Zinc is an essential mineral for human health and plays many important roles in the body. It's found naturally in a variety of foods, but it can also be taken as a supplement. When choosing zinc supplements, it's important to know which form is best absorbed by the body so that you get the most out of your supplement regimen. Studies have shown that certain forms of zinc are better absorbed than others. The two most common forms of zinc used in supplements are zinc gluconate and zinc citrate; both forms have been found to be highly bioavailable when taken orally. Zinc gluconate has been shown to have higher absorption rates than other forms such as oxide or sulfate, making it one of the most popular choices among supplement makers. Additionally, studies suggest that taking multiple smaller doses throughout the day may improve absorption compared with large single-dose supplementation regimens. Ultimately, research suggests that both zinc gluconate and citrate offer good levels of bioavailability when taken properly — meaning they should provide adequate amounts of this essential nutrient even if consumed on their own rather than as part of a multivitamin/mineral formula.