Mild zinc deficiency is common, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Taking zinc sulfate or one of the many other forms of supplemental zinc in the amounts necessary for proper functioning – about 8 to 11 mg -- can prevent this. Larger doses may help treat an array of conditions. It is important to remember that even vitamins and minerals can pose various health risks when used in supplement form, particularly when you take them in quantities that far exceed the amounts you require for basic functioning. Talk to your doctor before taking zinc supplements.
Tolerable Upper Intake Levels
Many nutrients have an established safe upper limit; exceeding this dose does not automatically mean you will experience adverse effects, but the likelihood increases as the dose does. The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements reports zinc has a tolerable upper limit of 40 mg. Some conditions might require higher levels. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center reports that several conditions, such as acne, rheumatoid arthritis, macular degeneration and sickle-cell anemia, may require amounts well beyond this safe upper limit. While it is prudent to discuss supplementing with zinc with your doctor regardless, it is particularly important when exceeding this safe upper limit; he needs to monitor you for adverse effects.
Dose Associated with Toxicity
The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center reports that zinc toxicity can occur at doses of at least 100 mg daily. Toxic effects would not likely appear until you have been using the supplement at these high doses long term, such as several weeks or months, but it is possible they can occur at any time. You might also experience toxic effects at lower doses, so do not think it is safe to supplement with more than 40 mg so long as you stay under 100 mg.
Dangers of Zinc Toxicity
Zinc toxicity may cause a variety of symptoms. While your body requires zinc for healthy immune function, too much can actually weaken it. Other negative effects include severe copper deficiency, fatigue, fever, chills and anemia.
Other Considerations
Taking supplements at even seemingly ‘’safe’’ doses can also pose a risk of toxicity if other factors are present that affect your body's level of these substances. In the case of zinc, the diuretic medication amiloride can reduce the amount of this mineral excreted from your body, which means taking zinc supplements could lead to toxic levels. If you have liver or kidney disease, it is always important to talk to your doctor first; doses normally recommended for general use might not apply to you.
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