Children from 3 to 10 shouldnt take more than 10 mg per day, and children under the age of three need no more than 5 mg. Iron Zinc (BUT: it is most important that it be taken far away from iron, if you take it, since they compete for absorption; so it is best to take zinc before bed, especially alongside some magnesium since the two are sleep-supporting! Exceeding the USDA recommended tolerable upper intake level of 40 milligrams for adults may increase your risk of copper deficiency, advises the Linus Pauling Institute, and cause other side effects too. If your diet or a physical condition, such as sickle cell, makes it hard for you to maintain a healthy zinc level, then a supplement is advisable. If you take supplements, lower your dosage and take your pill with a meal. Indeed, the mineral can contribute to intestinal issues like diarrhea, retching, vomiting and abdominal cramping, according to the ODS. Not getting enough of the essential mineral copper may eventually lead to deficiency, which can be dangerous. Metallic Taste: Taking zinc supplements can sometimes cause a metallic taste in the mouth. When Should You Speak to a Healthcare Professional? This article reviews 9 signs and, Zinc is involved in many important processes in your body and absolutely essential for good health. First of all, coat the tablets for easy absorption, so if you split the pill, you breach the coating and might cause stomach difficulties. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Yes, zinc deficiency can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience any of these symptoms when you take zinc with or without food, check with your doctor. Long-term use may cause less immediate but serious side effects, such as low HDL (good) cholesterol, copper deficiency, and a suppressed immune system. For most people, this amount is unlikely to cause negative side effects (1, 2). Your email address will not be published. And then we throw in things like phytates and other minerals that can interfere with absorption. Zinc supplements are essential for anyone who needs zinc to treat a health condition. Zinc may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a metallic taste, renal and stomach damage, and other negative consequences in certain individuals. Nausea may not be the only symptom you contend with. In other cases, a doctor may use an IV drip to provide a drug called calcium disodium edetate. When deciding to bump up your zinc intake, be sure to: 1) Check with your physician about any medication interactions, 2) Start by taking your zinc 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after for best absorption, 3) If you suffer stomach upset from this, take your zinc with meals, 4) Avoid taking your zinc with dairy products, 5) Avoid adding your zinc supplement to a high fiber meal, 6) Do combine your zinc with a hearty protein, 7) Be sure to take your zinc with a fatty food, 8) If you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, avoid a high dosage of zinc. Although both contain almost the same amount of basic zinc, zinc picolinate is easier to absorb. In essence, if you need to take zinc, be sure to do so in line with the recommended usage. Intakes of 150 to 450 mg of zinc per day have been associated with low copper status, altered iron function, reduced immune function, and reduced levels of high-density lipoproteins (the good cholesterol) (34). This could pose some risks. In severe cases, gastrointestinal corrosion and bleeding can occur. Taking zinc in standard, nonexcessive amounts was shown to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol (7). Its involved in several aspects of cell metabolism and is suggested to be required for the catalytic activity of more than 200 enzymes 1, 2. Dos and donts for supplementing without a stomach ache. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/eye-conditions/, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/after-a-slow-degradation-of-my-vision-especially-close-as-in-computer/, https://www.drugs.com/sfx/preservision-areds-2-side-effects.html. Take this in combination with food, or follow up with food quickly. Discover foods high in zinc, like shellfish, nuts, Activated charcoal is a fine black powder that's said to treat a variety of conditions. It is better to have at least a little food in your stomach, so the zinc doesnt go straight to the lining. Zinc containing single doses can be lethal. What Happens If You Take Zinc Without Food? foods such as milk or poultry. Take your supplement with food or in smaller amounts to prevent discomfort. Nausea and Vomiting. However, taking zinc on an empty stomach may cause nausea and . Studies suggest that at least 25% of the population is at risk of zinc deficiency due to low consumption of foods rich in highly bioavailable zinc, as well as high consumption of foods that inhibit the absorption of zinc. Someone who has swallowed a toxic amount of zinc may also experience watery diarrhea (4). Taking vitamins on an empty stomach can frequently upset the GI tract, says gastroenterologist Christine Lee, MD. Without zinc, you will find it hard to taste and smell your food, and your eye and skin health will be at risk. Zinc toxicity can have both acute (immediate) and long-term (chronic) effects. Empty Stomach: Taking zinc supplements on an empty stomach can increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. ", Cleveland Clinic: "Get Nauseous After Taking Vitamins? I did find that it is a known