Can Zinc Make You Nauseous And Constipated?

In this article, we will take a close look at zinc overdose, a condition that can occur when the body absorbs too much of this essential mineral. We will explore the potential causes and symptoms and whether they include nausea and constipation. The article will also explore the physiological effects of excessive zinc intake and how they can be managed.

Author - Jakub Gwiazdecki

Fifth year medical student at the Medical Faculty of Comenius University in Bratislava.

Jakub used MediSearch to find sources for this blog.

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Can zinc make you nauseous and constipated?

According to the CDC, excessive consumption of zinc often leads to nausea [1]. Eating 150 mg of zinc per day can lead to nausea, particularly in women [2].

Zinc also has the potential to cause constipation, which has been observed in scientific studies. [3].

The maximal daily recommended intake of zinc is 40 mg [1]. Frequently consuming more than the daily recommended value of zinc can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting and potentially constipation.

How does zinc zead to nausea and constipation?

Zinc is an essential micronutrient, crucial for the body in many biological processes. For example, zinc is a necessary part of many enzymes responsible for gene replication.

Excessive consumption of zinc can lead to adverse reactions like nausea and potentially constipation. However, the mechanism of how zinc is causing these side effects is not well understood. Several theories have been proposed to explain the impact of zinc on the gastrointestinal tract.

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The potential constipation in cases of zinc may be caused by zinc's impact on the ions in the gut. It has been found that zinc can lead to a decrease in intestine activity [5]. As a result, this causes stool accumulation and constipation.

Also, zinc can interfere with regulating water flow into the intestine [6]. It can lead to a dryer stool that moves with difficulty through the gut and can cause constipation.

What are the symptoms of zinc overdose?

Among zinc overdose symptoms are:

nausea,
vomiting,
abdominal cramps,
diarrhoea,
headaches,
fatigue,
lethargy,
dehydration,
restlessness,
copper deficiency [7, 1, 8].

In addition to these symptoms, chronic zinc overdose can also lead to neurological damage. It can cause bone marrow suppression and degeneration of the spinal cord. Thus, it can potentially lead to crippling nerve damage [9]. It can significantly limit daily life functioning.

Zinc overdose can also cause copper deficiency because high amounts of zinc interfere with copper uptake. Insufficient copper absorption can lead to anemia, neutropenia, and an impaired immune system. Copper deficiency can also lead to increased cholesterol levels [8, 10].

Severe cases of chronic zinc overdose can cause severe anemia and damage to the pancreas and kidneys. It can even result in organ failure and death [11].

When to consult a coctor for zinc overdose?

If you suspect you've overdosed on zinc, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately. It will minimize the risk of serious complications. A medical professional can measure your zinc levels and assess the potential side effects. It allows for a fast and effective therapy plan.

Remember that chronic overdosing of zinc can lead to copper deficiency and neurological problems. If you are unsure about the appropriate dose of zinc supplements, always ask your doctor.

How is zinc overdose treated?

Among the possible treatments for moderate and severe zinc overdose are chelating agents like EDTA, DTPA, and CDTA. They bind the zinc and reduce its toxicity. [15, 16].