Zinc Sulfate - ZnSO₄

Zinc sulfate is an inorganic compound with the molecular formula ZnSO4. The nutritional supplement is Zinc Sulfate. It has been traditionally referred to as white vitriol. It is also known as Zincate, Sulfate of Zinc (1:1). This compound is listed on the List of Essential Medicines of the World Health Organization. You should avoid taking this medication with foods high in phosphorus or calcium because it may make it more difficult for your body to absorb it. 

Properties of Zinc Sulfate

• Zinc Sulfate has a white powder look and is odorless. Zinc Sulfate, which is soluble in water, is non-combustible. During decomposition, it releases poisonous gases of zinc oxide and sulfur oxides. It is commonly used in zinc deficiency prevention and treatment.

• Zinc sulfate is an inorganic compound. It is used to treat zinc deficiency and to avoid the disease in those at high risk as a dietary supplement. Excess supplementation side effects can include stomach pain, vomiting, headache, and fatigue. 

• As the already mentioned formula of zinc sulfate ZnSO4. The most popular form, with the formula ZnSO4•7H2O, contains crystallization water as the heptahydrate. "Historically, it was known as "white vitriol". Zinc sulfate and its hydrates are solids that are colorless.

Zinc Sulfate Structure

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Physical Properties of Zinc Sulfate 

Zinc Sulfate Uses

1. It is used in medicine together with oral rehydration therapy (ORT) and astringent therapy.

2. The primary forms used commercially are hydrates, particularly heptahydrate. In the manufacture of rayon, the principal application is as a coagulant. It is also a precursor to lithopone, a pigment. 

3. It is also used as an electrolyte for electroplating zinc, as a dye mordant, and as a skin and leather preservative.

4. Zinc sulfate is used in animal feed, fertilizers, toothpaste, and agricultural sprays. Zinc sulfate can be used to regulate moss growth on roofs, like many zinc compounds. 

5. In the brewing process, zinc sulfate can be used to replace zinc. For optimal yeast health and efficiency, zinc is a necessary nutrient, although it is not a necessary supplement for low-gravity beers, as sufficient zinc is already supplied by the grains widely used in brewing.

6. In practices like when pushing yeast to its limit by increasing the alcohol content outside their comfort zone, it is a more common practice. Zinc was steadily leached by the use of copper kettles before modern stainless steel, brewing kettles, fermenting pots, and after wood. In order to provide trace elements of zinc, a modern copper immersion chiller is speculated; so caution must be taken when adding supplemental zinc so as not to cause excess.

7. It is used as an astringent in eye drops and lotions.

8. It is used to treat acne.

9. You can take zinc sulfate with food if you are suffering from stomach upset.

Zinc and its Doses 

• Infants and Children: 

When taken by mouth properly in the prescribed quantities, zinc is likely Healthy. When used in high concentrations, zinc is likely Dangerous.

• Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding: 

Zinc is likely safe when used in the prescribed daily quantities for most pregnant and breast-feeding women (RDA). Zinc, however, is potentially unsafe when used by breast-feeding women at high doses and likely unsafe when used by pregnant women at high doses. No more than 40 mg of zinc should be taken per day by pregnant women over the age of 18; no more than 34 mg per day should be taken by pregnant women aged 14 to 18 years. No more than 40 mg of zinc per day should be taken by breastfeeding women over the age of 18; no more than 34 mg per day should be taken by breastfeeding women aged 14 to 18.

• Alcoholism: 

Excessive, long-term consumption of alcohol is related to low absorption of zinc in the body. 

• Kidney Disease: 

The risk of having kidney disease rises with low zinc in the diet. People with hemodialysis kidney disease are also at risk for zinc deficiency and may need zinc supplements. 

• Vegetarianism: 

Vegetarian diets are often associated with lower absorption of zinc. This form of diet is also seen as a risk factor for the depletion of zinc. But in the long term, the body adapts. Zinc absorption and zinc loss elimination are getting stronger.

Did You Know?

Zinc sulfate powder is an eye irritant. The ingestion of trace amounts is considered healthy and, as a source of critical zinc, zinc sulfate is added to animal feed at rates of up to several hundred milligrams per kilogram of feed. Acute stomach pain results from excess consumption, with nausea and vomiting appearing at 2-8 mg/Kg of body weight.