Zinc overdose symptoms Diarrhea and muscle cramps are also possible.
Yes, too much zinc can be harmful. Signs of too much zinc include nausea, dizziness, headaches, upset stomach, vomiting, and loss of appetite. If you take too much zinc for a long time, you could have problems such as lower immunity, low levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol, and low copper levels.
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), an excessive intake of zinc can cause zinc toxicity. This toxicity can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and, when chronic, may also disrupt the balance of other chemicals in the body, including copper and iron.
Homeopathy's Link to Zinc
Zincum metallicum is a homeopathic dilution of zinc. As an over-the-counter medicine, it relieves painful leg cramps as well as fidgety, restless legs, especially after drinking wine or spirits.
Copper levels can drop when taking zinc, which can can cause symptoms such as muscle spasms and difficulty walking. Supplemental zinc might interfere with and lower the effectiveness of other medications. Consult your doctor before taking zinc supplements to help ensure the benefits outweigh the risks.
Specifically, in skeletal muscle, zinc has been found to affect myogenesis and muscle regeneration due to its effects on muscle cell activation, proliferation and differentiation.
Epidermal, gastrointestinal, central nervous, immune, skeletal, and reproductive systems are the organs most affected clinically by zinc deficiency. Clinical diagnosis of marginal Zn deficiency in humans remains problematic.
Be careful! Excess zinc intake can lead to a copper deficiency which can cause neurological problems, including numbness and weakness in the arms and legs. Zinc is a trace mineral, meaning that we only need small amounts of it to support our health.
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—Zinc supplementation may exacerbate rheumatoid arthritis (RA), new laboratory data suggest.
What should I do if I've taken too much zinc? If you are concerned that you or a loved one has taken too much zinc, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. You can also contact your healthcare provider, or go to the nearest emergency care center if you're having symptoms.
Too little potassium, calcium or magnesium in the diet can cause leg cramps. Medicines often prescribed for high blood pressure can cause increased urination, which may drain the body of these minerals.
Stretching and massaging the muscle may ease the pain during a cramp, although most cramps go away without you doing anything. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help to ease muscle soreness after a cramp, but they will not help when it's happening as they take too long to work.
Another hypothesis is that zinc has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions in the uterus. Improvement in micro-vessel circulation by zinc may help prevent cramping and pain.
Immunosuppressant medications -- Since zinc may make the immune system stronger, it should not be taken with corticosteroids (such a prednisone), cyclosporine, or other medications intended to suppress the immune system.
A potential cause of leg cramps is a vitamin deficiency, though research into this is ongoing. Vitamins B1, B12, and D may help relieve them, along with potassium and magnesium.
Your body doesn't need a large amount of zinc. The recommended daily allowance for adults is 8 - 11 mg. It's common to have slightly low levels of zinc, but taking a multivitamin, plus eating a healthy diet, should give you all the zinc you need.
Too much vitamin C or zinc could cause nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Too much selenium could lead to hair loss, gastrointestinal upset, fatigue, and mild nerve damage.
Zinc is a mineral that is essential for many of the body's normal functions and systems, including the immune system, wound healing, blood clotting, thyroid function, and the senses of taste and smell. Zinc also supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood and adolescence.
Too much vitamin D can lead to excess calcium in the blood stream. Symptoms include muscle pain or weakness as well as loss of appetite, dehydration, digestive upset and fatigue.
Magnesium Plus Zinc is a high-quality magnesium supplement that also contains zinc, which has been shown to be effective in reducing leg cramps.
Essentially, zinc has the opposite effect to calcium on blood flow and pressure. Interestingly, we found that blood vessels in the brain and the heart were more sensitive to zinc than blood vessels in other areas of the body – an observation that warrants further research.
Eating or drinking too much zinc in a short period of time can lead to adverse health effects, such as stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting. Eating large amounts of zinc for longer periods may cause anemia, nervous system disorders, damage to the pancreas and lowered levels of “good” cholesterol.