Zinc Picolinate vs. Citrate for Leydig Cells

Role in Steroidogenesis

Zinc is not merely a "health mineral"; it is a rate-limiting cofactor for the enzyme 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD), which converts androstenedione into testosterone within the Leydig cells of the testes. Zinc deficiency leads to a direct cessation of this conversion process.

The Absorption Problem

Zinc is notoriously difficult to absorb due to phytates in food blocking uptake. Supplement form matters immensely.

• Zinc Oxide: < 4% bioavailability. Essentially insoluble trash.
• Zinc Citrate: ~25-30% bioavailability. Acceptable baseline.
• Zinc Picolinate: > 50% bioavailability. Picolinic acid is a natural chelator produced by the pancreas that facilitates transport across the intestinal membrane.