Your body requires zinc for a range of important purposes, including but not limited to wound healing, fertility, growth, development and protein production. Daily requirements range between 2 and 13 mg, depending on age and gender. The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements reports that an ''overt'' deficiency is rare, but that many might not have optimal stores of this nutrient, such as vegetarians, the elderly and those who suffer from gastrointestinal disorders. The use of certain medications can also decrease zinc levels. Supplementing with zinc might benefit you in these instances or if you suffer from certain health conditions linked to low levels of zinc. If you believe you are not getting enough zinc in your diet or that taking zinc will help address a specific health concern, discuss an appropriate dose with your doctor.
Tolerable Upper Limit
Zinc has an established tolerable upper intake level and consistently exceeding this level increases the risk of suffering adverse side effects associated with supplementing with this nutrient. The treatment of certain health conditions, however, might require long-term higher doses that you should only take under the supervision of your doctor, who can monitor you for adverse effects. The Office of Dietary Supplements reports the upper intake levels as follows: infant up to 6 months: 5 mg; 7 to 12 months: 5 mg; children 1 to 3: 7 mg; children 4 to 8: 12 mg; children 9 to 13: 23 mg; children 14 to 18: 34 mg; anyone 19 and over: 40 mg.
General Purpose Dose
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports research has shown taking zinc long term in doses of 40 mg or less does not appear to pose any significant health risks. This does not necessarily mean you need to take this much. If you want to take zinc supplements simply to ensure adequate stores of this nutrient, the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center suggests a dose that equals the recommended daily allowances. Ultimately, your doctor can suggest the appropriate amount to take.
Doses Studied in Specific Conditions
The University of Michigan Health System reports the following daily doses were used in studies looking at the effects of zinc: acne: 60 to 90 mg; acrodermatitis: 30 to 150 mg; male infertility: 60 mg; night blindness: 15 to 30 mg; wound healing: 30 mg; rosacea: 23 mg three times a day; anorexia: 50 mg; attention-deficit disorder: 15 mg; canker sores: 150 mg; Crohn's disease: 25 to 50 mg; HIV/AIDS support: 45 mg; immune function in the elderly: 45 mg; cirrhosis of the liver: 135 to 215 mg; macular degeneration: 45 mg; peptic ulcer: 25 to 50 mg; skin ulcers: 50 mg; tinnitus: 90 mg; type 2 diabetes: 25 to 50 mg.
Considerations
Using zinc supplements, particularly in larger doses, can deplete copper stores and you often need a supplement to prevent this problem; your doctor can advise you on this issue. Zinc can stimulate the immune system, which would decrease the effectiveness of drugs used to suppress immune activity. The diuretic drug amiloride increases your body's zinc stores; do not supplement with zinc without talking to your doctor first. Take zinc and antibiotics at least a few hours apart from each other to prevent decreased absorption of the drugs.
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