How to help zinc nausea?

If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use zinc without first talking to your health care provider.

Amiloride (Midamor) -- Amiloride is a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) that may increase the levels of zinc in your blood. Do not take zinc supplements if you take amiloride.

Blood pressure medications, ACE Inhibitors -- A class of medications called ACE inhibitors, used to treat high blood pressure, may decrease the levels of zinc in your blood. ACE inhibitors include:

Antibiotics -- Zinc may decrease your body's absorption of two kinds of antibiotics, quinolones and tetracyclines. These include:

However, doxycycline (Vibramycin) does not seem to interact with zinc.

Cisplatin (Platinol-AQ) -- This drug, used for chemotherapy to treat some types of cancers, may cause more zinc to be lost in your urine. If you are undergoing chemotherapy, do not take zinc or any other supplement without talking to your oncologist.

Deferoxamine (Desferal) -- This medication, used to remove excess iron from the blood, also increases the amount of zinc that is lost in urine.

Immunosuppressant medications -- Since zinc may make the immune system stronger, it should not be taken with corticosteroids (such as prednisone), cyclosporine, or other medications intended to suppress the immune system.

Penicillamine -- This medication, used to treat Wilson's disease (where excess copper builds up in the brain, liver, kidney, and eyes) and rheumatoid arthritis, decreases the levels of zinc in your blood.

Thiazide diuretics (water pills) -- These medications lower the amount of zinc in your blood by increasing the amount of zinc that is passed in your urine. If you take thiazide diuretics, your doctor will monitor levels of zinc and other important minerals in your blood:

However, zinc can also make you nauseous if you consume supplements incorrectly or if you absorb too much of this vital mineral. Today, let's break down how this occurs and how to alleviate zinc-caused nausea in detail.

Zinc is one of the most important minerals for your health. It plays a key role in bodily processes and symptoms, including but not limited to:

It’s never a good idea to suffer from a zinc deficiency for too long. The official Dietary Guidelines for Americans indicate that you should consume 8 mg or 11 mg of zinc per day if you are a female or male, respectively.

Fortunately, many of the most common foods we eat in the Western world include zinc. The zinc from these foods comes directly from soil nutrient content or the plant products that herbivores ate before carnivores consumed them. You can usually get plenty of zinc from foods like:

Although zinc is abundant in our food sources, some people acquire zinc deficiencies. They may acquire zinc deficiencies because of an imbalanced diet or health issues like kidney disease or alcoholic liver disease. Additionally, individuals who follow a vegetarian diet may be at a higher risk for zinc deficiency. In these cases, those with zinc deficiencies could take zinc supplements, which are oral tablets designed to be absorbed through the digestive system.

On the downside, taking a zinc supplement or going overboard to treat your zinc deficiency could lead to nausea and other related side effects.

Although zinc is a very important mineral, you can’t take too much; it can make you nauseous as a result. Zinc could make you nauseous because of how it may affect your stomach or other bodily systems.

Firstly, you may simply absorb too much zinc for your body to handle. The Office of Dietary Supplements only recommends 40 mg per day as an adult. If your body absorbs more than 40 mg of zinc each day, you might get side effects like nausea.

However, you may get additional negative symptoms like abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, or even a headache. Simply put, absorbing too much zinc isn’t great for your body; in fact, it’s the opposite!

Alternatively, maybe you took a zinc supplement on an empty stomach. Many people quickly take a zinc supplement and call it a day upon realizing that they have a minor zinc deficiency. But this may not be the best course of action.

Indeed, taking a zinc supplement on an empty stomach could make you feel nauseous. When you take a zinc supplement orally, it will dissolve in a single spot when it reaches your stomach. As it dissolves, the heavy concentration of zinc could irritate the stomach lining in that area, leading to pain or discomfort in addition to nausea or the risk of vomiting.

Fortunately, there's an easy way to avoid this possibility. Just take a zinc supplement with your food instead. This way, your stomach acids will churn the zinc supplement with your food, so the zinc molecules will be absorbed more steadily.

Lastly, you may have zinc poisoning because you consumed some zinc from a nonfood source. For example, zinc oxide is a commonly used mineral in calamine lotion, sunscreen, other skin creams, diaper rash cream, and more.

While zinc oxide plays a major role in these products, it is never meant to be eaten. If you consume sunscreen or any other zinc oxide product by accident or on purpose, you could feel nauseous. Even worse, you may experience other symptoms like diarrhea, intense stomach pain, fever, chills, coughing, and so on.

Note that zinc itself may not be causing the nausea or poisoning in these cases. It could be the other chemicals or ingredients in the nonfood items.

Bottom line: don’t eat something you aren’t supposed to, even if you have a zinc deficiency. There are plenty of other ways to alleviate that deficiency.

Although zinc poisoning is typically characterized by nausea, other symptoms may accompany this condition, including:

Stomach Pain and Diarrhea

These symptoms usually come with nausea, especially if your nausea is particularly intense. Stomach pain and diarrhea could indicate that you are taking too many zinc supplements, and they are causing physical damage to your stomach wall or your intestinal tract. In this case, your doctor may recommend that you stop taking supplements immediately.

Flu-Like Symptoms

Fevers, chills, headaches, fatigue, or even coughing may occur in cases of zinc poisoning. Note that these flulike symptoms occur with other chronic conditions like mineral toxicities. If you experience these symptoms, you should visit a medical professional so they can diagnose zinc toxicity specifically and you can treat it accordingly.

Low HDL Cholesterol

HDL cholesterol, often considered “good” cholesterol, can lower your risk for heart disease and clear out cholesterol from your cells. If you don’t have enough HDL cholesterol, you could be at a higher risk of heart disease. Unfortunately, taking too much zinc could lower HDL cholesterol levels and lead to this ancillary side effect.

Changes in Your Tastebuds

Because zinc directly affects your sense of taste, it’s no surprise that taking too much zinc may also result in hypogeusia, which is a taste dysfunction. Specifically, you may notice a metallic taste in your mouth even when your food is not supposed to taste metallic.

Copper Deficiencies

Because of their molecular similarities, both copper and zinc are absorbed in the same places in your small intestine. If you take too much zinc, you could prevent your body from absorbing enough copper from other supplements or its diet, leading to a copper deficiency. Copper is needed to transport oxygen through the body, form white blood cells, and assist with iron absorption, making copper deficiency harmful.

A Higher Risk of Infection

As noted earlier, zinc is very important for your immune system. If you take too much zinc, you may ironically suppress your immune system’s responsiveness and effectiveness. This could make you more vulnerable to viral or bacterial infections.

Because of all these side effects, you should avoid taking too much zinc just as much as you want to avoid a zinc deficiency.

Although zinc poisoning and nausea can be quite uncomfortable, you can get rid of nausea and other symptoms of zinc poisoning. Here are a few treatment methods to consider.

Firstly, you may consider downgrading your zinc supplement doses. For example, if your zinc supplement dosage is at the upper limit of 40 mg, you should already assume that that's too much for your daily dose. Remember, you should never absorb more than 40 mg of zinc per day.

If your zinc supplements regularly upset your stomach, consider taking half of a tablet or picking up a new supplement with each tablet containing a lower dose. Generally, individuals with zinc deficiencies only need to take very low-dose zinc supplement tablets.

If you get regular vitamin infusions from IV drip therapy at wellness centers like Next Health, consider the nutrient composition in each IV drip you sign up for. If you’re already getting plenty of zinc from your diet, you may wish to avoid IV drip infusions that include lots of extra zinc.

Instead, it’ll be wiser to try Detox IV Drip Therapy instead. Detox IV from Next Health is specifically designed to help with mineral deficiencies by:

This specialized IV drip infusion can support detoxification pathways and help to replenish nutrients that might be lost from a busy lifestyle or a poor diet. This and other IV drip infusions are just an appointment away.

Alternatively, you can adjust your diet to only absorb zinc from your food sources. Instead of purchasing a supplement and adding another tablet to your daily vitamin routine, you can instead alter your diet to include oysters, turkey, or certain lentils to get your daily zinc dose.

In fact, many medical professionals recommend that you try this before signing up for a zinc supplementary regimen. You should only take a regular zinc supplement if your diet or biology prevents you from absorbing the mineral from foods that usually have plenty of zinc. You may also need a zinc supplement if your local food sources don’t have enough zinc because of soil deficiencies.

