Zinc carbonate

Zinc as a nutrient (function in the body)

Zinc is an important trace element that people need to stay healthy. It is needed for the body's defensive (immune) system to properly work, plays a role in cell division, cell growth, wound healing, and the breakdown of carbohydrates, and is needed for the senses of smell and taste. During pregnancy, infancy, and childhood the body needs zinc to grow and develop properly. Zinc also enhances the action of insulin. (1)

Common cold (oral zinc)

Information from an expert review on zinc supplements showed that, when taken for at least 5 months, zinc may reduce the risk of becoming sick with the common cold, and that starting to take zinc supplements within 24 hours after cold symptoms begin may reduce how long the symptoms last and make the symptoms less severe. However, supplementation beyond the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) and adequate intake (AI) is not recommended at this time. NIH NCCIH describes oral zinc products as a complementary approach that has shown some promise for colds; a 2012 evaluation of 17 studies of various types of zinc lozenges, tablets, or syrup found that zinc can reduce the duration of colds in adults, and two evaluations of three studies of high-dose zinc acetate lozenges in adults (2015 and 2016) found that they shortened colds. (1) (2)

Food sources of zinc

Animal proteins are a good source of zinc. Beef, pork, and lamb contain more zinc than fish; the dark meat of a chicken has more zinc than the light meat. Other good sources are nuts, whole grains, legumes, and yeast. Fruits and vegetables are not good sources, because the zinc in plant foods is not as available for use by the body as the zinc from animal sources; low-protein diets and vegetarian diets tend to be low in zinc. Zinc is in most multivitamin and mineral supplements, and is also found in some over-the-counter medicines such as cold lozenges, nasal sprays, and nasal gels. The best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins and minerals is to eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods. (1)

Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting

What to notice: These may occur with zinc supplements taken in large amounts, and most often appear within 3 to 10 hours of swallowing the supplements.

What to do: The symptoms go away within a short period of time after stopping the supplements. Contact a clinician or pharmacist, who can advise on whether to continue or stop the supplement and on any need for assessment. (1)

Bad taste or nausea

What to notice: Some participants in studies that tested zinc for colds reported that the zinc caused a bad taste or nausea.

What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with a clinician or pharmacist rather than changing the supplement yourself. (2)

Loss of the sense of smell with nasal zinc products

What to notice: Loss of the sense of smell, which may be long-lasting or permanent, after use of zinc products inside the nose such as gels or swabs.

What to do: Seek medical advice promptly. In 2009, the FDA warned consumers to stop using several intranasal zinc products marketed as cold remedies because of this risk; the clinician you see can advise on whether to continue or stop the product. (2) (1)

Possible mineral deficiency from long-term high-dose zinc

What to notice: A long-term excess intake of zinc can lead to copper, iron, or magnesium deficiency; long-term use of high doses of zinc can also cause low copper levels, reduced immunity, and low levels of HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol). The sources do not list specific symptoms of these deficiencies.

What to do: Contact a clinician for assessment if you have used high doses of zinc long term. (1) (2)

Intranasal zinc products and loss of smell — serious

Symptoms: Loss of the sense of smell, which may be long-lasting or even permanent, after use of zinc products inside the nose such as gels or swabs. Prior to the warnings about effects on the sense of smell, a few studies of intranasal zinc had suggested a possible benefit against cold symptoms; however, the risk of a serious and lasting side effect outweighs any possible benefit in the treatment of a minor illness.

Action: In 2009, the FDA warned consumers to stop using several intranasal zinc products marketed as cold remedies because of this risk. Seek medical advice promptly; the clinician you see can advise on whether to continue or stop the product and on assessment of the smell loss. (2)

Long-term excess zinc intake — serious

Symptoms: A long-term excess intake of zinc can lead to copper, iron, or magnesium deficiency. Long-term use of high doses of zinc can cause low copper levels, reduced immunity, and low levels of HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol).

Action: The sources state that supplementation beyond the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) and adequate intake (AI) is not recommended at this time. Discuss any long-term or high-dose zinc use with a clinician rather than adjusting it yourself. (1) (2)

Infants, children, and adolescents

Zinc needs vary by age. The Dietary Reference Intakes in the supplied source are: infants (AI) 0 to 6 months, 2 mg/day; children and infants (RDA) 7 to 12 months, 3 mg/day; 1 to 3 years, 3 mg/day; 4 to 8 years, 5 mg/day; 9 to 13 years, 8 mg/day; adolescents and adults (RDA) males age 14 and over, 11 mg/day; females age 14 to 18, 9 mg/day; females age 19 and over, 8 mg/day. During pregnancy, infancy, and childhood the body needs zinc to grow and develop properly. The sources do not give a zinc carbonate supplement dose for these groups; ask a clinician. (1)

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

The Dietary Reference Intakes in the supplied source are: pregnant females age 19 and over, 11 mg/day (14 to 18 years, 12 mg/day); lactating females age 19 and over, 12 mg/day (14 to 18 years, 13 mg/day). During pregnancy the body needs zinc to grow and develop properly. The sources do not give a zinc carbonate supplement dose for pregnancy or breastfeeding; ask a clinician. (1)

People with certain health problems or taking certain medicines

People who have certain health problems or take some medicines may need to get less of one of the minerals; for example, people with chronic kidney disease need to limit foods that are high in potassium. The supplied sources do not state whether this applies to zinc or zinc carbonate. Ask a clinician. (3)

People with low-protein or vegetarian diets

The zinc in plant foods is not as available for use by the body as the zinc from animal sources, so low-protein diets and vegetarian diets tend to be low in zinc. (1)

United States

• MetagenicsMetagenicsregulator source
• DCDCregulator source
• SolgarSolgarregulator source
• NOWNOWregulator source
• BulkSupplements.comBulkSupplements.comregulator source
• Vitamer LaboratoriesVitamer Laboratoriesregulator source
• 21st Century21st Centuryregulator source
• ThompsonThompsonregulator source
• VitaCeutical LabsVitaCeutical Labsregulator source
• Endo-met LaboratoriesEndo-met Laboratoriesregulator source