Zinc is a trace mineral that is necessary for the health and well-being of the human body. However, like many nutrients, zinc can have detrimental effects on the body if it is taken in large doses. Excessive zinc intake can result in zinc toxicity, which can affect the body in a variety of ways.
Functions
Zinc an essential trace mineral for all forms of life. Zinc plays important roles in many of the body's systems and functions, such as growth and development, immune response, reproduction and neurological function. Zinc is vital to the functions of approximately 100 enzymes in the body, and it plays an essential role in the structure of cell membranes and a number of proteins. Zinc aids in the regulation of gene expression and hormone release, as well as assisting in nerve impulse transmission and cell signaling.
Recommended Daily Intake
Recommended daily intake of zinc varies, according to age and gender. Infants from birth to 6 months of age require 2 mg of zinc daily, while children from 7 months to 3 years old need 3 mg per day. Children 4 to 8 years old require 5 mg of zinc daily and those ranging from 9 years old to 13 need 8 mg. During the teen years, recommendations for zinc intake begin to vary by gender, with males between 14 and 18 years of age requiring 11 mg of zinc per day, while their female counterparts need just 9 mg daily, except during pregnancy, which increases the requirements to 12 mg per day, or breastfeeding, which boosts recommended daily intake to 13 mg for females in this age group. Adult males 19 years of age or older require 11 mg of zinc daily, while females in the same age group require 8 mg. Again, pregnancy or lactation increase daily zinc requirements for females, with 11 mg of zinc daily recommended during pregnancy and 12 mg necessary during breast feeding.
Acute Zinc Toxicity
Acute zinc toxicity can occur with the ingestion of a high dose of zinc. This condition can be dangerous to health, even life-threatening in some cases. Most often, however, zinc exposure at concentrations capable of causing acute toxicity are due to extraordinary circumstances, such as food or drink that has been contaminated with zinc released from galvanized containers, rather than overdose from dietary sources or supplements. Symptoms of acute zinc toxicity include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting; those symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional immediately. According to Linus Pauling Micronutrient Information Center, doses of 225 to 450 mg of zinc will usually induce vomiting, while milder abdominal distress is often reported at doses of 50 to 150 mg.
Chronic Zinc Toxicity
Chronic zinc toxicity is the result of taking too much zinc daily over an extended period of time. The most common symptom of chronic zinc toxicity is copper deficiency, which can eventually lead to anemia. High levels of zinc can hamper the ability of the intestine to absorb copper and other nutrients, such as iron and magnesium. According to the National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements, dosages of 150 to 450 mg of zinc daily have been associated with low copper status, altered iron function and reduced immune function.
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