Zinc 亜鉛

In Japan: Foods with Nutrient Function Claims and the Dietary Reference Intakes

Wording allowed (current)

“Zinc is a nutrient necessary for keeping the sense of taste normal.”

“Zinc is a nutrient that helps maintain healthy skin and mucous membranes.”

“Zinc is a nutrient that is involved in the metabolism of proteins and nucleic acids and helps maintain health.”

Amount per daily serving

2.64-15 mg (within this range, the wording above may be used without notification)

Proposed revision

“Zinc is a nutrient that helps keep the sense of taste normal.”

“Zinc is one of the nutrients that helps maintain healthy skin and mucous membranes.”

Amount: 2.55-17 mg

Referred to the Consumer Commission on July 17, 2026. The proposal includes a transition period allowing the current wording until March 31, 2030.

Dietary Reference Intakes (2025, ages 30–49)

Recommended dietary allowance: men 9.5 mg, women 8.0 mg / tolerable upper intake level: men 45 mg, women 35 mg

In the EU: the register of health claims

EU-authorised claimIn the register: 18 authorised, 8 not authorised

• Claims such as immune function, maintenance of hair, nails, and skin, and cognitive function are authorised.

In the EU, only health claims whose evidence has been assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and authorised by the European Commission may be used on food. “Not authorised” means the evidence for that claim was not established under EU standards — not that the ingredient is dangerous.

What the US NIH says

• A large trial (AREDS) showed that a supplement containing high-dose zinc slows the progression of age-related macular degeneration. The evidence for effects on colds and similar conditions is unclear.
• Continued high intake blocks copper absorption and causes anemia and nerve damage. Zinc and quinolone or tetracycline antibiotics interfere with each other's absorption.

Sources: MHLW eJIM "Zinc"

Other ingredients in the same categories

• Iron
• Calcium
• Magnesium