Zinc is an essential mineral that supports immune function, wound healing and physical growth during pregnancy and childhood. Zinc also plays a valuable role in humans' sense of smell and taste. According to the Office Dietary Supplements (ODS), teenagers and adults require approximately 8 to 11 mg of zinc daily for optimum health. While zinc is necessary for wellness, excessive intake, or over 40 mg daily in adults, can cause serious side effects.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting can occur from excessive zinc intake as the body attempts to flush out toxic levels of the mineral. According to the ODS, in a rare case, small amounts of a supplement form of zinc known as zinc gluconate reportedly caused nausea and vomiting shortly after ingestion. More often, large amounts of zinc are needed to induce nausea and vomiting. Zinc attained through food sources, such as beef, chicken and fortified breakfast cereals are unlikely to cause these effects.
Anemia
Anemia is a condition that happens when the body produces too few healthy red blood cells which help carry oxygen throughout the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, people taking zinc gluconate as treatment for acne or other conditions may develop anemia. This type of zinc toxicity, which develops over time, is known as chronic toxicity. Symptoms of anemia may include paleness, extreme tiredness, or lethargy and dizziness. Red blood cells typically return to healthy levels and anemia symptoms tend to dissipate once zinc intake is reduced to normal levels.
Increased Illness Risk
While sufficient zinc intake supports immune system function and is associated with reduced frequency and severity of the common cold and other viruses, excessive zinc intake may trigger the opposite. According to the ODS, even moderately high consumption of zinc, such as 60 mg per day for a period of 6 weeks, has been linked with increased hospitalizations for illnesses and genitourinary conditions--conditions that affect the urinary tract or genital area. In addition, people who work in various industries that involve excessive zinc exposure may acquire heightened risk for certain forms of cancer, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Though higher doses of zinc have proven beneficial in treating various medical conditions, the ODS suggests such intake only under a doctor's guidance.
Drug and Supplement Interactions
As with all dietary supplements, zinc supplements may cause interactions with prescribed and over-the-counter medications as well as natural herbal supplements. According to the ACS, zinc has also been known to suppress the body's ability to absorb and utilize antibiotics, which can make it difficult for a person to recover from various illnesses.
Death
Though rare, death may occur from zinc overdose. Sudden development of zinc toxicity is known as acute toxicity. According to the ACS, at least one death due to sudden kidney failure has resulted within 30 minutes of ingesting an exorbitant amount of zinc.
Member Comments