Minerals important to your health include calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc. You can get zinc from your diet. It is also available as a dietary supplement in several forms, including zinc gluconate. Zinc gluconate is used to prevent and treat zinc deficiency. Though your body needs zinc, too much zinc can have adverse health effects. It is important to consult your doctor before taking zinc gluconate.
Function
Zinc is called a trace mineral because your body only requires a small amount. The recommended daily allowance is 8 mg to 11 mg if you are an adult. However, therapeutic doses range from 30 mg to 60 mg if you are male and 30 mg to 45 mg if you are female, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Zinc helps your body repair tissues, reproduce cells and is the second most common trace mineral in your body.
Sources and Deficiency
Your body is capable of absorbing up to 40 percent of the zinc in your diet. However, zinc from animal sources is more readily absorbed than plant sources, says the UMMC. The richest sources of zinc include red meats, poultry, cheese and shellfish. You may experience poor sense of smell, appetite loss, hair loss and weight loss if you are zinc deficient. Zinc deficiency can also cause wounds to heal slowly, depression, acne and poor growth.
Overdose
Too much zinc in any form can cause copper deficiency. Doses between 150 mg to 450 mg have been shown to reduce copper, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. It can also weaken your immune system and lower high-density lipoprotein which is a good form of cholesterol. Too much zinc can be toxic to your body. Zinc overdose can cause hallucinations, low red blood cells, loss of muscle coordination, sweating, vomiting and diarrhea. Levels of 4 g have been shown to cause severe vomiting within 30 minutes of ingestion, says the NIH. It is important to follow your doctor's recommended dose guidelines in order to prevent an overdose. Seek immediate medical attention in the event of an accidental overdose.
Precautions
Even at recommended doses, zinc gluconate has the capacity to cause side effects and interact with your medications. Common side effects include nausea and stomach upset. You may also experience a metallic taste in your mouth. Zinc gluconate can interact with medications including antibiotics, blood pressure medication and immune suppressant medication. Consult your doctor first if you are currently prescribed medication.
Member Comments