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A-HD Elite 500 mg

4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(127 ratings)
Zinc 15 mg
Product Image
Score39
The disclosed zinc is reasonable, but most of the capsule is an unnamed proprietary blend. Missing ingredients and doses make the formula difficult to evaluate or use safely.
How scoring works
Capsule
Quantity:30 Capsule(s) • (30 servings)
Goals:
Skin Health

Score 39

The disclosed zinc is reasonable, but most of the capsule is an unnamed proprietary blend. Missing ingredients and doses make the formula difficult to evaluate or use safely.
How scoring works
$24.00($0.80 per serving)
Vitacost
$ 28.99
iHerb
$ 24.00
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Analysis

The capsule clearly provides 15 mg zinc as zinc aspartate, a reasonable maintenance amount in a usable organic form. Zinc has a direct nutritional role, especially when dietary intake is low.

Most of the formula is a 500 mg proprietary blend with no named components or individual amounts. The hidden blend makes the testosterone and fitness positioning impossible to verify and blocks meaningful safety screening.

The product is more expensive and less transparent than a focused zinc supplement. A clearly dosed mineral cannot compensate for an undisclosed majority of the formula.

Who is it for
  • Adults willing to obtain complete blend details before use
  • Users seeking a 15 mg zinc amount
  • People whose clinician has reviewed the full label
Best for
  • Targeted zinc intake after label review
  • Short-term use only when blend contents are known
  • Users specifically seeking zinc aspartate

Pros

  • Provides a useful zinc maintenance amount
  • Zinc aspartate is a reasonable form
  • Single-capsule serving is convenient

Cons

  • Proprietary blend hides every component
  • Ingredient doses cannot be assessed
  • Allergens and interactions cannot be screened
  • Poor value confidence

Warnings

  • Do not use until every ingredient in the 500 mg proprietary blend is identified
  • Hidden blend contents prevent reliable screening for medication interactions
  • People with allergies cannot confirm suitability from the supplied label

Nutrient quality

47 Lower impact

Zinc aspartate is a reasonable form at a useful maintenance amount. Most of the formula sits inside an undisclosed blend, so dose quality, safety, purpose fit, and padding cannot be judged.

Ingredient transparency

29 Situational impact

The zinc amount is clear. The large proprietary blend hides ingredient identities and doses, while directions and capsule excipients are missing.

Customer satisfaction

61 Moderate impact

The supplied aggregate result is favorable and supported by a modest feedback base. No comment-level evidence is available, so recurring problems and purpose-specific experiences remain unknown.

Value for money

22 Situational impact

The disclosed zinc provides limited dependable value. A high serving cost and opaque main blend make the formula uncompetitive.

Report analysis

Goals

Skin Health
Skin Health
Impact
High effect
B- Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportD+ CoverageD- Formula Quality
Zinc · 15 mg

Zinc supports normal skin repair, immune defense, and inflammatory control, especially when zinc status is low. A single-mineral pathway does not address collagen structure, hydration lipids, or photoprotection.

The 15 mg amount is meaningful, and zinc aspartate is a reasonable organic form. Prolonged use still warrants attention to total zinc and copper balance.

Study evidence
Zinc Supportive 66 studies
Immunity
Immunity
Impact
Moderate effect
B- Goal FitC Strength of SupportD CoverageF Formula Quality
Zinc · 15 mg

A maintenance-level amount of zinc gives the capsule a credible immune-support component. Zinc aspartate is a reasonable organic form and its amount is clearly stated.

The 500 mg A-HD blend conceals all other ingredients and doses, blocking a meaningful assessment of efficacy or synergy. The product is therefore much less transparent than a focused zinc supplement.

Study evidence
Zinc Supportive 73 studies
Testosterone Support
Testosterone Support
Impact
Moderate effect
C+ Goal FitC- Strength of SupportD- CoverageF Formula Quality
Zinc · 15 mg

A solid maintenance zinc dose provides clear foundational relevance. The opaque proprietary blend prevents evaluation of most of the formula.

It can support routine zinc intake but offers no verifiable multi-pathway advantage. Users cannot screen the unnamed blend for allergens, interactions, or duplicate ingredients.

