What are the negative side effects associated with too much zinc?
While it is relatively non-toxic in doses up to 45mg daily, exceeding this amount can impair copper absorption. Long term doses of 80-150mg daily might lower HDL cholesterol. (HDL is the “good” cholesterol which reduces risk of heart disease.) DO NOT USE a zinc supplement by itself. Instead, use a quality multi-vitamin which contains 15mg zinc and take it with food. This amount in adition to your dietary intake will provide all of the zinc you need. Jeff Johnson Performance Fitness & Nutrition Zinc lozenges have recently gained attention as a treatment for the common cold. Mast cells in the immune system release the Zn2+ ion as a weapon against cold rhinovirii. These ions both attack the virii directly and stimulate production of interferon, which also attacks cold virii. Supplementation with zinc to increase levels of Zn2+ during colds has been shown to reduce the duration and intensity of illness. The catch is that not all zinc lozenges are equally effective. The best choices, in ord