Zinc is a nutrient found in eggs, pork, beef, seafood, fortified grains, sunflower seeds and nuts. The mineral is important for the building of genetic material, producing energy, regulating your immune system and senses of smell and taste, according to the American Cancer Society, or ACS. Zinc is available as a nutritional supplement for those who may be deficient. Taking too much zinc can cause some unpleasant and potentially dangerous side effects.
Abdominal Distress
Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can all be signs of a zinc overdose, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Very large doses of zinc, from 200 to upward of 450 mg, almost certainly cause vomiting, as an indicator of toxicity and to help your body rid itself of the mineral. Smaller amounts of zinc, under 150 mg daily, might cause minor gastrointestinal discomfort. The recommended daily intake of zinc required for normal bodily function ranges from 2 mg for infants to 12 mg for lactating women. Most adults only need 8 mg of zinc every day.
Compromised Immune System
Zinc is often promoted as a natural healing agent for the simple cold virus and wound care. The American Cancer Society explains that the nutrient can protect against certain types of cancers and improves allergy and asthma symptoms. Ironically, taking too much zinc can actually harm your immune system. The ACS notes that doses between 150 and 450 mg daily can lead to compromised immune function and can be a contributing factor to prostate cancer in some men. People who have recently been in good health and start to notice frequent illness should speak to their doctors about their diet and zinc intake to determine if an overdose plays a role in the decline in health.
Mineral Deficiencies
The symptoms of iron and copper deficiencies can be signs of a zinc overdose, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Anemia is a side effect of having higher-than-normal levels of zinc in your body; extreme fatigue, paleness of your skin, headaches and heart arrhythmia can all be symptoms of anemia. Doses upward of 50 mg daily of zinc can interfere with your body's ability to absorb copper, another trace mineral essential to health. Symptoms of copper deficiency brought on by zinc overdose can include low white blood cell count and an increased risk of infection, as well as osteoporosis.
Zinc Oxide Overdose Symptoms
Zinc oxide is a component of many wound-care salves and ointments, including diaper rash creams. The National Institutes of Health's Medline service states that accidentally ingesting products with high levels of zinc oxide can provide overdose symptoms including fever, chills and jaundice. The Linus Pauling Institute adds that inhaling zinc oxide-based skin care products can manifest itself through breathing difficulties.
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