What is the Difference Between Zinc Acetate and Zinc Sulphate?

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The main difference between zinc acetate and zinc sulfate lies in their chemical composition and absorption rates.

  • Zinc Acetate: This is a salt compound with the chemical formula Zn(CH3COO)2. It contains 30% elemental zinc and is often used in cold lozenges to reduce symptoms and speed up recovery.
  • Zinc Sulfate: This is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula ZnSO4. It contains 23% elemental zinc and is commonly used to make up for a zinc deficiency. Zinc sulfate has been shown to reduce the severity of acne.

Both zinc acetate and zinc sulfate are used in various forms of medicines and supplements, but their absorption rates and effects on the body may vary. It is essential to understand the differences between these forms of zinc and your body's absorption process to determine the appropriate supplement for your needs. The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of zinc for an adult is between 11 mg and 15 mg of elemental zinc.

Comparative Table: Zinc Acetate vs Zinc Sulphate

The main difference between zinc acetate and zinc sulfate lies in the anions they are associated with. Zinc acetate is the zinc salt of acetic acid, while zinc sulfate is the zinc salt of sulfuric acid. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences between the two:

Property Zinc Acetate Zinc Sulfate
Chemical Formula Zn(CH3COO)2 ZnSO4
Anion Acetate (CH3COO-) Sulfate (SO42-)
Source Found in cold lozenges to reduce symptoms and speed up recovery Used to prevent zinc deficiency and reduce the severity of acne
Absorption Comparable to zinc gluconate and zinc citrate Not explicitly mentioned in the search results, but it is likely that zinc sulfate is also well-absorbed as it is a form of elemental zinc

Both zinc acetate and zinc sulfate are used in various applications, such as in pharmaceuticals and supplements. The choice between the two depends on the specific application and desired effect.