Zinc Supplementation During Pregnancy: Safety and Dosage

Question
Hi. I am just wondering how much zinc is okay to take during pregnancy? I am currently about 7 weeks pregnant.. I sometimes take extra zinc, up to 44 mg, when I feel like I have a cold coming on (which can be fairly often). Normally I only take about 22 mg (1 tablet), but since I have felt like Ive been getting sick over the past few days, I have taken around 33 mg, or 1 1/2 zinc tablets. I have not heard anything about extra zinc being harmful in pregnancy. I have mainly just read about zinc deficiencies. I have also read that folic acid and iron can interfere with zinc absorption,which I am getting in my prenatal vitamin.. I would just like to get your opinion about this. I have called my OB to ask him about this but have not received a call back yet. I really appreciate your help.

Jennifer

Answer
Hi Jennifer,
As with any nutritional substance, if a little is good, more may not be better. I would not take any amount extra than that recommended by your OB. You certainly can have zinc toxicity by taking too much. Folic Acid and Iron do compete for binding sites on proteins and zinc can displace these and prevent complete absorption. I would get the final word from your OB doctor as he or she knows your particular case best.