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can zinc vitamins cause upset stomach

by Emerson Hill Published 4 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Certain nutrients especially taken in larger doses like iron, vitamin c or zinc on an empty stomach can make you feel dizzy. Basically, these nutrients can irritate your lining of your stomach leading to nausea and stomach upset. Thus, it is suggested to consume them along with the food.

Taking very high doses of zinc is likely unsafe and might cause stomach pain, vomiting, and many other problems. Single doses of 10-30 grams of zinc can be fatal.

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.

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.

Why does zinc upset my stomach?

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 gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea.the reason is that zinc supplements can release all the zinc salt in one location, causing irritation in many patients, as determined in a study …

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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.

How long does upset stomach from zinc 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 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).

What are the side effects of zinc vitamins?

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 ).

Is it good to take zinc everyday?

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.

Should I take zinc in the morning or at 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.

Who should not take zinc?

Medications that may interfere with zinc include: blood pressure medications, penicillamine, amiloride, certain antibiotics, ACE inhibitors, cisplatin, immunosuppressant medications, deferoxamine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and thiazide diuretics.

Is 50mg of zinc a day too much?

50 mg per day is too much for most people to take regularly though, and can cause copper imbalance or even overdose. Best to get tested before taking this for months on end, or at the very least do a lot of research first.

Can I take zinc and vitamin D together?

No interactions were found between Vitamin D3 and Zinc.

What are the symptoms of too much zinc?

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.

How much zinc can you take in a day?

How much zinc should you take?CategoryRecommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of Zinc14-18 years9 mg/day19 years and up8 mg/dayPregnant14-18 years: 12 mg/day 19 years and over: 11 mg/dayBreastfeeding14-18 years: 13 mg/day 19 years and over: 12 mg/day7 more rows•Apr 6, 2022

Is 100 mg of zinc too much?

Taking high amounts of zinc is LIKELY UNSAFE. High doses above the recommended amounts might cause fever, coughing, stomach pain, fatigue, and many other problems. Taking more than 100 mg of supplemental zinc daily or taking supplemental zinc for 10 or more years doubles the risk of developing prostate cancer.

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.

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

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

What are some other side effects of this drug?

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:

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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.

How long does it take for Vitmain to pass through your stomach?

When you take a vitmain—regardless of the type—it causes some minor irritation in your otherwise empty stomach. It typically takes two to three hours for the vitamins to pass into the intestines, at which time there will be no more irritation and no more nausea.

Can iron cause stomach problems?

Vitamins C, E, and iron all tend to cause more irritation to your stomach, says Sonpal. If your multivitamin is high in one of these three and you’re having stomach problems, you might want to consider switching formulas. You'll be more prone to nausea if you go over your daily recommended dietary allowance (RDA).

Can you take a coated vitamin?

Coatings keep the vitamin from dissolving as fast, which can cause irritation in your stomach. "If you take a coated vitamin and are still feeling nauseous with food, check with your doctor to see if there’s a different formula you can take," suggests Sonpal. If coated capsules are a problem for you, chewables or gummies could be a good alternative.

What vitamins can upset your stomach?

One vitamin that can upset your stomach when taken in large doses is vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid. Vitamin C plays an essential role in tissue maintenance by promoting the production of collagen -- a protein that makes up a portion of your bones, blood vessels, tendons and ligaments. Although moderate doses of vitamin C prove beneficial ...

What minerals cause stomach upset?

Iron. Another mineral that may cause stomach or digestive upset is iron. This essential mineral plays a central role in the oxygenation of your cells and tissues. Iron makes up a portion of hemoglobin, a protein found on red blood cells.

Does vitamin C cause diarrhea?

Although moderate doses of vitamin C prove beneficial to the body , consuming large doses of the vitamin can lead to nausea, or other forms of digestive upset such as diarrhea.

Does iron cause anemia?

Hemoglobin binds oxygen from the air you inhale anf then carries that oxygen in your bloodstream, releasing it into your tissues. While deficiencies in iron can lead to health problems, including anemia, overdosing on iron can have negative side effects.

Can vitamin supplements cause digestive problems?

While vitamin and mineral supplementation can prove beneficial, especially in individuals suffering from nutrient deficiencies, consuming large doses of some vitamins and minerals can lead to unpleasant digestiv e upset.

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