Zinc Induced Liver Failure From Remedy to Ruin: Zinc Overload and Liver Failure
October 2025
in “
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
”
Studysummary In this case report, acute liver failure was attributed to a 34-year-old woman's high-dose zinc supplementation taken for three weeks, illustrating that even commonly used supplements can lead to serious conditions like liver failure.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
A 34-year-old woman experienced acute liver failure after taking high-dose zinc supplements for 3 weeks to treat a cold. Despite a thorough medical workup, no other cause for her liver failure was identified, leading to the conclusion that it was due to zinc overuse. This case highlights the potential for serious side effects, such as liver failure, from excessive zinc intake, despite its general reputation as a safe supplement. The case underscores the importance of considering supplement-induced hepatotoxicity in the differential diagnosis of liver injury.
