Can I Take Zinc Supplement Of 25mg Daily?

Posted on Mon, 26 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 26 May 2014 Answered on

Thu, 12 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I have started taking zinc supplement. I am planning on taking 25mg daily. Is there any concerns about taking this daily? Do I have to stop after a while and then start over again, or can I just take it daily without stopping?
If I have to stop after a while and start again after, what kind of schedule do I use ?

Thank You

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
May be of benefit.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic.
There is evidence that taking zinc within a day of developing symptoms
of a cold reduces the duration of the
cold by about a day and that regular supplementation (for at least five months) protects people against catching colds.
Zinc supplements can be quite expensive when compared to the potential benefit. There are side effects and these include nausea, an unpleasant taste and sometimes vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
Regarding a schedule of taking zinc, there is no likely benefit if taking for longer than 5 months. Therefore, I suggest a break of at least 2 weeks before you consider re-starting.
I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar