Is 50 mg of zinc too much?
50 milligrams of zinc is above the adult upper limit of 40 milligrams a day. Adults need 11 milligrams for men and 8 milligrams for women. Doctors sometimes advise more for a set time, so check with yours before taking this much.
General information, not medical advice. Check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking a supplement, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take any medicine, or are under 18.
In the UK
50 milligrams of zinc is above the NHS guidance of 25 milligrams a day from supplements (unless a doctor advises more). In the UK, adults need 9.5 milligrams a day for men and 7 milligrams for women. Doctors sometimes advise more for a set time, so check with yours before taking this much.
The figures
| US (NIH) | UK (NHS) | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount checked | 50 mg | |
| Answer | Above the upper limit | Above NHS guidance |
| Compared with | 40 milligrams a day | 25 milligrams a day from supplements |
| Share of the limit | 125% of the limit | 200% of the limit |
| Adults need | 11 milligrams for men and 8 milligrams for women | 9.5 milligrams a day for men and 7 milligrams for women |
Good to know
- Too much zinc over time can lower copper levels.
Quick answers
- Is 50 mg of zinc too much?
- 50 milligrams of zinc is above the adult upper limit of 40 milligrams a day. Adults need 11 milligrams for men and 8 milligrams for women. Doctors sometimes advise more for a set time, so check with yours before taking this much.
- What does the NHS say about 50 mg of zinc?
- 50 milligrams of zinc is above the NHS guidance of 25 milligrams a day from supplements (unless a doctor advises more). In the UK, adults need 9.5 milligrams a day for men and 7 milligrams for women. Doctors sometimes advise more for a set time, so check with yours before taking this much.
- What is the upper limit for zinc?
- US: 40 milligrams a day. UK (NHS): 25 milligrams a day from supplements.
Sources
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements fact sheet
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/ - NHS vitamins and minerals guidance
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/others/
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