Study evidence
Zinc Disputed 7 studies
Hair Health
Hair Health
Impact
Moderate effect
D+ Goal FitC+ Strength of SupportD- CoverageD- Formula Quality
Zinc · 15 mg

Zinc may support follicle growth when deficiency is present, but the rest of the formula cannot be evaluated. A proprietary blend makes the product poorly aligned with transparent hair support.

The 15 mg zinc aspartate amount is reasonable and clearly listed. Unknown blend ingredients and doses prevent a reliable assessment of effectiveness, interactions, or redundancy.

Study evidence
Zinc Supportive 22 studies
General Health
General Health
Impact
Moderate effect
C Goal FitC Strength of SupportD- CoverageF Formula Quality
Zinc · 15 mg

Zinc aspartate at a maintenance-level amount can support immune and enzyme functions relevant to daily health. Most of the capsule is an undisclosed proprietary blend, so its broader contribution cannot be assessed.

The formula appears oriented toward a niche performance use rather than comprehensive foundational nutrition. Hidden blend contents make it impossible to confirm meaningful doses, complementary logic, or unnecessary duplication.

Study evidence
Zinc Supportive 60 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Zinc (Zinc Aspartate)
 15 mg
A-HD Elite Proprietary Blend
500 mg
Adults 18–50
Report overview
Zinc (Zinc Aspartate) · 15 mg OverallScore73
B+ Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA- Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyF Value

Zinc aspartate is a reasonable organic form delivered in a standard capsule. The maintenance-level amount is clearly listed and presents little concern for copper balance. Value is weak because the cost per serving is high.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
81 Performance

Zinc Picolinate 22 mg

Solgar
A focused and assessable zinc formula avoids the original hormone-active or proprietary-blend complexity. Picolinate offers strong absorption potential at a useful maintenance amount. The focused formula and very low serving cost make it a practical choice without an obvious dosing excess.
81 Performance

Chelated Zinc 30 mg

Swanson
A focused and assessable zinc formula avoids the original hormone-active or proprietary-blend complexity. A branded glycinate chelate offers excellent absorption potential at a substantial amount. The simple capsule is highly economical, though sustained use without copper may impair mineral balance.
80 Performance

Zinc Chelate 30 mg

Nature's Way
A focused and assessable zinc formula avoids the original hormone-active or proprietary-blend complexity. Zinc bisglycinate provides a well-absorbed form at a robust daily amount. The focused capsule is clearly labeled and very inexpensive, but no copper is included.
82 Budget

L-OptiZinc 30 mg

NOW
Lower recurring cost makes this a more economical zinc option than the original while retaining a clearly characterized active profile. Zinc monomethionine provides excellent absorption potential at a substantial amount. A small copper addition is helpful but remains too low to fully balance sustained high zinc use.
82 Budget

Zinc Picolinate 25 mg

Thompson
Lower recurring cost makes this a more economical zinc option than the original while retaining a clearly characterized active profile. Picolinate is a well-absorbed zinc form, and the amount is meaningful without crossing the usual adult upper limit. The simple formula and very low serving cost make it a practical zinc supplement.
82 Budget

Zinc 30 mg

Nature's Life
Lower recurring cost makes this a more economical zinc option than the original while retaining a clearly characterized active profile. Zinc picolinate with copper provides a coherent, economical mineral-balance formula. The zinc amount is substantial, and repeated copper entries make the total less clear than it should be.
90 Value

OptiZinc

Source Naturals
A transparent zinc-focused design provides a stronger quality-to-cost balance than the original complex formula. Zinc methionine provides a well-absorbed chelated form at a robust amount, and added copper offers partial balance. The copper amount is small relative to the zinc, but the formula is safer for sustained use than unbalanced high-dose options.
89 Value

Chelated Zinc 30 mg

Carlson
A transparent zinc-focused design provides a stronger quality-to-cost balance than the original complex formula. Glycinate chelate offers high-quality absorption and tolerance at a robust amount. Zinc glycinate chelate is a highly regarded form for absorption and tolerance.
89 Value

Zinc Picolinate 22 mg

Swanson
A transparent zinc-focused design provides a stronger quality-to-cost balance than the original complex formula. Picolinate provides a well-absorbed form at a practical maintenance amount. Zinc picolinate is a well-regarded form with favorable absorption.
Report alternatives

Sources

Published studies used for the product analysis and the top-ranked studies for each ingredient and goal.

