It’s also necessary for healthy growth during childhood, adolescence, and pregnancy.
In severe cases, it can even be fatal.
In most industrialized countries,zinc deficienciesare rare but occur in certain populations.
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That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Ask your healthcare provider before starting to use any supplement whether it is safe and appropriate for you.
Most people get enough zinc by eating a healthy and varied diet and by taking a multivitamin.
For people in industrialized countries, the likelihood of being significantly deficient in zinc is rare.
What Are the Side Effects of Zinc?
Zinc supplements can cause various side effects.
They may be common or severe, depending on how much zinc you take and other factors.
Take zinc with water or juice, and not at the same time as any iron or calcium supplements.
A good time to take the supplement is right after breakfast, depending on when you take other supplements.
Precautions
You dont need a lot of zinc to be healthy.
Zinc is what is known as a trace mineral.
Most people get what they need from dietary sources.
Dosage: How Much Zinc Should I Take?
(Note that Verywell Health prefers to use inclusive terminology.
Do not give zinc supplements to a child without the instructions of a healthcare provider.
What Happens if I Take Too Much Zinc?
Chronic and excessive zinc supplementation can cause copper deficiency and neurological problems as well.
If you think youve taken too much zinc, contact thepoison control hotlineor go to the emergency room.
Sometimes this can be dangerous and cause serious adverse effects.
Keep zinc supplements away from direct sunlight.
Discard the supplements as indicated on the packaging.
Similar supplements can include, but are not limited to:
Variousimmune support supplementsare also available in different formulations.
If this isnt possible, fortified foods and supplements can be added.
Zinc Supplements
Nearly all of the general multivitamin and mineral dietary supplements have zinc in them.
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Zinc fact sheet for professionals.
2020;33(6).
doi:10.1111/dth.14252
National Eye Institute.AREDS/AREDS2 frequently asked questions.
2021;11(11):e047474.
2019;110(1):76-90. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqz041
Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health.Zinc.
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Zinc fact sheet for consumers.
