Zinc Excess - Causes and Signs of Zinc Excess

Zinc does not accumulate in the body, so the danger from excess zinc as an independent element is relatively low. However, in combination with certain substances, this element is quite toxic, in addition, a long-term increase in the daily zinc intake also gradually affects health. Excess zinc is poisoning in any case, and it can be conditionally divided into types:

• a one-time entry into the body through food or as zinc oxide. Differs in both consequences and treatment;
• chronic intoxication, which occurs with prolonged and significant oversaturation of the body with this element.

In the second case, the body's absorption of elements such as iron, copper and manganese is significantly reduced, which can lead to a deficiency of these substances.

Causes of occurrence

The nature of zinc is such that it is almost impossible to achieve an excess of this substance through improper nutrition. Therefore, an excessive dose of zinc that has entered the body with food can only occur in two cases:

• either if the patient has taken special biologically active supplements or medications;
• or - and this happens extremely rarely - zinc has poisoned the food itself, having gotten there from the container or packaging.

Zinc oxide is inhaled when safety precautions are violated when working with this substance. The tiny particles of this substance pose a minimal threat, but its compounds are actively used in some industries and are highly toxic.

Symptoms

Zinc poisoning when ingested in food and drinks causes the following symptoms:

• decreased immune system defenses;
• damage to the gastric mucosa;
• nausea;
• breathing problems;
• vomiting.

Most of these symptoms appear quickly, only problems with the immune system may become noticeable only after some time.

Symptoms of zinc oxide poisoning when inhaling this mixture:

• drowsiness;
• chills;
• suffocation;
• a feeling of pressing pain in the chest area;
• cough (dry).

But the first symptoms are a sweetish taste in the mouth and thirst.

If the body has been poisoned by salt compounds that contain zinc, then the sweetish taste is replaced by a metallic one, diarrhea, nausea, a more extensive burn of the mucous membrane of the digestive system are observed; blood glucose levels and blood pressure change. Cramps in the legs, more precisely - in the calf muscles, abdominal pain also begin.

With chronic excess of zinc, a significant deterioration in the functioning of the immune system is observed, including the occurrence of a number of autoimmune diseases. In case of chronic zinc excess, nails and hair become weak, skin condition worsens. Degenerative processes affect the pancreas, liver and prostate gland.

Diagnostics

A general practitioner deals with the treatment of the consequences of excess copper. He diagnoses this disease by means of laboratory blood analysis, as well as by examining the hair structure.

Treatment

Treatment of this disorder is prescribed by a general practitioner depending on the symptoms. In addition to combating the effects of excess zinc, the substance itself is neutralized by special antidotes that are introduced into the body and enter into a compound with it, neutralizing zinc and promoting its rapid elimination from the body.

Prevention

Since zinc practically does not settle in the human body, combating chronic excess of this substance and preventing zinc poisoning are essentially the same thing. You should simply exclude contact with zinc compounds, and also not use zinc utensils.