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Signs of Zinc Toxicity

Zinc is an essential mineral, but too much is not beneficial. Symptoms of zinc toxicity include nausea/vomiting, fever, cough, diarrhea, fatigue, neuropathy and dehydration. Further signs include growth retardation, altered iron function, anemia, copper deficiency, decreased immune function, decreased HDL (high density lipoprotein), increased LDL (low density lipoprotein), and increased HgbA1C.

Due to the finding of zinc induced copper deficiency, some researchers are examining the benefits of zinc on Wilson’s disease.

Drug interactions

Captopril, chlorthalidone, deferoximine, loop diuretics, thiazides increase urinary zinc excretion.

Amiloride, ACE inhibitors, spironolactone decrease urinary zince excretion.

Chlorthalidone increases serum zinc levels.

Penicillamine decreases serum zinc levels.

Use with tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones decreases both antibiotic and zinc absorption.

Caffeine, bran, calcium, iron, protein and phosphorus decrease zinc absorption.