Side Effects Of Too Much Zinc

Side Effects Of Too Much Zinc

Zinc is an essential trace element that It must be obtained from food to meet your needs. The adequate intake of zinc supports the immune system, aids in the healing of wounds and is necessary for the synthesis of proteins. Healthy adult men need 11 mg of zinc a day, and healthy adult women need 8 mg. Not taking enough or taking too much zinc can have serious side effects.

Hypogonadism

Insufficient zinc intake in men can lead to hypogonadism, a condition in which men do not produce enough testosterone. Hypogonadism in young men can delay the onset of puberty and affect normal growth and development. In older men, it can lead to erectile dysfunction, infertility, a decrease in muscle mass, decreased bone mass and the development of breast tissue. It can also lead to fatigue, affect your concentration and cause hot flashes.

Delayed growth and development

Insufficient zinc intake can also affect normal growth and development. Breast milk is not a good source of zinc. Older babies, between the ages of 7 to 12 months, who depend on breast milk as their main source of nutrition are at risk of not getting enough zinc in their diets. Babies with zinc deficiency with mild to moderate growth failure can improve growth with supplementation, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.

Lead to copper deficiency

Excess zinc in the diet can lead to a copper deficiency. Daily consumption of 60 mg of zinc can lead to a deficiency in your copper levels. Low levels of copper can lead to anemia, a decrease in body temperature, osteoporosis, low white blood cell counts, irregular heartbeats and thyroid disorders. When supplemented with zinc, doctors recommend the addition of a copper supplement to avoid deficiency, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Acute intoxication

High zinc intake can cause symptoms immediately. A case report indicated severe vomiting and diarrhea within 30 minutes after taking 4 g of zinc gluconate, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Other acute symptoms of zinc poisoning include headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and abdominal pain.

Food Sources

Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods will help make sure you get enough zinc in your diet, but not too much. Good sources of zinc include oysters, beef legs, crab legs, fortified breakfast cereals, cashews and baked beans.

Video Tutorial: Zinc Benefits And Side Effects.

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