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Zinc gluconate Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Brand names: Zinc Gummies

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 27, 2023.

Zinc gluconate Pregnancy Warnings

Zinc gluconate has not been formally assigned to a pregnancy category by the FDA. Data from human and animal studies have not revealed increased risks of fetal abnormalities in association with zinc acetate or sulfate administration for all trimesters of pregnancy. The risk of fetal harm if used during pregnancy is remote. A dietary intake of 15 mg of zinc per day is recommended during pregnancy. Additional zinc gluconate should only be given during pregnancy when need has been clearly established.

See references

Zinc gluconate Breastfeeding Warnings

The recommended daily allowance of elemental zinc during lactation is 19 mg during the first 6 months and 16 mg during the second 6 months. Zinc is needed for the normal growth and development of breast-fed infants. However, the effect on the breast-fed infant of higher dosages is not known.

There are no data on the excretion of zinc gluconate into human milk. Elemental zinc is known to be excreted into human milk and may lead to copper deficiency in the nursing infant. The manufacturer recommends that women on zinc therapy not nurse their infants.

See references

References for pregnancy information

  1. Goldenberg RL, Tamura T, Neggers Y, et al. The effect of zinc supplementation on pregnancy outcome. JAMA. 1995;274:463-8.

References for breastfeeding information

  1. Krebs NF, Reidinger CJ, Hartley S, Robertson AD, Hambidge KM. Zinc supplementation during lactation: effects on maternal status and milk zinc concentrations. Am J Clin Nutr. 1995;61:1030-6.
  2. Product Information. Galzin (zinc acetate). Teva Pharmaceuticals USA. 2001;PROD.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.