Zinc Overdose Symptoms
Zinc is a mineral your body needs to complete a variety of processes. You can get zinc either from the foods you eat or from a daily supplement. Even though your body needs an adequate level of zinc to function properly, consuming too high a level of zinc can have serious side effects. An overdose of zinc can cause short-term symptoms and long-term damage to your body processes.
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Features
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Zinc plays a role in building your DNA and RNA. Zinc also aides in the healing of wounds and is need for tasting and smelling. Keeping a normal level of zinc will help protect your from illness because zinc helps regulate your immune system. Zinc is found in seafood, lean beef and pork, nuts, eggs, cheese, poultry and soybeans. You can also get zinc from a daily over-the-counter mineral supplement. Zinc is often added to over-the-counter cold medications.
Acute Overdose
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An overdose from a single large does of zinc can cause symptoms within 30 minutes. An acute overdose can cause severe nausea, vomiting, headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. These symptoms may improve without medical assistance, but seeking medical attention is advised to ensure that no long-term damage has been done.
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Chronic Overdose
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A chronic overdose occurs when you consume slightly high doses of zinc on a regular basis for too long. Symptoms of a chronic overdose include a weakened immune system. If your immune system is weakened, your risk of urinary tract problem including infections is increased. Chronic overdose can lead to anemia, low levels of good cholesterol and a reduced ability to absorb antibiotics and other minerals like iron.
Size
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Recommended Daily Allowance of zinc for adult males is 11 mg and 8 mg for adult females. This is the minimum amount you would need to get from food or supplements to ensure that your body has enough zinc. According to the National Institutes of Health, adults should not get more than 40 mg of zinc a day from food or supplements. Higher levels of zinc may lead to acute and chronic overdoses.
Considerations
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Pregnant or breast feeding women should consult a doctor before taking a zinc supplement. If you have a high zinc level you can pass it on to your baby and cause toxicity. A low level of zinc is also dangerous as zinc is needed for DNA and RNA development. Consult your doctor before you begin a zinc regimen to ensure that your dosing is right for you.
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