed them different amounts of zinc using two different supplement types. One group got no extra zinc (the control), while other groups received either the new zinc-di-tripeptide or traditional zinc sulfate at four different dose levels (30, 60, 90, or 120 mg per kilogram of feed). The study lasted 60 days, and researchers measured how well the pigs grew, how much zinc their bodies absorbed, and where the zinc ended up in their bodies (blood, bones, liver, and feces).

To measure how much zinc the pigs actually absorbed, researchers used a special marker (acid-insoluble ash) mixed into the feed. This marker passes through the digestive system unchanged, allowing scientists to calculate how much zinc was truly absorbed versus how much was lost in waste. They also measured zinc levels in blood samples and tissue samples from different parts of the body.

This research approach is important because it shows exactly how well different zinc supplements work in a living animal. By measuring zinc in multiple places (blood, bones, liver, and feces), researchers could see the complete picture of how each supplement moved through the pigs’ bodies. This type of detailed tracking is necessary to prove that one supplement is truly better than another

This was a well-designed controlled study with a good number of animals (90 pigs) divided into multiple groups. The researchers used proper scientific methods to measure zinc absorption and tracked the pigs over a full 60-day period. However, this study was done in pigs, not humans, so results may not directly apply to people. The study was also funded and conducted by researchers with expertise in animal nutrition

What the Results Show

Both zinc supplements helped pigs grow better than pigs that received no extra zinc. Pigs getting either supplement gained weight faster and ate more food than the control group. When researchers looked at the new zinc-di-tripeptide supplement specifically, they found it was absorbed much more efficiently by the pigs’ bodies compared to zinc sulfate.

The new supplement showed positive absorption rates (meaning the pigs’ bodies actually kept the zinc), while the traditional zinc sulfate showed very low or no positive absorption. Pigs fed the new supplement had higher zinc levels in their blood and bones, which are the places where zinc is most needed for health and growth. Importantly, pigs getting the new supplement lost less zinc in their feces (waste), meaning more of the supplement actually stayed in their bodies instead of being wasted.

The research suggests that farmers could use about 34% less of the new zinc-di-tripeptide supplement to achieve the same growth results as the traditional zinc sulfate. This is significant because it means better efficiency and less waste.

Pigs fed the new zinc-di-tripeptide showed slightly lower zinc levels in their feces compared to those fed zinc sulfate, though this difference was not quite statistically significant. There was also a trend (not quite proven) toward higher zinc in the blood of pigs fed the new supplement. Interestingly, liver zinc levels were similar between the two supplement types, suggesting both supplements delivered zinc to this important organ equally well. However, bone zinc concentrations were clearly higher in pigs fed the new supplement, which is important since bones are a major storage site for zinc in the body

Previous research has suggested that chelated zinc supplements (where zinc is bound to other molecules) should work better than simple inorganic zinc like zinc sulfate. This study confirms that theory by showing the new zinc-di-tripeptide chelate performs better than traditional zinc sulfate. The finding that you can use less of the new supplement to get the same results aligns with what researchers expected from chelated zinc products

This study was conducted only in pigs, so we cannot be certain the same results would occur in humans or other animals. The study measured growth and zinc absorption but did not test whether the pigs actually had better immune function or other health benefits from the improved zinc absorption. Additionally, while the new supplement showed advantages, the differences in some measurements (like liver zinc) were small and not quite statistically significant, meaning they could have happened by chance. The study also did not compare the cost of the new supplement versus the traditional type, which would be important for real-world use

The Bottom Line

Based on this research in pigs, the new zinc-di-tripeptide supplement appears to be more efficient than traditional zinc sulfate (moderate confidence level). If similar products become available for human use, they may allow people to take smaller doses while still getting adequate zinc. However, human studies would be needed to confirm this benefit applies to people. For now, people should continue following their doctor’s or nutritionist’s recommendations for zinc supplementation

This research is most relevant to farmers and animal nutritionists who work with pigs and other livestock. It may also interest supplement manufacturers and veterinarians. For humans, this is preliminary research that suggests newer chelated zinc supplements might be worth investigating further, but it’s not yet proven in people. Anyone considering changing their zinc supplementation should talk to their doctor first

In the pig study, improvements in growth and zinc absorption were visible within the 60-day study period. If similar supplements were used in humans, benefits would likely take weeks to months to become noticeable, as zinc works gradually in the body for functions like immune support and wound healing

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If using a zinc supplement, track daily intake amount (in milligrams) and note the type of supplement (chelated vs. non-chelated). Users could also track general wellness markers like energy levels, immune health (frequency of colds), and wound healing speed
  • Users could switch from traditional zinc sulfate supplements to newer chelated zinc-di-tripeptide supplements if available and recommended by their healthcare provider. They could also experiment with using a lower dose of a chelated supplement while monitoring their zinc status through blood tests
  • Users should monitor zinc status through periodic blood tests (every 3-6 months) if taking supplements regularly. They should also track symptoms of zinc deficiency (slow wound healing, frequent infections, hair loss) or excess (nausea, copper deficiency symptoms). Keep a log of supplement type, dose, and any health changes over time

This research was conducted in pigs and has not been tested in humans. Zinc supplementation needs vary by individual and should be determined by a healthcare provider. Do not change your zinc supplementation without consulting your doctor, as too much zinc can be harmful and may interfere with other minerals like copper. This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Anyone considering zinc supplements should discuss appropriate dosage and type with their healthcare provider