Zinc, an essential mineral required in small amounts, is involved in immune function, the creation of DNA and RNA, the senses of taste and smell, cell metabolism, the formation of proteins, healing wounds and producing energy. Consuming too much zinc from supplements may cause adverse effects, including an increased risk for kidney stones.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard deposits of acid and mineral salts that form in the kidneys and urinary tract, causing pain. These stones are more likely to form when your urine is very concentrated, which makes it easier for these deposits to clump together. Certain foods and nutrients can also increase your likelihood of getting kidney stones if you are susceptible to them.
Zinc and Kidney Stones
Men who consumed high levels of zinc were more likely to develop kidney stones than those who consumed lower amounts in a study that involved the use of zinc for macular degeneration, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, high zinc consumption is not one of the more commonly cited risk factors for kidney disease. High zinc levels can increase your risk for urinary tract infections, which can cause struvite stones, one of the less common types of kidney stones.
Preventing Kidney Stones
If you are susceptible to kidney stones, consume plenty of water and avoid calcium supplements, but not calcium from food, to help limit your risk for future kidney stones. If you get uric acid stones, you may want to limit your protein intake, and if you suffer from calcium oxalate stones you may should limit your consumption of foods containing oxalates. Consume a diet low in sugar and salt, and increase your fruit, vegetable and fiber intake. Avoid taking vitamin and mineral supplements in amounts higher than the recommended dietary allowances for these nutrients, and exercise at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
Considerations
Unless you are susceptible, a high intake of zinc or any other nutrient or food linked to kidney stones will not make you develop kidney stones. It is still a good idea to keep your zinc intake between the RDA of 8 milligrams per day for women and 11 milligrams per day for men and the tolerable upper intake limit, which is 40 milligrams per day for adults. Zinc intakes above this level could cause other unpleasant effects, including headaches, diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting and abdominal cramps.
