Zinc is a naturally occurring mineral that is intricately involved in maintaining the normal functions of the human body. This compound is available as a dietary supplement and has been shown to alleviate symptoms of a variety of medical conditions, including malnutrition, gastric ulcers, sickle cell anemia and acne, reports Medline Plus, a medical information website established by the National Institutes of Health. The safety and effectiveness of zinc have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and care should be taken when using this supplement. Talk with your doctor about the potential adverse side effects of zinc before beginning treatment.
Stomach Upset
Adverse side effects associated with zinc supplement usage are typically minor. After taking a dose of zinc, you can develop symptoms of an upset stomach, warn health officials at Medline Plus. These adverse side effects can include heartburn, indigestion, nausea or abdominal cramping. Stomach upset symptoms are more likely to occur after taking a large dose of zinc. Eating a small snack or meal can help limit the occurrence of these stomach-related effects in some patients. Excessively high concentrations of zinc within the body (overdose) can cause vomiting to occur in certain patients and require immediate medical attention.
Flu-like Symptoms
Flu-like symptoms can develop as adverse side effects of zinc usage. You can experience a fever, which may occur in conjunction with chills, sore throat, weakness or fatigue, explain doctors at The Mayo Clinic. These adverse side effects of zinc are typically mild and may progressively subside with continued use of this supplement. If you develop flu-like symptoms, contact your doctor, as these effects can be indicative of an alternate medical problem.
Unpleasant Taste
After taking a dose of zinc, you can develop an unpleasant metallic taste in your mouth. Certain patients also experience taste distortion, reports Medline Plus, which can cause food and beverages to taste different or unusual. These adverse side effects may recur each time you take a dose of zinc, but typically subside within a few minutes or hours following treatment.
Overdose
High levels of zinc within the body due to overdose can cause severe adverse side effects in certain people, warn Mayo Clinic doctors. Seek emergency medical care if you experience chest pain, dizziness, breathing difficulties, vomiting or abnormal yellowing of the skin (jaundice) while taking zinc supplements. Without treatment, a zinc overdose can cause organ damage or failure, which can be life-threatening.
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