Zinc is a crucial mineral needed in tiny amounts by the human body. Zinc plays an important role in many biochemical reactions throughout the body, and maintaining proper levels of zinc is vital for good health. Although health supplements containing zinc are generally safe and well-tolerated, taking too much zinc can lead to zinc poisoning, resulting in possibly serious symptoms. Like any health supplement, consult your doctor before taking zinc supplements.
Zinc and Gastritis
Although zinc poisoning can cause many gastrointestinal symptoms, inflammation of the stomach, also known as gastritis, is not a commonly reported symptom. In fact, maintaining adequate zinc intake may help prevent gastritis and other stomach conditions, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Studies have found that most cases of chronic gastritis do not involve alterations in zinc levels in the stomach, according to a study published in the June 2010 issue of the medical journal "Collegium Antropologicum."
Acute Symptoms
An overdose of zinc can result in a condition called zinc poisoning or zinc toxicity. The symptoms of a single, large dose of zinc, which is called acute toxicity, mainly affect the gastrointestinal system. Early symptoms include nausea, appetite loss, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain or cramps, reports the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Headaches, fatigue and lethargy may also result from acute toxicity.
Long-term Effects
Long-term consumption of excess zinc often disrupts the balance of copper and iron in the body, leading to copper deficiency and anemia. Excess zinc can also impact the function of white blood cells, which can negatively affect the immune and result in more infections and diseases, according to an article published in the February 1990 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." Lowered levels of high-density lipoprotein, also known as HDL or "good" cholesterol, have also been reported from long-term zinc poisoning.
Dosing
Acute zinc poisoning can result from a single dose ranging from 225 to 450 mg, says the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Smaller doses of 50 to 150 mg per day may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Doses as low as 60 mg per day have been known to induce copper deficiency. The tolerable upper intake for zinc established by the Institute of Medicine is 40 mg per day for all adults over the age of 18 years. Younger children have lower limits, down to 4 mg per day for infants.
References
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Zinc Toxicity; G.J. Fosmire; February 1990
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Zinc
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University; Zinc; Jane Higdon et al.; February 2008
- "Collegium Antropologicum"; Role of Zinc in Chronic Gastritis; K. Marjanovic et al.; June 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gastritits
