What are the cons of zinc and magnesium?

Author: Cara Ratke DDS  |  Last update: Saturday, April 19, 2025

Both zinc and magnesium may be less effective or cause adverse effects when taken with certain drugs. In particular, certain drugs may negatively impact your ability to absorb either nutrient. In turn, zinc and magnesium could prevent certain medications from working properly, especially if taken around the same time.

What are the disadvantages of zinc and magnesium?

Side Effects of Taking a Combination of Zinc and Magnesium

But even if taken at low-to-moderate doses, zinc may cause an upset stomach or nausea, especially if taken on an empty stomach. You might also not like the supplement's metallic taste.

Why should you not take zinc and magnesium together?

“There is a potential for both zinc and magnesium to interfere with the absorption or function of certain medications and botanical supplements,” says Lamb.

Are there negative side effects to taking zinc?

Adverse effects of high zinc intake include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and headaches. Intakes of 150–450 mg of zinc per day have been associated with such chronic effects as low copper status, altered iron function and reduced immune function.

What is the most common side effect of magnesium?

More common side effects from magnesium include upset stomach and diarrhea. Magnesium competes with calcium for absorption and can cause a calcium deficiency if calcium levels are already low. Some medications may lower magnesium levels in the body.

Should You Be Taking A Zinc Supplement?

Why you shouldn't take magnesium everyday?

When taken in very large amounts (greater than 350 mg daily), magnesium is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Large doses might cause too much magnesium to build up in the body, causing serious side effects including an irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, confusion, slowed breathing, coma, and death.

What organ is most affected by magnesium?

Causes. Every organ in the body, especially the heart, muscles, and kidneys, needs the mineral magnesium. It also contributes to the makeup of teeth and bones. Magnesium is needed for many functions in the body.

Who should avoid zinc?

Although rare, some individuals, such as those with a history of stomach surgery or prolonged intravenous nutrition, may be at an increased risk for copper deficiency. If you fall into this category, you should avoid taking a zinc supplement because it could decrease your copper levels even more.

What organ does zinc affect?

Because zinc has many functions throughout the body, zinc deficiency affects many different tissues and organs [29]. Zinc deficiency can affect, for example, skin; bones; and the digestive, reproductive, central nervous, and immune systems [29]. The manifestations of zinc deficiency vary by age [29].

Can too much zinc cause hair loss?

There have been many studies that show how too much zinc can lead to hair loss and other issues. Why is this? Even though we need to have a certain amount of zinc in our diets, there are many problems that can arise, including hair loss, if we have too much.

Which two vitamins should not be taken together?

7 Supplement Combos You Should Never Take Together, According to Dietitians
  • Zinc & Calcium.
  • Iron & Zinc.
  • Iron & Calcium.
  • Magnesium & Zinc.
  • St. John's Wort & Serotonin Supplements.
  • Ginkgo Biloba & Fish Oil.
  • St. John's Wort & Ginseng.
  • Things to Consider.

Does zinc make you harder?

Zinc improves sexual performance and erectile function by preventing penile oxidative injury and upregulating circulating testosterone in lead-exposed rats - PMC.

Can I take vitamin D with magnesium and zinc?

Magnesium pairs well with vitamin D, calcium, zinc and vitamin B6. While it's always best to focus on getting the nutrients you need from a healthy, balanced diet, supplementation can help you bridge any gaps to ensure you get all the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs.

Is it good to take zinc and magnesium everyday?

Magnesium and Zinc are both essential nutrients for health. Magnesium supports muscle relaxation, nerve, heart, and bone health. Zinc is vital for normal growth and development, and supports the body's natural immune defense system. Taking a Magnesium and Zinc supplement together can support well-being.

What are the symptoms of low zinc?

What are the symptoms of zinc deficiency?
  • hair loss.
  • skin and hair changes.
  • eye problems.
  • more infections than usual.
  • wounds that take a long time to heal.
  • loss of taste and smell.
  • diarrhoea.

What are the symptoms of low magnesium?

Very low magnesium levels may cause:
  • Nausea.
  • Constipation.
  • Headaches.
  • Nighttime leg cramps.
  • Numbness or tingling in the legs or hands.
  • General body weakness.
  • Tremors.
  • Heart palpitations.

Does zinc reduce belly fat?

Results. The reductions of body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and hip circumference were significantly higher in the zinc group compared to the placebo group (P = 0.032, 0.025, 0.003, and 0.0001, respectively).

What damage does zinc do to the body?

If large doses of zinc (10-15 times higher than the RDA) are taken by mouth even for a short time, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting may occur. Ingesting high levels of zinc for several months may cause anemia, damage the pancreas, and decrease levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

Can lack of zinc cause body odor?

Zinc or magnesium deficiencies can lead to worse body odor because they affect how you metabolize foods, which influences smell.

What vitamins don t mix with zinc?

Don't take zinc at the same time as iron or calcium supplements. A strong relationship exists between zinc and copper. Too much of one can cause a deficiency in the other. If you take zinc, including zinc in a multivitamin, you should also take copper.

Who shouldn't take magnesium?

People with diabetes, intestinal disease, heart disease, or kidney disease should not take magnesium before speaking with their health care provider.

Why should you not take zinc everyday?

When oral zinc is taken long term and in high doses it can cause copper deficiency. People with low copper levels might experience neurological issues, such as numbness and weakness in the arms and legs.

What are the 10 signs of high magnesium?

If the body has absorbed too much magnesium, a person may notice any of the following symptoms, which can range from mild to very severe:
  • lethargy.
  • facial flushing.
  • diarrhea.
  • nausea.
  • stomach cramps.
  • vomiting.
  • depression.
  • muscle weakness.

What medication cannot be taken with magnesium?

When choosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN or RD), or pharmacist.
  • Some Antibiotics. ...
  • Bisphosphonates. ...
  • Blood Pressure Medications. ...
  • Certain Diabetes Drugs. ...
  • Digoxin. ...
  • Diuretics. ...
  • Penicillamine. ...
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

What fruit is full of magnesium?

Many people do not meet their daily magnesium needs. Adult males need 400-420 milligrams daily, while females require 310-400 milligrams. Fruits like papaya, prickly pear, figs, bananas, apricots, and guava are good sources of magnesium.

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