Tag: Zinc regulation

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), zinc is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in immune function, growth, and DNA synthesis. When you consume more than your body needs, does your body pee out excess zinc to maintain balance? The answer is more complex, involving a sophisticated homeostatic system primarily centered on the gastrointestinal tract and fecal excretion.

Studies show that the body possesses remarkable regulatory abilities, adjusting zinc absorption efficiency from nearly 90% during severe restriction to as low as 25% with high intake. This tight control is the primary answer to the question: what prevents the body from absorbing excess zinc, protecting against potentially harmful mineral overloads.

The human body, containing approximately 2-3 grams of zinc, employs a highly efficient homeostatic system to regulate its mineral levels. This tight control ensures that surplus zinc is managed and eliminated, demonstrating how does the body get rid of excess zinc to prevent toxicity and maintain cellular function.