Zinc: recommended daily intake
Reference values for zinc across life-stage groups, from NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Zinc.
11mg
men
8mg
women
Adults 19–50.
| Life stage | RDA / AI | UL | EAR | AMDR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infants 0–6 months | 2mg (AI) | 4mg | - | - |
| Infants 7–12 months | 3mg (RDA) | 5mg | - | - |
| Children 1–3 years | 3mg (RDA) | 7mg | 2.5mg | - |
| Children 4–8 years | 5mg (RDA) | 12mg | 4mg | - |
| Males 9–13 years | 8mg (RDA) | 23mg | 7mg | - |
| Females 9–13 years | 8mg (RDA) | 23mg | 7mg | - |
| Males 14–18 years | 11mg (RDA) | 34mg | 8.5mg | - |
| Females 14–18 years | 9mg (RDA) | 34mg | 7.3mg | - |
| Adult males 19–50 | 11mg (RDA) | 40mg | 9.4mg | - |
| Adult females 19–50 | 8mg (RDA) | 40mg | 6.8mg | - |
| Adult males 51+ | 11mg (RDA) | 40mg | 9.4mg | - |
| Adult females 51+ | 8mg (RDA) | 40mg | 6.8mg | - |
| Pregnancy (19–30) | 11mg (RDA) | 40mg | 9.5mg | - |
| Lactation (19–30) | 12mg (RDA) | 40mg | 10.4mg | - |
Source: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Zinc (snapshot 2026-04-30)