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can taking zinc cause upset stomach

by Arnulfo Schmeler Published 4 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Common side effects of zinc include stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and a metallic taste in the mouth. High doses of zinc can cause dizziness, headache, drowsiness, increased sweating, loss of muscle coordination, alcohol intolerance, hallucinations, and anemia.

Full Answer

Why do I get nauseous after taking zinc?

The symptoms of acute toxicity will appear soon after taking a high dose of zinc and can include:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • stomachache
  • diarrhea
  • headaches

Can you get dizzy after taking zinc?

Symptoms of acute zinc toxicity can begin as rapidly as 30 minutes after consuming a high dose of zinc. Frequent symptoms of zinc toxicity include dizziness, headache and drowsiness, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Why has zinc upset my stomach?

  • low levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good,” cholesterol
  • decreased immune function
  • copper deficiency

Can zinc hurt your stomach?

Zinc supplementation can even cause stomach damage in some people, according to Medline Plus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. This is contrary to what Dr. Goepp's research suggests about the positive effects zinc has on the human stomach lining.

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Why do I get an upset stomach when I take zinc?

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.

What should you not take with zinc?

Do not take zinc supplements and copper, iron, or phosphorus supplements at the same time. It is best to space doses of these products 2 hours apart, to get the full benefit from each dietary supplement.

What are the side effects of taking zinc everyday?

Zinc supplements are generally well tolerated, though they've been associated with adverse side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain in some people ( 1 ). Plus, exceeding 40 mg per day of elemental zinc can cause flu-like symptoms like fever, coughing, headache, and fatigue ( 1 ).

Can too much zinc upset your stomach?

Yes, if you get too much. Signs of too much zinc include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and headaches. When people take too much zinc for a long time, they sometimes have problems such as low copper levels, lower immunity, and low levels of HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol).

Is it good to take zinc everyday?

When taken by mouth: Zinc is likely safe when used in amounts no greater than 40 mg daily. It is possibly safe when taken in larger doses, especially when used only for a short period of time. But taking doses higher than 40 mg daily might decrease how much copper the body absorbs.

Can I take vitamin D and zinc at the same time?

No interactions were found between Vitamin D3 and Zinc.

Is 50mg of zinc too much?

The National Institutes of Health considers 40 mg of zinc a day to be the upper limit dose for adults and 4 mg of zinc a day for infants under age 6 months. Don't use intranasal zinc. This form of zinc has been linked with the loss of the sense of smell.

Is it OK to take vitamin C and zinc together?

In pooled analyses of both studies (n=94), vitamin C plus zinc was significantly more efficient than placebo at reducing rhinorrhoea over 5 days of treatment. Furthermore, symptom relief was quicker and the product was well tolerated.

When should I take zinc morning or night?

Zinc is often part of multivitamins but is also taken alone or in combination with vitamin C. Its absorption is most effective on an empty stomach, but it can cause stomach upsets. In this case it should be taken with a meal and therefore not late at night.

How long does zinc stomach pain last?

Gastrointestinal side effects of zinc sulfate (the active ingredient contained in Zinc) when taken in large doses have included diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, usually within 3 to 10 hours of dosing. The symptoms go away soon after discontinuation.

Can stomach acid cause gastritis?

There is a theory that partially digested food leaking into the bloodstream can go on to trigger a reaction in the skin of the face. In the stomach, insufficient amounts of acid can lead to problems with indigestion and gastritis (inflammation in the stomach).

Does Hay diet help with low stomach acid?

Interestingly, the Hay diet (separating protein and carbohydrate at each meal) is thought to aid digestion, which is why eating to this pattern may be helping you. Another thing which points to low stomach acid secretion in you is the fact that Losec (an acid-reducing medication) has not worked for you.

Can low stomach acid cause cancer?

In fact, the reality is that if your stomach acid levels were low to begin with, Losec may actually be worsening your underlying condition. Chronic (long-standing) gastritis does seem to increase the risk of stomach cancer, and I do think it is important for you to have your stomach function properly assessed.

Does rosacea cause incomplete digestion?

There is some evidence that sufferers of rosacea tend not to make sufficient amounts of acid in their stomachs. Because stomach acid is essential to proper digestion, this can lead incomplete digestion of food.

Why is zinc important for the body?

Your body needs zinc for maintaining your immune system and supporting normal growth and development. Responsible for the chemical reactions of over 300 enzymes, zinc is necessary for protein synthesis, cell division, wound healing and hormone production.

What is the best source of zinc?

Because zinc is not stored in your body, you must get a daily supply to maintain adequate levels. The best source of zinc is oysters, which provide 327 percent of your daily value (DV) per six oysters. The top food sources of zinc include: Beef — chuck steak: 140 percent DV per 5-ounce steak.

Is zinc a multivitamin?

Zinc is often an ingredient in multivitamins or combine d with other nutrients, such as copper, calcium or magnesium. Always consult your doctor before taking a zinc supplement, as several forms are available, and each type may have differences in tolerability and bioavailability.

Can zinc supplements cause side effects?

Along with its beneficial outcomes, zinc supplements may cause some side effects . If you experience any of these symptoms when you take zinc with or without food, check with your doctor. In large doses, side effects may include: Chills.

Can you eat after zinc?

Avoid the following foods or eat them two hours after you take zinc. Bran. Fiber-containing foods. Phosphorus-containing foods such as milk or poultry. Whole-grain breads and cereals. Although taking zinc before or after meals is the best way to get the benefits of the supplement, some people taking zinc on an empty stomach may experience ...

Does zinc help with colds?

