Zincovit: Uses, How It Works, Side Effects
Also in: ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
Also known as: Zincovit tablet, Zincovit multivitamin, Multivitamin and multimineral tablet, Multivitamin with zinc
Zincovit is a tablet containing a mix of vitamins and minerals, including zinc. It is used to make up a shortfall of these nutrients in the diet when a doctor or pharmacist advises it. Most people get enough from food, and the exact ingredients and amounts are listed on the pack.
- Active ingredient
- Vitamin B complex See pack + Vitamin C See pack + Vitamin E See pack + Folic acid See pack + Zinc See pack
- Type of medicine
- Vitamins and minerals
- Used for
- Vitamin deficiency
- Starts working in
- A supplement works by topping up levels in the body; it is not meant to give an effect within hours
- Effect lasts
- Water-soluble vitamins are mostly not stored and are needed regularly; some others are stored
- With or without food
- Follow the label or your doctor's advice; taking it with a meal is common and may reduce stomach upset
- Alcohol
- Heavy drinking can reduce how well some vitamins are absorbed; ask a doctor or pharmacist
- Pregnancy
- Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplement in pregnancy
- Habit-forming
- No
- Made by
- VERIFY on pack
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
On this page
What is Zincovit used for?
Zincovit is a multivitamin and multimineral supplement. It is used to make up for too little of these nutrients in the diet, as the label or a doctor advises.
- Making up a shortfall of vitamins and minerals in the diet, on a doctor's or pharmacist's advice
How does Zincovit work?
Vitamins and minerals are used by the body in many everyday processes, such as releasing energy from food, making blood cells, healing wounds and keeping skin and nerves healthy. The tablet adds to what comes from food; it does not replace a balanced diet.
What happens in your body after you take it
You swallow the tablet
The tablet dissolves in the stomach and gut and the vitamins and minerals are released.
They are absorbed
Water-soluble vitamins and minerals such as zinc are absorbed from the intestine into the blood. Fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin E, are absorbed along with fat from food.
The body uses them
Each nutrient takes part in different processes. For example, zinc is needed for new cells and wound healing, and B vitamins for releasing energy and keeping blood cells healthy.
The extra is stored or passed out
Water-soluble vitamins that are not needed mostly leave in the urine. Some nutrients, such as vitamin E, are stored, so taking more than needed over a long time is not advised.
How to take Zincovit
Take Zincovit exactly as printed on the pack or as your doctor has advised. Your doctor or pharmacist can say whether it is suitable for you and for how long.
- Swallow the tablet whole with water unless the pack says otherwise. Taking it after a meal is common; follow the label or your doctor's advice.
- Do not take more than the label says, and do not combine it with other multivitamin, mineral or B-vitamin products without asking a doctor or pharmacist.
- If you miss a dose, take it when you remember, unless it is almost time for the next one. Do not take two doses together.
- Long-term use should be on a doctor's advice, because high amounts of some nutrients, such as zinc and vitamin B6, can cause problems over time.
Side effects of Zincovit
Multivitamins at label amounts are usually well tolerated. Mild stomach upset is the most common problem.
Uncommon or mild
- Nausea or stomach upset, especially on an empty stomach
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Bright yellow urine (harmless)
- A metallic taste in the mouth
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing (an allergic reaction). Get medical help immediately
- Numbness, tingling or loss of feeling in the hands and feet, which can follow long-term high doses of vitamin B6
- Severe or persistent vomiting or stomach pain
Who should be careful
Most people can take Zincovit at label amounts, but a few need to check with a doctor first.
- The NHS says not to take more than 25 mg of zinc supplements a day unless a doctor advises it; check the zinc content of this and any other product you take
- Vitamin B6 at 200 mg or more a day can damage nerves; the NHS says supplements should not exceed 10 mg a day unless a doctor advises
- Folic acid above 1 mg a day can hide vitamin B12 deficiency; ask a doctor if you have anaemia
- Kidney disease, kidney stones or iron overload: ask a doctor first
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking a supplement, because some vitamins and minerals are best kept to specific amounts
- Allergy to any ingredient in the tablet
Medicines and things that interact with Zincovit
Zincovit can add to other products you take, and the minerals in it can affect how some medicines are absorbed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including other vitamins and herbal remedies.
- Other multivitamin, mineral, zinc, vitamin E or folic acid products: the amounts add up, so check the total
- Some antibiotics and bone medicines: minerals can reduce how much of the medicine is absorbed; ask a pharmacist about timing
- Epilepsy medicines such as phenytoin: folic acid can change their effect; ask a doctor
- Blood-thinning medicines: ask a doctor, as vitamin E may change bleeding risk
If someone takes too much
A single extra tablet is unlikely to cause serious problems, but taking too many multivitamins can be dangerous. If someone has taken much more than the label says, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the pack with you.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place in the original strip, away from direct sunlight and moisture and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date. Check the pack for the exact storage instructions.
Regulatory status in India
Sold in India as a multivitamin and multimineral product. The exact ingredients and amounts differ between versions of the brand, so the ingredient list on the pack must be checked against the CDSCO banned list of fixed-dose combinations (s.26A notifications of 2016, 2018 and 2024). This needs the reviewer's confirmation. Whether it is labelled as a medicine or a food supplement must be confirmed from the pack.
Other brands with the same medicine
Multivitamin and multimineral tablets with zinc are sold under many brand names, and different versions of Zincovit may differ in ingredients. Check the ingredient list on the pack and do not switch products without asking a doctor or pharmacist.
Other strengths and forms
Zincovit is sold in several versions, including tablets and liquids, and the ingredients are not the same across them. The strength and contents are printed on the pack, so check the label of the one you have.
Common questions
What is Zincovit used for?
It is a multivitamin and multimineral supplement used to make up for too little of these nutrients in the diet. Most people get enough from a varied diet, so a doctor or pharmacist can say whether you need one.
Is Zincovit a prescription medicine?
This depends on how the pack is labelled, so check the pack for the schedule. A doctor or pharmacist can tell you whether it is suitable and for how long to take it.
Can I take Zincovit every day?
Ask your doctor or pharmacist. Taking it for a short period is different from taking it long term, because large amounts of some nutrients, such as zinc and vitamin B6, can cause problems over time. Do not exceed the amount on the label.
Can I take Zincovit with other vitamins?
Check first. Many supplements share ingredients such as zinc, vitamin E and folic acid, so the amounts add up. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before combining products.
Can I take Zincovit during pregnancy?
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any multivitamin in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. They can tell you whether it is needed and which product suits you.
Does Zincovit replace a healthy diet?
No. Supplements add to the diet and cannot replace the mix of nutrients and fibre in a balanced diet. Follow the label or your doctor's advice.
Sources
- Vitamins and minerals: Others (zinc, copper, selenium, magnesium). NHS (UK)
- B vitamins and folic acid. NHS (UK)
- Vitamin C. NHS (UK)
- Vitamin E. NHS (UK)
- Folic acid: medicine used to keep your baby healthy in pregnancy and to treat folate deficiency anaemia. NHS (UK)