FlavScents AInsights Entry: Zinc Picolinate (CAS: 17949-65-4)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Zinc Picolinate
• IUPAC Name: Zinc pyridine-2-carboxylate
• CAS Number: 17949-65-4
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: Not applicable
• Molecular Formula: C12H8N2O4Zn
• Molecular Weight: 309.58 g/mol

Zinc picolinate is a coordination compound of zinc with picolinic acid. It is characterized by the presence of a pyridine ring, which is known to influence its solubility and bioavailability. The compound is often used in dietary supplements due to its enhanced absorption properties compared to other zinc salts.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Zinc picolinate itself does not have a significant odor or flavor profile, which makes it suitable for use in formulations where the presence of zinc is desired without altering the sensory characteristics of the product. It is typically used in applications where its nutritional benefits are prioritized over sensory contributions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Zinc picolinate is not naturally occurring and is synthesized for use in supplements and other applications. The formation involves the reaction of zinc oxide or zinc carbonate with picolinic acid. This synthetic pathway ensures a consistent and pure product, which is crucial for its use in dietary supplements.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

Zinc picolinate is not typically used for its flavor properties. Instead, its primary role in flavor systems is as a nutritional supplement. It is added to food products to enhance zinc intake without affecting the taste. Typical use levels are not well-documented in flavor applications, as its use is more common in dietary supplements.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Zinc picolinate is not commonly used in fragrance formulations due to its lack of odor. Its role in fragrance products is minimal, and it is not associated with any specific fragrance families or product types. Its stability and non-volatile nature make it unsuitable for traditional fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Zinc picolinate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in dietary supplements.
• European Union: It is approved for use in food supplements under specific regulations.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit, the regulatory status aligns with the EU, allowing its use in supplements.
• Asia: In countries like Japan and China, zinc picolinate is used in supplements, but specific regulations may vary.
• Latin America: Its use in supplements is generally accepted, but specific country regulations should be consulted.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Zinc picolinate is considered safe for oral consumption at recommended doses. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) is not specifically established, but zinc intake guidelines apply.
• Dermal Exposure: Not typically relevant due to its primary use in supplements.
• Inhalation Exposure: Not applicable as it is not used in volatile applications.

The risk profile for zinc picolinate is primarily related to its oral use in supplements, with no significant concerns for dermal or inhalation exposure.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Zinc picolinate is valued for its bioavailability and stability in supplement formulations. It is often used in combination with other nutrients to enhance overall health benefits. Formulators should ensure that zinc levels remain within recommended dietary limits to avoid potential toxicity. It is not typically over- or under-used in its applications due to its specific role as a supplement.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on zinc picolinate is well-established, particularly regarding its use in dietary supplements. While sensory and fragrance data are limited due to its lack of odor and flavor, its nutritional role is well-documented. Regulatory information is consistent across major regions, though specific country regulations should be verified.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• All required sections 1-9 are present
• "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• Flavor section includes ppm ranges (not applicable for zinc picolinate)
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable for zinc picolinate)

About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.

Generated 2026-02-06 03:17:41 GMT (p2)