Zinc excess

**Definition:** Adverse effects associated with chronic intake of supplemental zinc include suppression of immune response, decrease in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and reduced copper status. Acute adverse effects of excess zinc include epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, headaches and gastrointestinal distress.

**Long definition:** Although there are no data indicating adverse interactions between zinc and other nutrients when zinc is found in food, adverse nutrient interactions are present after feeding zinc in the form of dietary supplements. The adverse effect of excess zinc on copper metabolism (i.e., reduced copper status) was chosen as the critical effect on which to base an upper level for total daily intake of zinc from food, water and supplements in humans.