Is Zinc Bad For You?
Also Known As: spelter, Zn (periodic table)
Short answer
Zinc is required for many functions within the body. As long as it is consumed by the recommended daily values, it is extremely beneficial for you.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Zinc serves as an important trace element within the human body, however, it is not something that the body naturally produces. Zinc helps to maintain a healthy immune system, therefore preventing many common colds and cases of flu, and other diseases from entering the body. Zinc is also great for assisting in the healing process of cuts and wounds by inhibiting bacterial growth and inflammation. It is commonly used topically on wounds in humans and also animals for this reason. Because of zinc’s unique healing benefits, it has also proved successful in treating those that suffer from acne.
Studies show zinc can also assist in the prevention of many eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, as high levels of zinc are concentrated in the eye. The reason zinc is so beneficial to vision is that it helps to create vitamin A and melanin both of which protect the eyes. It has been found that many who suffer from some form of impaired vision tend to have a deficiency in zinc and it can be prescribed as a treatment. Some common signs of zinc deficiency can be consistent diarrhea, anemia, loss of hair and altered sense of taste. The current recommendation for daily intake of zinc as a supplement is 8mg/day for women and 11mg/day for men.
Taking more than the recommended dose of zinc can lead to zinc toxicity, resulting in side effects such as nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In more extreme cases, when taken in large amounts (50-150mg) on a daily basis for a prolonged period of time, zinc can impair your body's ability to absorb copper. This can, among other things, reduce iron function and lower immunity.
Possible short-term side effects
- zinc toxicity:
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abdominal pain
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nausea
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vomiting
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diarrhea
Possible long-term side effects
- prolonged intake of high amounts of zinc:
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reduced copper absorption
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reduced levels of high-density lipoproteins
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may impair pancreatic enzymes
Benefits
- improved immune system
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clearer skin
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improved wound healing
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healthy vision
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strong bones
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prevention of colds and flu
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treatment of adhd, alzheimer's and crohn’s disease
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assistance in weight gain for anorexics
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Written by Brendan Quigley
Published on: 02-27-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Brendan Quigley
Published on: 02-27-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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