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Can I Continue Taking Zinc Supplement Despite The Side Effects?

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Posted on Thu, 12 Jun 2014
Question: Hi, I started taking zinc supplementation of 25mg daily.
I have started to have some side effects of diarrhea, will my body adapt and get used to the zinc days after or will the diarrhea continue as long as I continue on the zinc?
I have also read that zinc may increase the chance of prostate cancer... is this related to high doses of zinc above the safe limit (40mg) or can it also be influenced with only 25mg daily?
I also read that zinc may cause kidney and stomach damage, is this also related to high dosages of zinc or is the amount of 25mg putting me at that risk?
I am planning on taking zinc as a permanent supplementation with a schedule of 3 months on and 3 weeks off rotation.
Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Deepika Patil (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
you have to wait and see

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to HealthcareMagic.

The side effects and the body's adaptations varies from person to person, so no one can say for sure if your body will adapt to the diarrhoea. You will have to wait and see. If it doesn't adapts then you can reduce the dose to half and see if that is tolerated by your body.

Regarding the risk of prostrate cancer or stomach or kidney damage, this occurs at high doses of zinc with prolonged intake usually at dose above 100mg/day.

So you need not worry about that and can continue its intake as per your planned schedule.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Deepika Patil

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 745 Questions

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Can I Continue Taking Zinc Supplement Despite The Side Effects?

Brief Answer: you have to wait and see Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to HealthcareMagic. The side effects and the body's adaptations varies from person to person, so no one can say for sure if your body will adapt to the diarrhoea. You will have to wait and see. If it doesn't adapts then you can reduce the dose to half and see if that is tolerated by your body. Regarding the risk of prostrate cancer or stomach or kidney damage, this occurs at high doses of zinc with prolonged intake usually at dose above 100mg/day. So you need not worry about that and can continue its intake as per your planned schedule.