Zinc belongs to the category of essential trace elements, meaning your body needs minute quantities of zinc to stay healthy. Zinc is found in many health supplements and also in many industrial compounds, such as paint, wood preservatives, dyes and rust prevention coatings. Because the body needs only tiny amounts of zinc, exposure to high levels of zinc can result in zinc poisoning, a potentially harmful condition. Like any health supplement, consult your doctor before taking zinc.
Blood Pressure
Zinc poisoning resulting from exposure to high levels of zinc can cause a variety of adverse health reactions. One possible symptom of zinc poisoning is an large drop in blood pressure, according to MedlinePlus. Although low blood pressure is often thought of as beneficial, when blood pressure drops too low, blood may not circulate fast enough to provide the body with sufficient oxygen. Extreme drops in blood pressure can cause dizziness, light-headedness and fainting.
Immediate Symptoms
Ingesting a large dose of zinc, such as 225 to 450 mg, often causes rapid symptoms within 30 minutes, including nausea, appetite loss, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, reports the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Headaches and an unusual metallic taste in the mouth may also occur.
Severe Symptoms
Zinc poisoning can cause several other symptoms, such as chills, generalized pain and burning sensations, cough, fever, loss of muscle coordination, profuse sweating and halted urine production. Left untreated, prolonged zinc poisoning can cause severe, life-threatening symptoms, including hallucinations, difficulty breathing, shock and convulsions. Chronic exposure can also lead to anemia and unhealthy effects on cholesterol levels.
Causes of Poisoning
Daily doses of zinc supplements smaller 40 mg are unlikely to cause severe side effects, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health. The severe symptoms associated with zinc poisoning usually only occur through exposure to high levels of zinc in industrial compounds, explains MedlinePlus. Exposure to zinc fumes in industrial settings may also cause severe symptoms.
