Dietary zinc plays multiple significant roles in enhancing human health. For instance, this mineral stimulates the enzymes responsible for wound healing, nervous system functioning, cell growth and immune health. Although it is vital that you take some amount of zinc every day, too much of it causes unpleasant effects. If you overdose on zinc mineral, you are likely to experience the following.
Effects of Zinc Overdose
- Increased Susceptibility to Clostridium difficile infection
Clostridium difficile is among the most lethal causes of nosocomial infections. Based on a journal published in Nature Medicine, consumption of excessive zinc alters the microbes in the intestine, which in turn increases one’s susceptibility to C.difficile infection.
- Transmission of CDI
Typically, the C.difficile bacterium is shed in feces. It is then spread to food and surfaces such as toilets and bathtubs. C.difficile infection is prevalent in Medicare facilities including nursing homes, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. In these settings, the bacterium is passed to patients through hand contact with health personnel, who have touched surfaces contaminated with the bacteria. The new study indicates that taking too much zinc can cause C.difficile in a similar manner.
- Copper Deficiency
Another reason not to take too much of the zinc mineral is that it causes copper deficiency. By consuming large doses of zinc, it hinders the digestive tract from absorbing copper. It implies that too much zinc can deplete the required levels of copper from your body. When this happens, the count of white blood cells decreases, increasing your risk of getting infections. Low copper levels also impact your red blood cells negatively by preventing proper transportation of oxygen.
- Avoiding a Zinc Toxicity
You ought to adhere to a healthy diet, so as to get the right amounts of dietary zinc. Ideal sources of this mineral include meats, dairy products, beans, and grains. Nonetheless, you need not go overboard, as high levels of zinc increase the risk of getting a C.difficile infection.
References
http://www.pwnfitness.com/harmful-dangerous-side-effects-zinc/
http://www.health.com/digestive-health/zinc-antibiotics-infection
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