Some studies show zinc gluconate supplements are absorbed better than another common form, but other studies find no real difference in zinc levels in people's blood. The results are mixed.

Different types of zinc lozenges release zinc in different amounts when they dissolve in your mouth, and this affects how well they work in studies.

Different zinc lozenges let your body absorb zinc differently. Some, like zinc acetate, let you use all the zinc, while others don't let you use any at all.