Ultimately, zinc can and does cause nausea if you eat too much of it or if you consume zinc from the wrong sources. However, you shouldn’t stop taking a zinc supplement or eating foods with zinc in them altogether; the key idea is to simply absorb the right amount of zinc.

Fortunately, Next Health can help you determine which IV drip infusions are best for your health needs or to cover any mineral deficiencies . For example, when you contact us and set up an appointment, we’ll begin with an in-depth consultation to outline your wellness goals, your mineral needs, and answer any questions you may have.

That way, any IV drip infusion or other therapy you choose won’t cause nausea or secondary symptoms. Getting started is easier than ever — contact Next Health today to learn more about IV drip therapy and to discover which of our facilities is closest and most convenient for you.

Interested in speaking to a knowledgeable wellness expert about our offerings?

Request a Complimentary Consult

Sources:

Zinc | Health Professional Fact Sheet National Institutes of Health

Zinc | The Nutrition Source | Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health

Today you will learn more about the possible causes of nausea when taking zinc supplements and what steps you should take if you experience these symptoms after taking them. You will also be able to look at other potential side effects associated with taking zinc supplements so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not zinc supplements are the right option for you.

The most common sign of zinc toxicity is nausea. Other symptoms can include vomiting, abdominal cramping and pain, headaches, weakness, fatigue, and loss of appetite. It's important to note that these symptoms may not always be caused by zinc toxicity; they could be due to other health issues or even a reaction to certain foods.

If you experience any of these symptoms after taking zinc supplements, it's important to stop taking them immediately and consult your doctor for further evaluation.

There are several potential causes of nausea when taking zinc supplements. It is possible that your body is not used to the sudden introduction of higher levels of zinc in the system, which can cause an upset stomach. Additionally, it could be due to a reaction to a certain ingredient found in some forms of zinc supplements. Finally, it could be due to an underlying health issue that is being exacerbated by the ingestion of zinc supplements.

It's important to talk to your doctor if you experience nausea after taking zinc supplements so that he or she can properly diagnose the cause and determine if further medical treatment is necessary.

When it comes to preventing nausea when taking zinc supplements, there are several steps that you can take. First and foremost, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any zinc supplement regimen. A medical professional can assess your current health status and provide guidance on the proper dosage for your individual needs.

It is also important to follow the instructions provided on the label of zinc supplements. Taking too much zinc can lead to an imbalance in other minerals and vitamins, which can cause nausea and other unpleasant symptoms. Taking too little of the supplement may not be effective either. Therefore, it is important to find the right balance for your body.

In addition to following instructions on the label, it is recommended that you start with a lower dose of zinc supplements before increasing it gradually over time as recommended by your healthcare provider. This will give your body time to adjust to higher levels of zinc without experiencing any adverse effects like nausea or vomiting.

You should also avoid taking other medications at the same time as zinc supplements as this could increase the risk of side effects such as nausea or upset stomach. Additionally, foods containing high amounts of copper or iron should be avoided as these can interfere with how your body absorbs zinc from dietary supplements.

Finally, if you have pre-existing medical conditions such as liver or kidney disease, diabetes, or heart disease, you should speak with your doctor before starting any type of supplement regimen including those containing zinc. Some medications used to treat these conditions can interact negatively with certain minerals like zinc and exacerbate symptoms such as nausea or vomiting.

Your body does not need an excessive amount of zinc; only 8 - 11 mg per day is sufficient for adults. It's possible to have slightly deficient levels of zinc, but a combination of multivitamins and wholesome food should be enough to supply the minerals you require.

Overall, zinc can be beneficial for your health when taken in the proper amounts and when supplemented with other essential minerals and vitamins. Don't forget to consult with a healthcare provider before beginning any supplement regimen as too much zinc can lead to adverse side effects like nausea or vomiting.

The simple answer is yes. You can become nauseous when you take too much of this necessary mineral. However, with proper caution and guidance from a healthcare professional, you can find the right dosage of zinc that works for your body without any nasty side effects.

Consuming your zinc supplement alongside a tall glass of water is ideal for avoiding any feelings of nausea. Zinc dissolves better in water, so the liquid helps to evenly spread the mineral throughout your stomach without any concentrated areas that could cause irritation.

