What you should know before using Zinc Sulfate
Zinc is found in many foods, such as red meat, poultry, seafood (especially oysters), fortified breakfast cereals, beans, nuts, whole grains, and dairy products. The amount of zinc that a person needs depends on their age. For example, young children need less zinc compared to teenagers and adults. Pregnant and breastfeeding women need the most zinc (about 12mg/day). Certain groups of people may not be getting enough zinc from their diet due to various lifestyle habits or digestive issues. These can include vegetarians, alcoholics, or people who have digestive diseases, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s. For these individuals, supplementation with zinc sulfate can be beneficial.
Symptoms of zinc deficiency can include weight loss, problems with wound healing, slow growth in infants/children, hair loss, eye and skin sores, diarrhea, and reduced ability to taste food. It is important to consult a doctor if you have symptoms of zinc deficiency.
Zinc sulfate should be taken with a glass of water and can be taken with food if it upsets the stomach. Zinc sulfate tablets should be stored at room temperature away from heat and moisture.
Do not take zinc sulfate with foods that have a lot of calcium or phosphorus, such as dairy products, beans, lentil, nuts, peanut butter, beer, or cola products. Antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, doxycycline, minocycline, or tetracycline should be taken at least 2 hours before or 4 – 6 hours after zinc sulfate to reduce the chance of drug interactions.
Chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide may decrease the amount of zinc in the body even if someone is taking zinc sulfate supplementation. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before taking zinc sulfate. Too much zinc sulfate supplementation can also be harmful so patients should consult with their doctors on their proper dosage.