Zinc Oxide
What is Zinc Oxide?
Zinc oxide is an inorganic compound that is a white, powdery substance. While it can be found naturally as a mineral, for use in food, it is typically made by heating zinc metal in the presence of oxygen.
Is Zinc Oxide vegan?
Zinc Oxide is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Zinc Oxide gluten-free?
It does not contain gluten.
Is Zinc Oxide a major allergen?
Zinc oxide is a mineral compound and is not derived from any of the nine major food allergens identified by the FDA.
What is Zinc Oxide used for?
Manufacturers add zinc oxide to foods as a source of zinc, which is an essential mineral for human health.
Is Zinc Oxide safe?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes zinc oxide as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use as a nutrient supplement in food.
Why it's used
Manufacturers add zinc oxide to foods as a source of zinc, which is an essential mineral for human health. It is commonly used to fortify foods like breakfast cereals, snack bars, and infant formulas to help prevent zinc deficiency.
Health notes
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes zinc oxide as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use as a nutrient supplement in food. Zinc is an essential mineral, and consuming adequate amounts is important for health. JECFA (the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) and EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) have both evaluated zinc compounds as nutrient sources. At typical intake levels from fortified foods, zinc oxide is considered safe; however, very high doses, usually from supplements, can lead to adverse effects.
Allergen info
Zinc oxide is a mineral compound and is not derived from any of the nine major food allergens identified by the FDA. It does not contain gluten.
Foods that contain Zinc Oxide
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