Zinc is one of the most common trace minerals in your body. It is an essential mineral that you must obtain from your diet or supplements, since your body cannot manufacture this nutrient. Zinc plays an important role in supporting the proper function of many body systems, although large amounts of zinc can be dangerous to your health.
Zinc
Zinc exists in all the cells of your body and in all foods. It is present in the soil, as well as in the air that you breathe and the water that you drink. As a nutrient, zinc supports the health of your vision, reproductive system and immune system. It also plays a role in the function of your thyroid and the production of insulin. A type of antioxidant, zinc helps protect your cells from free radicals that may contribute to aging and certain health conditions. The recommended amount of zinc for adults is 8 to 11 milligrams per day, a level most people can obtain from dietary sources. Too much zinc can deplete the level of copper in your body by preventing the absorption of this mineral.
Copper Depletion
Insufficient amounts of copper can be detrimental to your health. A copper deficiency can result from taking more than 50 milligrams of zinc every day for an extended length of time. An inadequate amount of copper in your body can cause a type of anemia that fails to respond to iron therapy. Other symptoms of a deficiency include osteoporosis and impaired growth. In order to ward off a copper deficiency, doctors often recommend that patients taking zinc supplements also take 2 milligrams of copper per day.
Toxicity
Zinc toxicity may occur from environmental exposure to this mineral, as well as from taking too much supplemental zinc. Ingesting water that contains high levels of zinc, as well as working in certain fields that involve the handling of linoleum, batteries, galvanized metals, rubber and pain, can increase your risk of zinc toxicity, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
Symptoms
In addition to lowering the level of copper in your body, high levels of zinc may cause certain side effects, such as low blood pressure, burning sensations, fever, cough, rash and vomiting. You may also experience convulsions, shortness of breath and shock. Seek immediate medical help if you think you have been exposed to toxic levels of zinc.
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