Researchers have found that taking zinc at the onset of a cold may help reduce the duration of the illness. These findings were reported in a study with 1,387 participants and published in the ​ Cochrane Database of Systematic Review ​ in June 2013.

Is zinc good for prostate cancer?

Evidence also suggests that zinc may help protect men against the risk of prostate cancer, as published in ​ Nature Review Urology ​ in April 2013. Zinc is available by prescription or over-the-counter in oral tablet, capsule, time-released, powdered, syrup, nasal spray and lozenge-type supplements.

Can zinc cause stomach problems?

Taking zinc supplements carries several potential side effects with an upset stomach being one of them. Other side effects may include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Zinc supplementation can even cause stomach damage in some people, according to Medline Plus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. This is contrary to what Dr. Goepp’s research suggests about the positive effects zinc has on the human stomach lining. Keep in mind that side effects and potential benefits of zinc supplementation will vary from person to person. While one person may improve stomach health by taking zinc, your condition may worsen. Your doctor can help you sort this out.

Can you take zinc with penecillamine?

You’ll also want to talk to your doctor about potential drug interactions with other medicines you’re currently taking. According to Medline Plus, you shouldn’t take zinc supplements with penecillamine, and use caution when taking zinc alongside antibiotics and the cancer treatment cisplatin.

How long does it take to vomit after zinc?

Doses greater than 225 mg are emetic, which means that vomiting is likely and can occur quickly. In one case, severe nausea and vomiting began just 30 minutes after a single zinc dose of 570 mg ( 4, 5. Trusted Source. ).

What foods contain zinc?

Food sources high in zinc include red meat, poultry, seafood, whole grains and fortified cereals. Oysters contain the highest amount, with up to 493% of the daily value in a 3-ounce (85-gram) serving ( 1. Trusted Source.

Does zinc help with nausea?

In one six-week study in 47 healthy people taking 150 mg of zinc per day, over half experienced nausea and vomiting ( 6. Trusted Source. ). Although vomiting may help rid the body of toxic amounts of zinc, it may not be enough to prevent further complications.

Does zinc cause vomiting?

Nausea and Vomiting. Share on Pinterest. Nausea and vomiting are commonly reported side effects of zinc toxicity. A review of 17 studies on the effectiveness of zinc supplements for treating the common cold found that zinc may reduce the duration of a cold, but adverse effects were common.

Can zinc be overdosed?

However, zinc overdose can occur from dietary supplements or due to accidental excess ingestion. Zinc toxicity can have both acute and chronic effects. The severity of your symptoms largely depends on the dose and duration of intake. With acute ingestion of high doses of zinc, gastrointestinal symptoms are likely.

Can zinc poisoning occur from multivitamins?

However, zinc poisoning can occur from dietary supplements, including multivitamins, or due to accidental ingestion of zinc-containing household products. Here are the 7 most common signs and symptoms of zinc overdose. 1. Nausea and Vomiting.

Does zinc interfere with copper?

Zinc and copper compete for absorption in your small intestine. Doses of zinc above the established UL can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb copper. Over time, this can cause copper deficiency ( 2 ). Like zinc, copper is an essential mineral.

What happens if you take too much zinc?

diarrhea. headaches. If a person takes high levels of zinc over a long period, they can experience chronic zinc toxicity, which may lead to the following: low levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good,” cholesterol.

What to do if you have too much zinc?

Anyone who is experiencing any of these symptoms or suspects that their job has exposed them to too much zinc should seek emergency care or call a poison control center right away. It is also important to discuss any nutritional or vitamin supplements with a doctor before starting to take them.

What are the symptoms of zinc poisoning?

Signs and symptoms of zinc toxicity. Share on Pinterest. Stomachache and nausea are possible symptoms of zinc toxicity. Zinc toxicity can be either acute, leading to short term side effects, or chronic, resulting in long term issues.

How much zinc should I take a day?

8 mg. The ODS also provide the upper limits of how much zinc is safe to take per day. The tolerable upper intake levels (ULs) refer to the largest amount of zinc that a person can take each day with little to no associated risk. People should not exceed these limits.

How long before zinc should I take fluoroquinolone?

People taking fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), or tetracycline antibiotics, such as doxycycline (Vibramycin), should take the antibiotic either 2 hours before taking zinc or 4–6 hours afterward.

How to prevent zinc overdose?

Drinking a glass of milk may help prevent the stomach and intestines from absorbing excess zinc. If a person suspects a zinc overdose, they can contact their local poison control center for advice. In the United States, the number for Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.

How long does zinc fume fever last?

This condition is acute and very short lived, and it occurs when someone breathes in too much zinc through dust or fumes. It usually only lasts about 24–48 hours and can cause symptoms that include: chills. sweating.

Why is zinc important for taste?

Zinc is necessary for a healthy sense of taste. Actually, zinc deficiency causes hypogeusia, which is a loss of taste sensation. Zinc in excess of the allowed levels might affect your taste, leaving you with an unpleasant or rusty taste.

Does zinc sulfate cause diarrhea?

Normally, nausea and vomiting are accompanied by stomach pain and diarrhea . Gut discomfort and gastrointestinal bleeding have also been observed, however, these are less prevalent. A patient who took an overdose of 220 mg of zinc sulfate twice daily for acne therapy developed intestinal hemorrhage in one research study.

Can zinc cause nausea?

oisoning is frequently associated with nausea and vomiting. Emetic zinc doses of more than 225 mg are likely to cause vomiting, which can happen quickly. Acute nausea and vomiting started 30 minutes after a single zinc dose of 570 mg in one individual. Lower doses, on the other hand, can cause vomiting.

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What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

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All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

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