The mineral zinc is essential for human health. It supports catalytic, structural and regulatory aspects of cellular metabolism and is vital to growth and development. Zinc sulfate is one of several forms of zinc available for use in supplement form. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, no clear information exists to support any particular advantages of using this form over the others.
Types of Zinc Sulfate
Zinc sulfate comes in tablet, capsule and injectable form, according to Drugs.com. Some of the trade names of these products include Concentrated Zinc Sulfate that is an injectable dosage of 5mg/mL, Orazinc Tablets, which provide an oral dosage of 110 mg, and Verazinc capsules, which offer a dosage of 220 mg.
Newborns and Adequate Zinc Intake
There is not enough research to establish the precise amount of zinc required for infants below the age of 7 months. Since insufficient evidence exists to determine a recommended daily allowance at this age, the Institute of Medicine uses the term "adequate intake," or AI, to describe the daily dosage of a nutrient deemed likely to be sufficient to sustain health. For infants up through 6 months of age the AI for zinc is 2 mg per day.
Recommended Dietary Allowance for Infants and Children
The Institute of Medicine establishes the recommended dietary allowances, or RDAs, for nutrients. Through research, it determines the average intake level per day that the vast majority of people of a certain age and gender require to meet their nutritional needs. For children ages 7 months through 12 months, the RDA for zinc is 3 mg daily. From 12 months to 3 years of age, the RDA for zinc is 3 mg daily. Between the ages of 4 and 8, the RDA increases to 5 mg daily. Between the ages of 9 and 13, the RDA for zinc is 8 mg daily.
Recommended Dietary Allowances for Adolescents and Adults
As adolescence hits, zinc requirements begin to differ between genders. From age 14 and up, the RDA for zinc for males is 11 mg. Females between 14 and 18 years old have zinc RDA of 9 mg per day. Females over age 19 require 8 mg per day.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy and lactation increase a woman's need for zinc. Pregnant women under age 19 have an RDA for zinc of 12 mg daily. The RDA for pregnant women 19 and older is 11 mcg daily. Breast-feeding women under age 19 require 13 mg of zinc daily, while breast-feeding women 19 and older should take 12 mg per day.
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