NutriStack
Lithium and Zinc, a caution.
Zinc and lithium have minor interactions related to shared transport mechanisms and effects on thyroid function. While the interaction is not well-characterized, both affect thyroid hormone metabolism and monitoring is prudent.
One pair, every claim cited. The two substances, the type, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
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From the interaction database
What the row says.
Every entry follows the same shape: what is happening, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
At a glance
- Pair type
- Caution
- Evidence (highest tier)
- Insufficient
- Source citations
- 4 sources
- Stack Score effect
- −5 to your Stack Score (per scored caution row).
- Scope
- Supplement × Prescription
- Last verified
- May 30, 2026
Caution · Insufficient evidence
Caution
What is happening. Zinc and lithium have minor interactions related to shared transport mechanisms and effects on thyroid function. While the interaction is not well-characterized, both affect thyroid hormone metabolism and monitoring is prudent.
Mechanism. Both zinc and lithium affect thyroid function through different mechanisms. Lithium inhibits thyroid hormone release, while zinc is required for thyroid hormone synthesis. Changes in zinc status may theoretically affect the thyroid impact of lithium therapy.
Recommendation. The interaction is minor, but inform your prescriber if supplementing with zinc while on lithium. Continue routine lithium and thyroid monitoring as prescribed.
Sources (4)
- Kibirige D et al. Thyroid dysfunction among patients on lithium therapy. Afr Health Sci. 2013;13(4):1048-1055. PMID 24940333
- Hsu TJ, Hsieh RH, Huang CH et al.. Efficacy of Zinc Supplementation in the Management of Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.. Nutrients. 2024. PMID 39683510
- Ali AA, Naqvi SK, Hasnain Z et al.. Zinc supplementation for acute and persistent watery diarrhoea in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.. Journal of Global Health. 2024. PMID 39641338
- Oh C, Keats EC, Bhutta ZA. Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation During Pregnancy on Maternal, Birth, Child Health and Development Outcomes in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.. Nutrients. 2020. PMID 32075071
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both Lithium and Zinc are in the same stack, this pair applies −5 to your Stack Score (per scored caution row).
The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are documented at /methodology/stack-score.
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