What is zinc good for?
The bottom line
Zinc is a natural mineral found in food. It has recently gained popularity as an immune supplement for COVID-19 but has also been explored as a preventative or therapeutic option for acne and colds. Zinc is generally safe and can typically be taken while pregnant or breastfeeding, but it can be toxic in high amounts. In addition, zinc can interact with some medications.
Prevention Tips
Store zinc supplements out of reach of young children and pets.
Always consult your primary care provider and pharmacist before starting a zinc supplement.
Consider increasing your zinc intake in your diet by eating foods high in zinc, including red meat, fish, seafood, and whole grains.
This Really Happened
A 2-year-old boy ate an unknown number of 50 mg zinc gluconate tablets. He was not having any side effects when his mother called their poison center. The poison center advised the mother to give her son a snack and something to drink and to watch for potential side effects, such as mild nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. The mother called the poison center back 5 hours later. She reported that she gave her son food and a drink as recommended and that he had not developed any side effects.
What is zinc good for?
Zinc is necessary, in small amounts, for health and growth. Zinc supplements are available over-the-counter in various oral forms, including zinc sulfate and zinc gluconate. Zinc has been studied as a potential therapeutic option for many medical conditions, including acne, colds, and COVID-19 infection. When taken at the first sign of a cold, zinc supplements reduce the duration and intensity of cold symptoms. Increasing zinc intake appears to reduce the death rate from COVID-19 infection and decrease the number of acne lesions.
What are the side effects of zinc supplements?
Many people do not have side effects when taking zinc supplements. Still, in some people, zinc supplementation is associated with headaches, indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Taking zinc with food can reduce the incidence and severity of side effects.
Is zinc toxic, and what are the symptoms of a zinc overdose?
Zinc can be toxic when someone takes too much. Symptoms of a zinc overdose include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Some people can develop a mild zinc allergy with symptoms including rash and itching. Severe allergic reactions to zinc can also occur. People who take zinc and experience trouble breathing, lip and tongue swelling, or chest tightness should seek medical help immediately.
Does zinc interact with any medications?
Zinc can interact with medications as well as with other dietary supplements. Zinc can decrease the effectiveness of some antibiotics when both are taken together. Zinc supplements taken in large amounts can also interact with magnesium in the human body and cause a magnesium deficiency. It is best to not take a zinc supplement at the same time as another medication. Before taking a zinc supplement, ask your pharmacist to check if it might interact with your medications.
Can you take zinc while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Zinc supplements are generally safe when pregnant or breastfeeding, as dietary zinc requirements are higher in these populations. Zinc is vital for fetal growth. Some studies have found that pregnant women with low zinc levels might have an increased risk of developing a dangerous condition called preeclampsia.
Recommended daily intake of zinc (in milligrams) according to the Institute of Medicine Panel on Micronutrients
| Category | Age group | Daily zinc requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Infants | ||
| 7-12 months | 3 mg/day | |
| Children | ||
| 1-3 years | 3 mg/day | |
| 4-8 years | 5 mg/day | |
| Boys | ||
| 9-13 years | 8 mg/day | |
| 14-18 years | 11 mg/day | |
| Girls | ||
| 9-13 years | 8 mg/day | |
| 14-18 years | 9 mg/day | |
| Men | ||
| 19 years and older | 11 mg/day | |
| Women | ||
| 19 years and older | 8 mg/day | |
| Pregnancy | ||
| 14-18 years old | 12 mg/day | |
| 19 years and older | 11 mg/day | |
| Breastfeeding | ||
| 14-18 years old | 13 mg/day | |
| 19 years and older | 12 mg/day |
What should I do if I take too much zinc?
If you experience worrisome symptoms after taking too much zinc or if someone overdoses on zinc, use the webPOISONCONTROL® online tool to get help, or call your poison center at 1-800-222-1222. Whether online or by phone, expert guidance is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.
