The average recommended daily intake of zinc for adults ranges between 8 and 11 mg, with a tolerable upper intake limit of 40 mg per day, the Office of Dietary Supplements reports. If you ingest more than 40 mg of zinc each day, especially on a recurrent basis, you may be at risk of developing side effects of zinc poisoning.
Upset Stomach and Diarrhea
High levels of zinc in your body may irritate your stomach and digestive tract. As a result, you may experience moderate to severe stomach-related side effects, including nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, MedlinePlus reports. Frequent bowel movement urges may also be accompanied by abdominal pain, cramping or bloating. Additionally, stomach discomfort may contribute to a persistent lack of appetite. If you notice blood in your stools, consult a medical professional for further evaluation and care.
Flu-like Symptoms
Taking large amounts of zinc may cause flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills or body pain. You may also develop a cough, which may lead to throat discomfort. Seek care from a doctor if these zinc poisoning side effects occur as they may also be signs of alternate health issues including infection.
Metallic Taste
An unpleasant metallic taste may develop in your mouth as a side effect of taking too much zinc, the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) explains. Though this oral taste is temporary, it may exacerbate stomach discomfort or appetite loss.
Breathing Difficulties
You may develop difficulty breathing if you develop zinc poisoning, warns MayoClinic.com. Shortness of breath may be more apparent when you attempt to perform your usual physical activities, such as walking up a flight of stairs. If you experience chest pain in conjunction with breathing difficulties, seek emergency medical care. These side effects of zinc poisoning may also be indicative of a heart attack.
Diminished Coordination
Poor muscle coordination may occur when the levels of zinc in your body are too high, the UMMC reports. Diminished coordination may affect your ability to move about normally without assistance. Consult a medical professional as soon as possible if such side effects emerge.
Anemia
Elevated zinc levels may disrupt the normal levels of iron in your body. Consequently, you may develop unusually low levels of iron in your blood, a condition referred to as anemia, UMMC warns. If you develop anemia due to zinc poisoning, you may experience extreme fatigue, weakness or headaches, or you may notice that your skin appears pale. Talk with a doctor about these symptoms to ensure you receive appropriate treatment and care.
Jaundice
Excessive levels of zinc in your body may cause damage to your liver. If you sustain liver damage, you may notice that your skin or the whites of your eyes appear unusually yellow, a condition referred to as jaundice. If you develop jaundice, consult your physician as soon as possible.
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