Zinc is essential for many bodily processes. Most people obtain enough zinc through diet, but people at risk of deficiency might need supplements. Zinc picolinate is a type of zinc supplement, containing zinc combined with the chemical compound picolinic acid. Some research, such as a study published in the June 1987 issue of "Agents and Actions," indicates the body absorbs this combination better than other types of zinc supplements. Consult a qualified health care provider before taking zinc supplements, as overuse can be dangerous.
Decreased Copper Absorption
As with any zinc supplement, long-term intake of large amounts of zinc picolinate can interfere with copper absorption, according to the Linus Pauling Institute, or LPI, at Oregon State University. This can occur with total zinc intake of 60 mg per day, including 10 mg from food and 50 mg from supplements. Although pregnant women are at risk of zinc deficiency, a pregnant or breastfeeding woman should only take zinc supplements if her doctor recommends doing so, because high zinc intake can cause copper deficiency in the baby. To prevent copper deficiency, the U.S. Food and Nutrition Board has set the tolerable upper level, or UL, of zinc intake for adults at 40 mg per day.
Medication Interactions
In addition to interfering with mineral absorption, zinc picolinate can interfere with medication absorption. Zinc particularly affects tetracycline and fluoroquinolone types of antibiotics, explains the U.S. National Institutes of Health at its MedlinePlus website. This can reduce the effectiveness of these drugs. Take zinc supplements at least two hours before or after taking these medications.
Another medicinal interaction involves insulin. Zinc may improve insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity, so people taking medications to regulate blood sugar must be cautious about using zinc supplements. The combination could cause low blood sugar.
Acute Overdose
A zinc picolinate overdose can cause toxicity with dangerous effects. A single dose of 225 mg or more of any type of zinc supplement typically causes vomiting, according to the LPI. Other reactions to an excessively-high zinc dosage can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, weakened immune system, intestinal bleeding, liver inflammation and kidney failure.
Long-Term Overdose
An individual also can overdose on zinc by taking too much over a long time frame, explains the American Cancer Society. Taking 150 mg or more per day on a regular basis is associated with urinary tract infections and disorders, anemia, poor immune function and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, known as good cholesterol.
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