Zinc is an essential trace mineral for a healthy body. This metal is necessary for a properly working immune system and is an important factor in cell division and growth, healing and in breaking down carbohydrates. Zinc also helps your sense of smell and taste. Like all things, however, in excess, zinc can pose a variety of health risks and complications. You can use some physical and visual indicators to test for an excess of zinc in your diet. If symptoms become persistent or troublesome, you should immediately contact your physician for treatment.
Step 1
Stop taking any zinc supplements or vitamins containing zinc if you experience nausea, vomiting, headaches, abdominal cramps or a general loss of appetite. Ideally, adults over the age of 19 should not exceed 40 mg of this mineral a day.
Step 2
Calculate how much zinc you've consumed by looking at the nutritional information on any purchased supplements or vitamins. It is unlikely to overdose on zinc from food alone. At 150 to 450 mg of zinc per day, you can exhibit chronic effects, such as altered iron function, lowered immunity and even a decrease in high-density lipoprotein, which can put you at risk of heart disease.
Step 3
Stop any topical applications of zinc-containing creams, lotions and cosmetics. Zinc oxide is a common ingredient in topical medications and lotions to quell itching, protect the skin from sunburn and UV rays, and increase the shelf life of cosmetics. Overdose symptoms include chills, yellowing of the eyes and skin, fever, mouth and throat irritation, stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting. A 2008 study published in the journal "Neurology" found that you could overdose on zinc from denture cream, leading to neurological damage.
Step 4
Allow your body to cleanse itself of excess zinc. If you have mild symptoms, refrain from consuming any zinc-containing foods, such as most meats, peanuts and legumes, as well as supplements and vitamins. Generally, your body will flush away the excess within a couple of days.
Step 5
Visit your physician for a blood, fecal, urine or hair test, which will measure for short-term or long-term zinc exposure. These tests aren't routine and are only necessary for individuals exposed to environmental zinc from mining, steel production, coal burning or metal smelting.
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