If you experience nausea or any other unpleasant symptoms while taking zinc supplements, be sure to stop taking them and consult with your doctor immediately. They will be able to help diagnose the cause of your symptoms and provide further guidance on how to proceed. With careful monitoring, you can ensure optimal health and wellness when supplementing with this important mineral.

The bottom line is, when taken in the right dosage, zinc supplements can be an effective and safe way to maintain optimal health. However, before beginning any type of supplement regimen, it is important to speak with your doctor to ensure there will be no adverse effects due to interactions with other medications or pre-existing conditions.

Furthermore, carefully following the label instructions is key to avoiding any unpleasant side effects like nausea and vomiting. With proper caution and guidance from a healthcare provider, you can enjoy all the health benefits that zinc has to offer without experiencing any negative symptoms.

By taking a cautious approach and consulting your doctor about what dosage of zinc is appropriate for you, you can safely take zinc supplements without risk of nausea or other unpleasant symptoms.

You should take zinc with water or juice. If zinc causes stomach upset, it can be taken with meals. Don't take zinc at the same time as iron or calcium supplements.

Unfortunately, one major reported side effect from zinc supplements is nausea and upset stomach.  This is not only uncomfortable, but it causes many people to avoid zinc supplements altogether.

The good news is that it absolutely doesn’t have to be this way.  If you choose the right zinc supplement and take it properly, it won’t make you feel nauseous at all.

There are 4 main reasons why zinc supplements can cause nausea.  They are all easy to address.

Let’s quickly address each one.

This is not only the best form for avoiding upset stomach, but it also absorbs the best and is the most effective.

Zinc supplements always come in some form other than pure zinc.  Pure zinc is a metal, and you can’t eat it on its own.  When we talk about taking “zinc” supplements, we aren’t just taking “zinc”, we are taking some form of zinc.  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).

We have researched all the forms of zinc, and the best form is zinc bisglycinate.

Zinc bisglycinate is one atom of zinc attached to 2 glycine molecules.

When zinc bisglycinate reaches the GI tract, the entire molecule is still intact.  Because the molecule is intact, it doesn’t compete with other minerals for absorption.  This not only helps it to absorb better, but it also helps by causing significantly less irritation (less nausea and upset stomach).  Scientific studies on zinc bisglycinate also demonstrate that it is well-tolerated and causes few side effects.

Check out our high absorption zinc bisglycinate

It is human nature to think that if something is good for you, then more of it must be even better for you.  This is not the case with most supplements, and certainly not the case with zinc.  A little goes a long way.

First of all, the more zinc you take, the more likely you are to experience side effects like nausea.  This is common sense, and also what people actually experience.

The other issue with zinc is that if you take too much zinc, then that will lower the amount of copper in your body (another essential mineral) to unhealthy levels.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) lists the following daily upper limits (UL) of supplemental zinc.  Here you can find the recommended amounts of zinc for more information.

Daily Upper Limits for oral zinc supplements UL

Here is the table for the NIH Recommended Daily Amount of supplemental oral zinc.

RDA

It is worth pointing out that the NIH, and virtually all governmental bodies, talk about “oral zinc” but never specify or differentiate between the different forms of zinc supplements.

They do give a decent guideline though, and the idea is that an adult shouldn’t be taking much more than 40 mg of zinc per day, and if they do for a short period of time, they shouldn’t do it daily for an extended period of time.

Our high absorption zinc bisglycinate comes in 25 mg capsules of elemental zinc.  Because it is so well absorbed, a small amount of it has a similar effect to larger amounts of other types of zinc, and without any side effects.

This is an easy one.  Some people either forget to eat when they take zinc, or they wish to get the most absorption possible.  The problem is that taking zinc on a completely empty stomach can cause nausea and upset stomach more easily.  If you insist on taking it on an empty stomach, then zinc bisglycinate is still the best form to do it with.  It is better to have at least a little food in your stomach, so the zinc doesn’t go straight to the lining.  This helps a lot.

This is similar to the food idea.  Taking zinc with a large glass of water is a good idea.  Zinc bisglycinate is soluble in water.  The water helps spread the zinc evenly around the stomach, so there is no concentrated zinc irritating the stomach anywhere.