Can zinc make you nauseous
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Can Zinc Make You Nauseous?
Zinc Toxicity and Nausea
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including immune response, DNA synthesis, and cell division. However, excessive intake of zinc can lead to toxicity, which manifests in several adverse symptoms, including nausea. High levels of zinc intake, particularly those significantly exceeding the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 15 mg per day, can cause overt toxicity symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, lethargy, and fatigue1.
Zinc Supplementation and Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Studies have shown that even moderate levels of zinc supplementation can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. In a double-blind crossover trial involving 47 healthy volunteers, participants who took 50 mg of elemental zinc three times a day for six weeks reported symptoms such as headaches, abdominal cramps, nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting. Notably, 84% of women and 18% of men experienced these symptoms, with some participants discontinuing the trial due to gastric irritation2. This suggests that zinc supplementation, especially at higher doses, can indeed cause nausea and other gastrointestinal issues.
Factors Influencing Zinc-Induced Nausea
The likelihood of experiencing nausea from zinc supplementation may be influenced by several factors, including body weight. The study indicated that lower-weight volunteers were more prone to experiencing gastric discomfort2. This highlights the importance of considering individual differences when determining appropriate zinc supplementation levels.
Conclusion
In summary, while zinc is an essential nutrient, excessive intake can lead to toxicity and symptoms such as nausea. Both high doses and moderate supplementation levels have been associated with gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea. Individuals considering zinc supplements should be aware of these potential side effects and consult healthcare professionals to determine appropriate dosages tailored to their specific needs.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Zinc toxicity.
Extremely high zinc intake can cause toxicity symptoms, while even low levels can interfere with copper and iron utilization and negatively affect HDL cholesterol levels.
Literature Review
Highly CitedThe effect of zinc supplements on plasma zinc and copper levels and the reported symptoms in healthy volunteers
Zinc supplementation may cause gastric discomfort in some individuals, but does not negatively affect plasma copper levels in healthy volunteers over six weeks.
RCTHighly CitedZinc Essentiality, Toxicity, and Its Bacterial Bioremediation: A Comprehensive Insight
Zinc is essential for human growth and plays a role in protein regulation, but its toxicity can be mitigated through bacterial bioremediation in polluted soil and wastewaters.
Highly CitedThe Essential Toxin: Impact of Zinc on Human Health
Zinc deficiency, caused by malnutrition, aging, certain diseases, or deregulated homeostasis, is a more common risk to human health than excessive exposure to zinc, affecting growth, neuronal development, and immunity.
Highly CitedZinc as a complementary treatment for cancer patients: a systematic review
Zinc may help prevent oral toxicities during radiotherapy, but does not help with chemotherapy-induced side effects.
Systematic ReviewThe Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Steatosis Severity and Liver Function Enzymes in Overweight/Obese Patients with Mild to Moderate Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Following Calorie-Restricted Diet: a Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Zinc supplementation improves serum zinc levels and reduces liver enzymes in overweight/obese non-alcoholic fatty liver patients following a calorie-restricted diet.
RCT
Rigorous JournalEnteric protein loss and intestinal permeability changes in children during acute shigellosis and after recovery: effect of zinc supplementation.
Zinc supplementation significantly improves intestinal permeability and increases mannitol excretion in children with acute shigellosis, suggesting a potential role in treating shigellosis.
RCTHighly CitedEffectiveness and efficacy of zinc for the treatment of acute diarrhea in young children.
Three Recommended Daily Allowances of zinc given daily to 6- to 35-month-old children with acute diarrhea significantly reduced the duration of diarrhea, without requiring or enhancing the effect of vitamin A administration.
RCT
Large Human TrialHighly CitedEffect of Zinc Supplementation on Physical and Psychological Symptoms, Biomarkers of Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Young Women with Premenstrual Syndrome: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Zinc supplementation for 12 weeks in young women with premenstrual syndrome reduced physical and psychological symptoms, increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and improved total antioxidant capacity.
RCTRigorous JournalZinc Status and Autoimmunity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Autoimmune disease patients have significantly lower zinc levels in serum and plasma compared to controls.
Meta-Analysis
Very Rigorous JournalHighly Cited