Zinc, a nutrient found throughout your body, helps your immune system and metabolism function. Zinc is also important to wound healing and your sense of taste and smell. With a varied diet, your body usually gets enough zinc. Food sources of zinc include chicken, red meat and fortified breakfast cereals.

What are the benefits of taking zinc daily?

Supplementing with 15–30 mg of elemental zinc daily may improve immunity, blood sugar levels, and eye, heart, and skin health. Be sure not to exceed the upper limit of 40 mg. Zinc's side effects include digestive issues, flu-like symptoms, and reduced copper absorption and antibiotic effectiveness.

When should I take zinc?

Zinc supplements are most effective if they are taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. However, if zinc supplements cause stomach upset, they may be taken with a meal. You should tell your health care professional if you are taking your zinc supplement with meals.

Who should not take zinc?

So, be sure to talk with your doctor before taking zinc for conditions like colds, macular degeneration, sickle cell disease, a weakened immune system, stomach ulcers, acne, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), herpes, Wilson's disease, HIV/AIDS, acrodermatitis enteropathica, cirrhosis, alcoholism, celiac …

Can you take zinc and vitamin C together?

No interactions were found between Vitamin C and Zinc.

Can you take vitamin D and zinc together?

No interactions were found between Vitamin D3 and Zinc. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Is it OK to take zinc daily?

People use oral zinc to help treat colds, but it can decrease the effectiveness of certain drugs and cause side effects. The recommended daily amount of zinc is 8 milligrams (mg) for women and 11 mg for adult men.

What foods have zinc in them?

• Meat. Meat is an excellent source of zinc (4). …
• Shellfish. Shellfish are healthy, low-calorie sources of zinc. …
• Legumes. Legumes like chickpeas, lentils and beans all contain substantial amounts of zinc. …
• Seeds. Seeds are a healthy addition to your diet and can help increase your zinc intake. …
• Nuts. …
• Dairy. …
• Eggs. …
• Whole Grains.