Zinc supplementation in adults

See Clinical aspects of key minerals and trace elements for the physiological function of zinc, and the effects of and risk factors for zinc deficiency.

Only use supplementation if zinc deficiency is identified because toxicity can occur. Zinc blood concentration may be decreased in acute or chronic inflammatory conditions, or infection—consider if inflammation or infection are present before supplementationNational Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), 2006.

To treat zinc deficiency in adults, use:

Check zinc blood concentration at baseline and 8 weeks after starting supplementation; if adequate, stop therapy. Supplementation provides 6 times the upper limit of daily intake (40 mg); do not continue long termNational Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Updated 22 September 2017.

Zinc toxicity can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, headache and exhaustion.