Zinc is a mineral that supports immune system function, enzyme activity and physical growth and development from conception to adolescence. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, men require 11 mg and women require 8 mg of zinc daily for optimum health. Since zinc is present in many foods, such as fish, meat, beans and dairy products, supplements are seldom needed. Consuming excessive amounts of zinc in supplement form can cause chronic or sudden toxic effects.
Digestive Symptoms
Acute zinc toxicity refers to toxic effects that occur abruptly, usually after taking excessive amounts of zinc in supplement form. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, the upper tolerable amounts of zinc for adults is 40 mg. Taking more than 40 mg can cause acute zinc toxicity. Digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, reduced appetite, abdominal pain or cramping and diarrhea, may occur. You may feel as though you have the stomach flu or food poisoning. The severity of symptoms vary, depending upon your age, weight, overall health and the amount of zinc you ingest. If diarrhea and/or vomiting are severe or long-lasting, you may also experience dehydration.
Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalances
If after consuming excessive zinc in supplement form you experience severe or long-lasting diarrhea and/or vomiting, you may experience dehydration. While mild dehydration may be resolved at home, severe cases and dehydration that occurs in elderly people, small children or others with weak immune systems can cause need for hospitalization. Dehydration can lead to electrolyte imbalances---improper balance of important salts in the body that carry electrical charge. Electrolyte imbalances are associated with fatigue, mental fogginess, heart problems and, in severe cases, death. According to the Mayo Clinic, zinc overdose can also cause dizziness and fainting. Dizziness and fainting may stem from electrolyte imbalances or as a direct consequence of zinc overdose.
Copper Deficiency
Continual zinc overdose can cause low copper status, also called copper deficiency. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, taking 150 to 450 mg of zinc daily is linked with chronic copper deficiency. Copper deficiency causes reduced white blood cell count and increases your risk for infections. Copper deficiency can also cause calcium build-up in the body, which can lead to joint pain and increased risk of developing kidney stones.
Urinary Problems
Excessive zinc intake can also lead to problems in the urinary tract. Though additional research is needed, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements, taking 80 mg of a form of zinc known as zinc oxide has been linked to substantial increases in hospitalizations due to urinary tract problems.
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