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Overview: Zinc supplements, which are available over the counter, are used to increase zinc levels. Zinc supplements are usually well tolerated, but taking too much zinc can be harmful. Before taking zinc supplements, tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any medicines or supplements you may be using.

Uses

What are zinc supplements used for?

Zinc supplements are commonly used to help with zinc deficiency and to prevent or manage low zinc levels from various causes. The benefits of zinc supplements for other uses are not well defined.

Zinc supplements may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Zinc is also available as a prescription product to treat Wilson’s disease, a genetic disorder that causes excessive buildup of copper in the body. See Galzin for more information.

Zinc is also available in a form that is applied to the skin. See zinc oxide topical for more information.

How do zinc supplements work (mechanism of action)?

Zinc supplements contain zinc, which is an essential mineral. Your body needs zinc to make DNA and maintain a healthy immune system. Zinc is also important for wound healing and for your sense of smell and taste. In infants and children, zinc is important for growth.

In the United States, many people get enough zinc from their diet. It is found in meat, seafood, beans, nuts, whole grains, and eggs. It is also found in some fortified cereals. For most adults, the recommended daily intake of zinc is 8 to 11 milligrams (mg). But people who eat a vegetarian or vegan diet may not always get enough zinc from foods. Also, some people have trouble absorbing zinc. When this happens, you can take zinc supplements to replace what you are not getting from your diet.

How are zinc supplements supplied (dosage forms)?

Zinc supplements are available as a dietary supplement in various strengths and dosage forms to boost levels of this mineral.

How should I store zinc supplements?

You should store zinc supplements according to the product label. Most medicines should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of zinc supplements?

Zinc supplements are usually well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of zinc supplements that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of zinc supplements?

While less common, the most serious side effects of zinc supplements are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Zinc supplements may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking zinc supplements and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use zinc supplements?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take zinc supplements.

  • Zinc
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific zinc supplement products they stock.

What should I know about zinc supplements before using one?

Zinc supplements are dietary supplements. They cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep zinc supplements out of the reach of children.

If you are using a liquid zinc supplement, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

You can get zinc from several places, including foods and other vitamins or supplements. Many multivitamin and combination supplement products have zinc in them. It is important not to take too much zinc. Too much zinc from supplements can be harmful. If you are not sure how much zinc you need or if you need a zinc supplement, talk to your health care provider.

What should I tell my health care provider before using zinc supplements?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if zinc supplements are right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Malabsorption Syndrome. You may have trouble absorbing zinc supplements if you have malabsorption syndrome. Malabsorption means your body is not able to absorb and use the nutrients that you take by mouth or from the foods you eat. Talk with your health care provider about taking a zinc supplement.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Zinc supplements may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking zinc supplements, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take zinc supplements while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Zinc supplements pass into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take zinc supplements while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Do zinc supplements interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between zinc supplements and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect zinc supplements, but drinking large amounts of alcohol may lower the levels of zinc in your body. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Do zinc supplements interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking zinc supplements.

  • A fluoroquinolone antibiotic, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), or moxifloxacin, which is a medicine used to treat infections
  • A tetracycline antibiotic, such as doxycycline, minocycline, omadacycline (Nuzyra), sarecycline (Seysara), or tetracycline, which is a medicine used to treat infections or other conditions
  • A thiazide diuretic, such as chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide, or indapamide, which is a medicine commonly used to lower blood pressure
  • Deferasirox (Exjade, Jadenu), deferiprone (Ferriprox), or deferoxamine (Desferal), which are medicines used to lower the amount of iron in your body
  • A supplement containing iron
  • Penicillamine, which is a medicine used to treat certain conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or Wilson’s disease

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with zinc supplements. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much of a zinc supplement?

If you or someone else has used too much of a zinc supplement, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a zinc supplement dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.