Zinc Side Effects

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

Zinc is an essential trace mineral (meaning small amounts are needed) that plays multiple roles in the human body. People can usually get most or all of the zinc they need from foods such as peanuts, legumes, fish, whole grains, oysters, and dairy foods. Zinc is also a nutritional additive in many foods and can be purchased as a dietary supplement. Zinc is sold in cold lozenges and numerous over-the-counter cold remedies.^[1]

Zinc, a metal, is necessary for a healthy immune system, joint and bone health, blood clotting, thyroid function, wound healing, eyesight, and more. It is considered safe when consumed orally or topically in recommended doses. However, some supplements may cause nausea, diarrhea, unpleasant metallic taste and liver or stomach damage. In large amounts, it can cause fever, exhaustion, pain in the stomach and more. ZInc nasal products are not considered safe, and can cause loss of smell.^[2]

Contents 1 Common Zinc Side Effects 2 About Drug Side Effects 3 Zinc Deficiencies 4 Zinc Allergic Reactions 5 Zinc and the Common Cold 6 Zinc Overview 7 Zinc Precautions and Warnings 8 References

Common Zinc Side Effects

For most people, eating a healthy diet, taking a separate zinc supplement is not necessary, and deficiency is uncommon in the U.S. Side effects depend largely upon the dosage taken. Zinc is safe for adults when used on the skin, or when taken orally in doses no higher than 40 mg a day. Zinc can cause a metallic taste, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or even kidney and stomach problems. Applying zinc to skin can lead to itching, burning, stinging, and tingling. Taking does higher than 40mg per day can be dangerous, potentially leading to coughing, stomach pain, fever, fatigue, and many other issues.^[2]

Zinc deficiency is also marked by by growth retardation in children, lack of appetite, and an impairment of the immune system. A zinc deficiency, in more serious cases, can cause hair loss, delayed sexual maturation, impotence, and eye and skin lesions, loss of weight, Slower wound healing, abnormal tastes, and mental lethargy. Low levels of zinc are associated with male infertility, sickle cell anemia, HIV, major depression, and type 2 diabetes.^[2]

About Drug Side Effects

Zinc Deficiencies

As a trace element, zinc is needed only in very small amounts correct development and good health. People who have zinc deficiencies sometimes have problems with a decreased of smell and taste, night vision, and slower recovery from illnesses and wounds. Among those susceptible to deficiencies in zinc include people with eating disorders, alcoholics, vegetarians, pregnant and lactating women, people with Down's syndrome, high stress levels, or diseases of the liver or kidneys. Other signs of a zinc deficiency are fatigue, diarrhea, and white spots or bands underneath the fingernails.^[3]

Zinc deficiency is marked by growth retardation and diarrhea in children, lack of appetite, and impairment of the immune system. In more serious cases, deficiency can cause hair loss, delayed sexual maturation, impotence, eye and skin lesions, rapid loss of weight, slower healing of wounds, taste abnormalities, and mental lethargy. Low levels of zinc are associated with male infertility, anemia, HIV, clinical depression, and type 2 diabetes.^[2]

Zinc Allergic Reactions

People are not usually allergic to zinc in small amounts; it is always present in the body, as it is an essential nutrient. However, zinc supplements or topical treatments containing zinc may cause reactions in some individuals. Symptoms of severe allergies include cramping, nausea and trouble breathing. In some cases, such allergies may be life-threatening.^[4]

Zinc and the Common Cold

There is some preliminary evidence that zinc may have effects against viruses. Although researchers cannot yet explain the mechanism by which it works, zinc does seem to diminish symptoms of the common cold. There is also some evidence that zinc zinc exhibits antiviral activity against herpes.^[2] One recent study concluded that the use of zinc cold remedies such as lozenges led to a significant reduction in length and severity of cold symptoms.^[5]

Some companies make zinc-based nasal sprays (such as Zicam) to treat cold and flu symptoms. Unfortunately, users reported many cases of loss of smell, sometimes long-lasting or permanent. In 2009, the FDA warned consumers to stop using nasal zinc products due to this risk.^[6]

Zinc Overview

Zinc Precautions and Warnings

Patients who take more than 100 mg daily of a zinc supplement for over 10 years double the chance of developing cancer of the prostate. Taking large amounts of multivitamins - which usually contain zinc - in addition to a separate zinc supplement raises the risk of dying from prostate cancer. Zinc can also affect the way the body absorbs various drugs and nutrients^[2]

Zinc supplements are frequently combined with cadmium. High doses of cadmium over time can lead to kidney failure. Zinc-gluconate supplements are recommended, as these have the least cadmium.^[7]

Also See: Zinc Coupons, Calcium Coupons, GNC Coupons, Vitamin D Coupons, A and D Ointment Coupons, Probiotics Coupons, Probiotics Side Effects

References

1. ↑ http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8} http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/982.html
3. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR602313
4. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/allergy-symptoms-types
5. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18279051?dopt=Abstract
6. ↑ http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm166931.htm
7. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-982-ZINC.aspx?activeIngredientId=982&activeIngredientName=ZINC