  1. Effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate and zinc chloride mouthwashes in the treatment of oral mucositis and quality of life in patients with cancer under chemotherapy.
    Mohammadi F; Oshvandi K; Kamallan SR; Khazaei S; Ranjbar H; Ahmadi-Motamayel F; Gillespie M; Jenabi E; Vafaei SY · Nursing open · 2022
    Randomized trial144 participantsGeneral Health forZinc
  2. Zinc supplementation in young children with acute diarrhea in India.
    Sazawal S; Black RE; Bhan MK; Bhandari N; Sinha A; Jalla S · The New England journal of medicine · 1995
    Randomized trial937 participantsGeneral Health forZinc
  3. Associations of mortality with ocular disorders and an intervention of high-dose antioxidants and zinc in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study: AREDS Report No. 13.
    Clemons TE; Kurinij N; Sperduto RD; AREDS Research Group · Archives of ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960) · 2004
    Randomized trial4,753 participantsGeneral Health forZinc
  4. Effects of zinc and probiotic co-supplementation on inflammation, gastrointestinal symptoms, quality of life, and mood in irritable bowel syndrome patients.
    Rezazadegan M; Soheilipour M; Amani R · Scientific reports · 2026
    Randomized trial84 participantsGeneral Health forZinc
  5. Effect of zinc sulfate supplementation on premenstrual syndrome and health-related quality of life: Clinical randomized controlled trial.
    Siahbazi S; Behboudi-Gandevani S; Moghaddam-Banaem L; Montazeri A · The journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research · 2018
    Randomized trial142 participantsGeneral Health forZinc
  6. The effects of minoxidil, 1% pyrithione zinc and a combination of both on hair density: a randomized controlled trial.
    Berger RS; Fu JL; Smiles KA; Turner CB; Schnell BM; Werchowski KM; Lammers KM · The British journal of dermatology · 2003
    Randomized trial200 participantsHair Health forZinc
  7. Incubatory environment of the scalp impacts pre-emergent hair to affect post-emergent hair cuticle integrity.
    Schwartz JR; Henry JP; Kerr KM; Flagler MJ; Page SH; Redman-Furey N · Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2018
    Randomized trialHair Health forZinc
  8. A comparison of hair quality and cosmetic acceptance following the use of two anti-dandruff shampoos.
    Draelos ZD; Kenneally DC; Hodges LT; Billhimer W; Copas M; Margraf C · The journal of investigative dermatology. Symposium proceedings · 2006
    Randomized trial40 participantsHair Health forZinc
  9. BMI and levels of zinc, copper in hair, serum and urine of Turkish male patients with androgenetic alopecia.
    Ozturk P; Kurutas E; Ataseven A; Dokur N; Gumusalan Y; Gorur A; Tamer L; Inaloz S · Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS) · 2015
    Case-control study216 participantsHair Health forZinc
  10. Analysis of serum zinc and copper concentrations in hair loss.
    Kil MS; Kim CW; Kim SS · Annals of dermatology · 2013
    Case-control study342 participantsHair Health forZinc
  11. Nutrient supplementation for prevention of viral respiratory tract infections in healthy subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Vlieg-Boerstra B; de Jong N; Meyer R; Agostoni C; De Cosmi V; Grimshaw K; Milani GP; Muraro A; Oude Elberink H; Pali-Schöll I; Roduit C; Sasaki M; Skypala I; Sokolowska M; van Splunter M; Untersmayr E; Venter C; O'Mahony L; Nwaru BI · Allergy · 2022
    Meta-analysis199,055 participants115 studies pooledImmunity forZinc
  12. Zinc supplementation reduces the incidence of acute lower respiratory infections in infants and preschool children: a double-blind, controlled trial.
    Sazawal S; Black RE; Jalla S; Mazumdar S; Sinha A; Bhan MK · Pediatrics · 1998
    Randomized trial609 participantsImmunity forZinc
  13. A randomized controlled trial of zinc supplementation in the treatment of acute respiratory tract infection in Thai children.