side effect that you should discuss with your doctor if you are having it. "I am new to this site and I want to ask a question. It is less with the evening dose, so I may need to eat more in the mornings. zinc loss from burns or prolonged diarrhea, Phosphorus-containing Our high absorption zinc bisglycinate comes in 25 mg capsules of elemental zinc. Regular ingestion of zinc above the recommended levels can cause a drop in HDL (good) cholesterol levels, which may put you at a higher risk of heart disease. (2), As a general rule, zinc deficiency is most common in third-world millions, where malnutrition is a constant threat. For maximum effectiveness, it is advised that you take zinc on an empty stomach at least one hour before or two hours after meals. Zinc exposure can happen in industrial workplaces, particularly those that involve metalworking. This amount provides 8 mg to 16 mg of elemental zinc per dose. Zinc poisoning is a potentially life threatening condition. Many users swear by zinc lozenges to fight off uncomplicated viral infections, such as colds. Researchers have found that taking zinc at the onset of a cold may help reduce the duration of the illness. Do Gummy Vitamins Work as Well as Traditional Vitamins? Zinc is a vital mineral that plays a crucial role in several bodily functions, including immune system function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. Because zinc is not stored in your body, you must get a daily supply to maintain adequate levels. Why? The good news is that it absolutely doesnt have to be this way. In addition, this can alter the dosage or make it harder to measure. So, does zinc give you diarrhea or make you throw up? Fever, coughing, stomach ache, exhaustion, and a variety of other issues may occur if you take more than the suggested dosage. Extreme amounts of zinc can lower your ability to fight disease. Exploring the Possible Causes and Solutions. The yucky feeling could have to do with. Zinc is certainly safe when applied to the skin. Take care when adding zinc supplementation to your routine so you dont get too much as this mineral can be toxic in large doses. Zinc supplementation, taken at night, can improve immune systems and help with sleep quality, cell repair, and cell damage caused by the mineral, zinc sulphur, copper oxide, or zinc oxide. If you take zinc with or without . When we talk about taking zinc supplements, we arent just taking zinc, we are taking some form of zinc. These tablets generally contain no more than 10 to 15 mg of zinc and are most effective if used within one day of noticing your cold symptoms. These findings were reported in a study with 1,387 participants and published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Review in June 2013. Zinc is a common ingredient in cold remedies such as throat lozenges and nasal sprays. Zinc tablets can be used in a single location, causing irritation in several patients. The top food sources of zinc include: Many foods are fortified with zinc, such as ready-to-eat cereals and health bars. Zinc can be found in a multivitamin, in a separate tablet, in lozenges, or as a liquid drop. Make sure to discuss any vitamins youre taking with your healthcare provider. This is because zinc supplements release the zinc salt in one location, leading to irritation amongst users. On an empty stomach or taking too much zinc can cause vomiting. With zinc, youre looking for optimal absorption and efficacy when taken one to two hours before a meal on an empty stomach. Many people experience stomach pains, nausea and even diarrhea.. In some cases, severe gastrointestinal damage and bleeding can occur. Zinc toxicity requires emergency medical care. The Healthy Apron is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites. However, some people may experience nausea and other gastrointestinal symptoms after taking zinc supplements. Zinc is an essential mineral involved in over 100 chemical reactions in your body. A June 2013 study published in the journal Age showed that high concentrations of iron can have a negative effect on zinc absorption when zinc and iron are taken together on an empty stomach. After all, zinc is responsible for the reactions of over 300 enzymes. Gut discomfort and gastrointestinal bleeding have also been observed, however, these are less prevalent. In general, though, high doses of zinc are reported to have a negative effect on HDL cholesterol. The average adult human contains about 2-3g of zinc, of which 0.1% must be replenished daily to maintain adequate stores 3. Zinc poisoning is potentially life threatening. Long-term use above the recommended upper limit of 40 milligrams of zinc per day increases your risk for side effects, per the ODS. Andrew educates consumers about the latest scientific research in the natural health supplement field. However, you may experience additional negative signs such as abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, or even a headache. Some other supplemental forms of zinc are zinc oxide, zinc citrate, zinc picolinate, zinc orotate, zinc gluconate, zinc acetate, zinc sulphate, and zinc bisglycinate (glycinate). ), it's best to check in directly with your doctor, Cording says. Any lozengers that were not used within six months of opening should be discarded. leg thigh and leg: 49 percent DV, Lean 5k views Answered >2 years ago. It may help to take the supplement with your meals rather than on an empty stomach. Other signs may include: In certain situations, zinc can make you nauseous. "If consuming these foods and minerals, you should try and take the zinc supplement at least two hours before or after," Gans says. Pure zinc is a metal, and you cant eat it on its own. However, taking daily doses of copper could reduce how much copper the body absorbs. Shellfish, legumes, red meat and pumpkin seeds have ample amounts of iron. What Happens if You Take Zinc on an Empty Stomach? They are all easy to address. Common side effects of zinc include stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and a metallic taste in the mouth. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. It is also great for those with zinc deficiency. the. Is it OK to Take Folic Acid and Zinc Together? In this article, we will explore the possible causes of zinc-induced nausea and provide some solutions to alleviate the discomfort. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. DO take vitamins with food. Doses of zinc above the established UL can interfere with your bodys ability to absorb copper. A patient who took an overdose of 220 mg of zinc sulfate twice daily for acne therapy developed intestinal hemorrhage in one research study. Seeing a retina specialist https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/after-a-slow-degradation-of-my-vision-especially-close-as-in-computer/. The UL is the highest recommended daily amount of a nutrient. If you are having a hard time getting an adequate supply of zinc from your diet, you may need to take a zinc supplement to treat a deficiency. He's never had any stomach issues either. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), an excessive . The six-month trial found that a new zinc formulation in a slow-release form could be tolerated with no gastric intolerance with zinc on an empty stomach. Taking zinc on an empty stomach could lead to certain gastrointestinal issues such as nausea. All Rights Reserved. diarrhea. @Sally 1b2b Hi Sally I've been on AREDS for 3_4 years and take mine after I eat I never had any side effects any medicine unless it says take on an empty stomach should be taken after or during the time you eat Ask your Dr about it. These tablets can irritate the lining of your mouth, so avoid anything heavily salted or highly acidic, such as a beverage with lemon, if you notice any soreness of your gums or tongue. It didnt upset my stomach but I had a much worse side effect. What are the best forms of zinc supplements to prevent nausea? However, some studies also suggest that zinc supplements may improve cholesterol levels in people who have health conditions such as obesity or diabetes. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA or Health Canada. All rights reserved. In large doses, side effects may include: If you take an excessive amount of zinc over the recommended dosage, some more severe symptoms may be: LIVESTRONG.com may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Taking in too much zinc, whether from supplements or other products, can cause side effects, including digestive issues, changes to your sense of taste, and copper deficiency. 50mg on an empty stomach would probably make me throw up, since 30mg on an empty stomach already has me needing to lay down and feeling like I've been severely poisoned. This can result in copper deficiency, which is associated with several blood disorders. Here are 14 signs and symptoms that you're deficient in iron. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you are taking medications. DO eat a diet rich in vitamins. Copper is an essential mineral. Hi @gagirl2019 and welcome. When taking a liquid zinc supplement, mix the proper dosage with juice or water. Some of these conditions can include: If you have a risk factor for developing a zinc deficiency despite eating zinc-rich food, you might experience some of these symptoms of low zinc levels: In addition to treating a deficiency, you might also consider taking a zinc supplement, or medication containing zinc, to prevent or treat a medical condition, such as a depressed immune function, macular degeneration or wound healing. Along with its beneficial outcomes, zinc supplements may cause some side effects. Dissolvable, chewable, powder or gummy vitamins tend to be easier to digest. Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of zinc toxicity. Taking iron supplements containing 25 milligrams or more of elemental iron can affect the absorption of zinc and lead to a zinc deficiency. To avoid zinc-induced nausea, its important to get enough zinc from food or supplements. Zinc is also used to treat respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, and some diseases including malaria. 6 Tips to Make Them Easier to Stomach", It supports your sense of taste and smell. Adult males need 15 mg per day, and adult females need only 12 mg per day. Indeed, the mineral can contribute to intestinal issues like diarrhea, retching, vomiting and abdominal cramping, according to the ODS. What happens if you take zinc on an empty stomach, for example? Zinc plays a role in taste perception. Zinc supplements are made by combining various salts, so their percentage of elemental zinc varies. Well discuss why zinc can sometimes make you sick and how to prevent it from happening. At 11 mg and 8 mg per day, the average adult in the United States consumes enough zinc in their diets to meet the zinc dietary allowance, or RDA for zinc. 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