What are the effects of excessive zinc intake?

Zinc is an important element involved in the normal immune function of the human body. When it is deficient, the immune function will be reduced and it is easy to induce disease. However, zinc supplementation should not be excessive. Some people think that regardless of whether they are zinc deficient or not, it is better to supplement than not. In fact, this view is wrong. Excessive zinc intake can cause damage to the liver. Therefore, today I will tell you about the effects of excessive zinc intake.

Zinc is a component of more than 200 metal enzymes in the human body and an activator of many enzymes. Through its effects on proteins and nucleic acids, zinc participates in regulating cell differentiation and gene expression, promoting cell division, growth and regeneration; zinc can maintain the biological structure and function of cell membranes; zinc participates in immune function; zinc has an important influence on maintaining the normal function of the pituitary gland, gonads, pancreas and retina; zinc is a structural component of taste hormones and plays an important role in taste and the function of oral epithelial cells.

Due to abnormal taste, infants and young children may have pica symptoms such as eating wall dirt, paper, chalk and other non-food items. Excess zinc can interfere with the absorption and metabolism of other nutrients, and may cause symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

Most of the zinc in food is bound to proteins and nucleic acids, usually in a stable complex state. It must be digested to dissociate the zinc before it can be used by the human body. Seafood such as shellfish, animal offal, and red meat contain high levels of zinc. Dried fruits, cereals, and wheat bran also contain high levels of zinc; while the content in vegetables and fruits is relatively low.

Previous studies have also found that excessive zinc can affect brain function. High zinc levels in the human body can inhibit the body's absorption of iron and copper, leading to iron and copper deficiency. Copper deficiency aggravates iron deficiency and may cause iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency impairs brain function and leads to memory loss. In addition, severe zinc poisoning can cause damage to neurons and glial cells; excessive maternal zinc levels can cause fetal neural tube defects.

Researchers recommend that patients with zinc deficiency should take zinc supplements under the guidance of a doctor and should never buy medicines on their own and use them blindly for a long time. Pay attention to a balanced diet in your life, such as actively supplementing various zinc-rich animal foods, such as liver, lean meat, egg yolks and fish, and zinc deficiency will generally not occur.

Based on the above content, we know that excessive intake of zinc can cause many harms to the body. Zinc is a trace element, so supplementation must be moderate. In addition, excessive zinc intake into the human body will interfere with the absorption of other nutrients. Therefore, don’t blindly supplement zinc. You need to check whether you are deficient in it.