Zinc--a trace mineral--enables your immune system to work properly and at its optimum. Zinc aids in cell growth and division, heals wounds, breaks down carbohydrates for energy use and allows your senses--smell and taste--to work properly. Although your body needs zinc, you only need a small amount, hence nutritionists label it as trace mineral. When you overload on zinc, your body will react negatively to it.
Zinc Poison
Overconsumption of zinc can induce great discomfort in your body. After consuming a large amount of zinc supplements in one sitting, you may vomit, develop stomach pain or cramps, have diarrhea, feel nauseated, feel distressed, develop weakness and fatigue within three to 10 hours. According to the National Institutes of Health, one case report describes a patient who developed zinc toxicity symptoms after ingesting 570mg of zinc supplements.
Effects on Body's Biochemistry
The NIH warns that a daily consumption of 150 to 450mg of zinc can induce changes in your body's biochemistry. For example, zinc may interfere with the functions of iron. Your body may also start to lose copper in its tissues, as well as lose high-density lipoproteins, or HDL. Your body needs HDL to get rid of cholesterol in the arteries, which helps prevent heart disease. Your body also needs copper as it plays a role in helping tissues utilize oxygen and iron--the mineral that aids in oxygen transportation. Copper also helps keep your immune system strong, keeps nerves and bones healthy, balances cholesterol levels and enables your body to utilize glucose for energy.
Effects on Body's System
Too much zinc in your body can make you susceptible to infections, and may alter your urinary system. Zinc-containing nasal therapy can make you lose your sense of smell, with a chance of permanent damage.
Medication Interactions
If you are taking antibiotics, leave at least a 2-hour gap between taking the zinc supplement and the antibiotics. Taking both antibiotics and zinc supplements together or separately in a short time interval can prevent your tissues from absorbing both zinc and the antibiotics. In addition, zinc can reduce the absorption and efficacy of penicillamine, the medication for rheumatoid arthritis.
Consult with your health care provider if you plan to take zinc supplements while you are on thiazide diuretics. Taking both zinc supplements and thiazide diuretics can decrease the level of zinc in your tissues to about 60 percent, the NIH cautions.
Tolerable Upper Intake Level
The U.S. Food and Nutrition Board has established a tolerable upper intake level for different age groups. Adults ages 19 and older should not consume more than 40mg of zinc. Pregnant and lactating females should also not consume more than 40mg.
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