Photo: Anna Shvets

How much zinc should I take as a supplement?

People use oral zinc to help treat colds, but it can decrease the effectiveness of certain drugs and cause side effects. The recommended daily amount of zinc is 8 milligrams (mg) for women and 11 mg for adult men.

mayoclinic.org - Zinc - Mayo Clinic

Can I mix ginger with turmeric?

The benefits of turmeric and ginger are numerous. Ginger and turmeric work together synergistically to do more together than they could on their...

Last updated Sep 9, 2019

How long can a man go without ejaculations?

In younger men, this can be anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. But as you get older, the refractory period can get longer, sometimes up to...

Last updated Nov 26, 2020

Promotion

Overview

Zinc, a nutrient found throughout your body, helps your immune system and metabolism function. Zinc is also important to wound healing and your sense of taste and smell. With a varied diet, your body usually gets enough zinc. Food sources of zinc include chicken, red meat and fortified breakfast cereals. People use oral zinc to help treat colds, but it can decrease the effectiveness of certain drugs and cause side effects. The recommended daily amount of zinc is 8 milligrams (mg) for women and 11 mg for adult men.

Evidence

Research on oral zinc for specific conditions shows:

Zinc deficiency. People who have low levels of zinc appear to benefit most from zinc supplements. This kind of deficiency isn't common in the United States. People who have low levels of zinc appear to benefit most from zinc supplements. This kind of deficiency isn't common in the United States. Colds. Evidence suggests that if zinc lozenges or syrup is taken within 24 hours after cold symptoms start, the supplement can help shorten the length of colds. However, use of intranasal zinc has been linked with the loss of the sense of smell, in some cases long term or permanently. Evidence suggests that if zinc lozenges or syrup is taken within 24 hours after cold symptoms start, the supplement can help shorten the length of colds. However, use of intranasal zinc has been linked with the loss of the sense of smell, in some cases long term or permanently. Wound healing. People with skin ulcers and low levels of zinc might benefit from oral zinc supplements. People with skin ulcers and low levels of zinc might benefit from oral zinc supplements. Diarrhea. Oral zinc supplements can reduce the symptoms of diarrhea in children with low levels of zinc, such as from malnutrition. There isn't enough evidence to recommend use of oral zinc for children with diarrhea who have a healthy, varied diet. Oral zinc supplements can reduce the symptoms of diarrhea in children with low levels of zinc, such as from malnutrition. There isn't enough evidence to recommend use of oral zinc for children with diarrhea who have a healthy, varied diet. Age-related macular degeneration. Research suggests that oral zinc might slow the progression of this eye disease.

What are the 7 killer diseases?

List of Top 7 Critical Diseases in India Cardiovascular Illnesses. Cardiovascular diseases are a range of conditions that affect your heart. ......

Last updated Nov 17, 2018

How to check testosterone levels?

A blood sample for a testosterone test should be taken in the morning between 7 and 10. During these hours, your testosterone levels are typically...

Last updated Jun 4, 2019

Imagine Your Moment Of Freedom!

Fluxactive Complete is conveniently packed with over 14 essential prostate powerhouse herbs, vitamins and grade A nutrients which work synergistically to help you support a healthy prostate faster

Learn More »

Promotion

Zinc that's used topically is known as zinc oxide. Zinc oxide cream, ointment or paste is applied to the skin to prevent conditions such as diaper rash and sunburn.

Our take

Generally safe

Oral zinc supplements might benefit people with low levels of zinc. Taken soon after cold symptoms appear, zinc might also shorten the length of a cold. However, don't use intranasal zinc, which has been linked with the loss of the sense of smell.

Safety and side effects

Oral zinc can cause:

Indigestion

Diarrhea

Headache

Nausea

Vomiting

When oral zinc is taken long term and in high doses it can cause copper deficiency. People with low copper levels might experience neurological issues, such as numbness and weakness in the arms and legs. 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.

Interactions

Possible interactions include:

Antibiotics. Using oral zinc while you're taking quinolone or tetracycline antibiotics can interfere with their ability to fight bacteria. Taking the antibiotic two hours before or four to six hours after taking zinc can minimize this effect. Using oral zinc while you're taking quinolone or tetracycline antibiotics can interfere with their ability to fight bacteria. Taking the antibiotic two hours before or four to six hours after taking zinc can minimize this effect. Penicillamine. Using oral zinc with the rheumatoid arthritis drug penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen) can reduce the drug's ability to ease arthritis symptoms. Taking zinc at least two hours before or after taking the drug might minimize this effect. Using oral zinc with the rheumatoid arthritis drug penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen) can reduce the drug's ability to ease arthritis symptoms. Taking zinc at least two hours before or after taking the drug might minimize this effect. Thiazide diuretics. These blood pressure drugs increase the amount of zinc lost in urine.

What are the dangers of saw palmetto?

Saw palmetto can cause headache, fatigue, dizziness, stomach upset, nausea, or constipation in some people. It should not be used in children,...

Last updated Aug 31, 2019

Can prostate patients drink coffee?

One to 3 cups a day can lower your odds of aggressive prostate cancer by nearly a third -- no matter what your health condition is. If you have or...

Last updated Mar 3, 2022

Promotion

There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Email ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Subscribe! Thank you for subscribing! You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry

mayoclinic.org - Zinc - Mayo Clinic

Which fruit can lower blood sugar?

Berries In addition to raspberries, studies have shown that strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries may benefit blood sugar management by...

Last updated May 23, 2020

What food makes sperm weak?

High fat dairy products The Rochester Young Men's Study, an analysis of sperm and diet from 189 men between the ages of 18-22, showed that high-fat...

Last updated Dec 7, 2018

Promotion

What fish is good for prostate?

salmon Fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel, contain healthful omega-3 fatty acids. These compounds may help keep the prostate healthy, though...

Last updated May 6, 2021

Promotion

Which foods increase urea?

By eating large amounts of protein foods e.g. meat, fish, chicken, eggs, cheese, milk and yoghurt before commencing dialysis, you will affect the...

Last updated Mar 10, 2020