How long zinc stays in body

Sylvie Tremblay holds a Master of Science in molecular and cellular biology, and has years of experience as a cancer researcher and geneticist. Dorian Facey. Dorian Facey began writing in She worked as a ghostwriter on the piece "I Believe in My Dream. Video of the Day. Tip Excess vitamins that are water soluble are excreted through urine, while fat-soluble vitamins are stored in body fat. Zinc in Your Diet. Water-Soluble Vitamins.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins. These levels do not apply to people who are taking zinc for medical reasons under the care of a doctor:. Zinc dietary supplements can interact or interfere with medicines that you take and, in some cases, medicines can lower zinc levels in the body.

Here are several examples:. Tell your doctor, pharmacist, and other healthcare providers about any dietary supplements and medicines you take. They can tell you if those dietary supplements might interact or interfere with your prescription or over-the-counter medicines or if the medicines might interfere with how your body absorbs, uses, or breaks down nutrients. Foods contain vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber , and other components that benefit health.

In some cases, fortified foods and dietary supplements are useful when it is not possible to meet needs for one or more nutrients e. For more information about building a healthy dietary pattern, see the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the U. This fact sheet by the Office of Dietary Supplements ODS provides information that should not take the place of medical advice.

We encourage you to talk to your healthcare providers doctor, registered dietitian, pharmacist, etc. Any mention in this publication of a specific product or service, or recommendation from an organization or professional society, does not represent an endorsement by ODS of that product, service, or expert advice. Updated: March 22, History of changes to this fact sheet. Find ODS on:. Strengthening Knowledge and Understanding of Dietary Supplements. Health Information Health Information.

Zinc Fact Sheet for Consumers. Table of Contents What is zinc and what does it do? How much zinc do I need? What foods provide zinc? What kinds of zinc dietary supplements are available? Early during digestion , zinc ions present in food release and then are absorbed in the small intestine. The liver synthesizes albumin, so any form of liver inflammation or disease can also negatively affect zinc levels.

Approximately half of all the zinc eliminated from the body occurs through the gastrointestinal tract. Because increased motility decreases the success of digestion and absorption, severe diarrhea can result in malabsorption of all nutrients, including zinc.

Attempting to avoid disease symptoms associated with eating might also influence the quantity of food individuals are willing to consume, which further increases their risk of deficiencies. You may find the Zinc Deficiency, Excess and Supplementation article more useful, or one of our other health articles. NICE has issued rapid update guidelines in relation to many of these. This guidance is changing frequently. Note that phytates in wholegrain bread, cereals, legumes and some other foods inhibit zinc absorption and so affect the bioavailability of zinc from plant foods.

Am Fam Physician. Transl Sci Rare Dis. StatPearls Publishing Acrodermatitis enteropathica ; DermNet NZ. Lazzerini M, Wanzira H ; Oral zinc for treating diarrhoea in children.