Minerals such as zinc, magnesium and iron are not just metals used outside your body -- they are also found inside your body. Zinc is required for a number of body functions, because it acts as a catalyst for chemical reactions. A zinc deficiency can have a number of harmful side effects, ranging from lost neurological function to increased cell damage. However, an excess of zinc in the body is also associated with side effects. These may involve symptoms of stomach upset, such as gas and diarrhea.
Levels
The recommended dietary allowance for zinc is 11 mg per day for males and 8 mg for females ages 19 and older. You can obtain zinc by eating beef, which has 3 mg per serving, or yogurt and fruit, which has about 1.8 mg per serving. Other zinc sources include chicken, cheddar cheese, milk, almonds, baked beans and chickpeas. The tolerable upper intake for zinc is 40 mg per day. This means if you consume more zinc than this, you are likely to experience adverse side effects.
Symptoms
Taking a zinc supplement of between 50 and 150 mg is associated with mild stomach symptoms, such as gas. However, zinc can affect people in different ways. If your zinc sensitivity is severe, you may experience severe effects. Examples include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Taking a zinc supplement of between 225 and 450 mg at one time likely will cause you to vomit. In addition to ingesting zinc, you also can inhale excess amounts of zinc through fumes smelled from zinc-galvanized containers or other metal preparations. Nausea, diarrhea, gas and upset stomach -- along with sweating and muscle weakness -- may result.
Supplements and Medications
Upset stomach symptoms such as nausea and vomiting are associated with several types of zinc supplements that include zinc sulfate, zincate and zinc acetate. While this does not mean you will experience stomach-related problems when taking such medications, it does mean common side effects may persist while you are taking these supplements. Zinc also can interact negatively with several medications, including antibiotics and diuretics.
Treatment Options
If you experience zinc-related gas or diarrhea, your physician will likely recommend ceasing or reducing zinc supplements to lessen your symptoms. Because chronic exposure to excess zinc can affect your body's ability to use other minerals like copper and lessen your immune system's effectiveness, it is important to talk to your physician about the appropriate zinc dosage based on your health needs.
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