    Rerksuppaphol S; Rerksuppaphol L · Pediatric reports · 2020
    Randomized trial64 participantsImmunity forZinc
  14. The effect of zinc and vitamin A supplementation on immune response in an older population.
    Fortes C; Forastiere F; Agabiti N; Fano V; Pacifici R; Virgili F; Piras G; Guidi L; Bartoloni C; Tricerri A; Zuccaro P; Ebrahim S; Perucci CA · Journal of the American Geriatrics Society · 1998
    Randomized trial136 participantsImmunity forZinc
  15. The role of specific nutrients in preventing immune system and blood cell disorders: an umbrella review.
    Vecchietti A; Strano P; Minutolo G; Grieco V; Cappuccio G; Granvillano G; Confalonieri L; Briganti GL; Raso E; Chimienti M; Pellegrini M; Mercogliano M; Spatari G; Lugli C; Urbano T; Lorenzon A · Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene · 2026
    Systematic review13 studies pooledImmunity forZinc
  16. Sex-related differences in response to zinc pyrithione shampoo vs. non-anti-dandruff shampoo.
    Collins LZ; Baines FL; Matheson JR; Turner GA; Diao Y; Li Y; Pi Y · International journal of cosmetic science · 2019
    Meta-analysis2,088 participants20 studies pooledSkin Health forZinc
  17. Maintenance of an Acidic Skin Surface with a Novel Zinc Lactobionate Emollient Preparation Improves Skin Barrier Function in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis.
    Andrew PV; Pinnock A; Poyner A; Brown K; Chittock J; Kay LJ; Cork MJ; Danby SG · Dermatology and therapy · 2024
    Cohort study23 participantsSkin Health forZinc
  18. Spatial expression of metallothionein, matrix metalloproteinase-1 and Ki-67 in human epidermal wounds treated with zinc and determined by quantitative immunohistochemistry: A randomised double-blind trial.
    Ågren MS; Chafranska L; Eriksen JO; Forman JL; Bjerrum MJ; Schjerling P; Larsen HF; Cottarelli E; Jorgensen LN; Gjerdrum LMR · European journal of cell biology · 2021
    Randomized trial30 participantsSkin Health forZinc
  19. A pilot trial using topical regular crystalline insulin vs. aqueous zinc solution for uncomplicated cutaneous wound healing: Impact on quality of life.
    Attia EA; Belal DM; El Samahy MH; El Hamamsy MH · Wound repair and regeneration : official publication of the Wound Healing Society [and] the European Tissue Repair Society · 2014
    Randomized trial90 participantsSkin Health forZinc
  20. Evidence-Based Nutritional Interventions in Wound Care.
    Saeg F; Orazi R; Bowers GM; Janis JE · Plastic and reconstructive surgery · 2021
    Systematic review2,339 participants36 studies pooledSkin Health forZinc
  21. Environmental exposure to metals and male reproductive hormones: circulating testosterone is inversely associated with blood molybdenum.
    Meeker JD; Rossano MG; Protas B; Padmanahban V; Diamond MP; Puscheck E; Daly D; Paneth N; Wirth JJ · Fertility and sterility · 2010
    Cross-sectional study219 participantsTestosterone Support forZinc
  22. Nonpharmacological Interventions for the Management of Testosterone and Sperm Parameters: A Scoping Review.
    Santos HO; Cadegiani FA; Forbes SC · Clinical therapeutics · 2022
    Scoping reviewTestosterone Support forZinc
  23. Zinc is an Essential Element for Male Fertility: A Review of Zn Roles in Men's Health, Germination, Sperm Quality, and Fertilization.
    Fallah A; Mohammad-Hasani A; Colagar AH · Journal of reproduction & infertility · 2020
    Narrative reviewTestosterone Support forZinc
  24. Clinical, endocrinological and biochemical effects of zinc deficiency.
    Prasad AS · Clinics in endocrinology and metabolism · 1986
    Narrative reviewTestosterone Support forZinc
  25. Clinical, endocrinologic, and biochemical effects of zinc deficiency.
    Prasad AS · Special topics in endocrinology and metabolism · 1986
    Narrative reviewTestosterone Support forZinc