Can zinc be harmful? 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.
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.
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.
Zinc is important for many of the body's functions. Immune system: The body needs zinc to fight off infection. People who don't have enough zinc in their body may be at greater risk of pneumonia and other infections. Children and the elderly are at greater risk.
Reduces skin inflammation: Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties and, when used topically, can help reduce inflammation caused by chronic skin diseases (like eczema, rosacea, and acne), according to Jordan Harper MSN, NP-C Founder and CEO of Barefaced.
Adult and teenage males—9 to 12 mg per day. Adult and teenage females—9 mg per day. Pregnant females—15 mg per day. Breast-feeding females—15 mg per day.
Zinc deficiency also affects development of acquired immunity by preventing both the outgrowth and certain functions of T lymphocytes such as activation, Th1 cytokine production, and B lymphocyte help. Likewise, B lymphocyte development and antibody production, particularly immunoglobulin G, is compromised.
“Zinc plays an essential role in the growth and repair of hair tissue along with keeping the oil glands around the follicles operating efficiently,” explained Trista Best, registered dietician with Balance One.
What are the symptoms of zinc deficiency? Zinc deficiency can result in skin changes that look like eczema at first. There may be cracks and a glazed appearance on the skin, often found around the mouth, nappy area and hands. The rash doesn't get better with moisturisers or steroid creams or lotions.
Adults should avoid taking more than 40 mg of zinc each day. If you accidentally take more than this, it's more likely to cause stomach symptoms than any serious health problems. Check with your healthcare provider if you are considering taking zinc supplements.
Chronic (long-term) zinc deficiency can increase production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (chemical messengers in the immune system) and this is implicated in a number of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes.
Zinc is a mineral that's important to the body in many ways. Zinc keeps the immune system strong, helps heal wounds, and supports normal growth. Zinc deficiency occurs frequently in developing countries. Zinc deficiency in the U.S. is rare, because most diets provide more than the recommended dietary allowance.
Researchers have found that zinc-deficient individuals are more vulnerable to infection than those with adequate levels of the mineral and that zinc supplements reduced the frequency of infections.
Adverse effects of high zinc intake include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and headaches. Intakes of 150–450 mg of zinc per day have been associated with such chronic effects as low copper status, altered iron function and reduced immune function.
Zinc provides the energy needed for metabolism, and reduced serum zinc levels debilitate the functional capacity of muscles.
When it comes to your mood, zinc is a key player in making your neurotransmitters, otherwise known as your happy hormones – serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin, our 'feel good' hormone is in charge of keeping you happy, confident and calm.
Including zinc in your diet every day is okay, provided it is within the recommended daily allowance, which is 8 mg for women and 11 mg for adult men. Since zinc is a trace mineral, consumption of an excess amount can cause health problems.
The best source of zinc is oysters, but it's also plentiful in red meat and poultry. Other good sources are beans, nuts, crab, lobster, whole grains, breakfast cereals, and dairy products.
Zinc is a powerful mineral in the fight against acne. Its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and skin healing properties can be a great support to your acne-fighting regimen. Zinc helps but does not completely cure your acne.
Zinc is an important nutrient for the skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties may help people with conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema, and ulcers.
Then there's the anti-aging benefits: zinc is known to encourage the production of collagen fibers and elastin, which can firm skin and boost healing. “Both help support the underlying structure of the skin, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging,” explains Cleeve.
Zinc and other trace elements such as copper and selenium are required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, and deficiency of these can result in hypothyroidism. Conversely, thyroid hormones are essential for the absorption of zinc, and hence hypothyroidism can result in acquired zinc deficiency.
Zinc in human plays an important role in cell mediated immunity and is also an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Zinc supplementation studies in the elderly have shown decreased incidence of infections, decreased oxidative stress, and decreased generation of inflammatory cytokines.