Why does zinc make my mouth feel weird?

Over 64% of participants in a 2012 review of zinc supplement studies experienced nausea, with altered taste being a common adverse effect. This strange sensation, often metallic, is a frequent side effect for many taking zinc, leaving them to wonder, why does zinc make my mouth feel weird?.

Quick Summary

Taking zinc supplements, especially lozenges, can cause an unpleasant metallic taste or other mouth irritations. This can be caused by the mineral's direct effect on taste receptors, oxidation of salivary proteins, and, in high doses, a condition called dysgeusia. The taste is typically temporary, resolving as the supplement is processed by the body.

Key Points

• Taste Receptor Overload: Concentrated zinc from supplements, especially lozenges, can overwhelm or disrupt your taste buds, causing a metallic or weird flavor.

• Protein Oxidation: Zinc interacts with proteins in your saliva, causing oxidation that creates compounds perceived as a metallic taste.

• Supplement Form Matters: Lozenges and liquid zinc cause the most significant taste alteration due to direct, prolonged contact with the mouth, whereas capsules may cause less.

• High Dose Warning: A metallic taste can be a symptom of consuming excessive amounts of zinc, which can have other adverse effects if the dose is too high.

• Mitigation Strategies: You can reduce the unpleasant taste by switching supplement forms, taking zinc with food, chewing gum, or rinsing your mouth.

• Underlying Deficiency: In some cases, an underlying zinc deficiency can be the cause of a metallic taste, and supplementation, despite its initial taste effect, is the treatment.

• Intranasal Zinc Risk: Avoid intranasal zinc products entirely, as they have been linked to a permanent loss of the sense of smell.

The chemistry behind the bizarre taste

The unpleasant, metallic, or generally weird taste caused by zinc supplements is a known side effect, particularly with lozenges and liquid forms. The phenomenon, known medically as dysgeusia, is caused by several physiological and chemical interactions within your mouth. This taste alteration occurs because zinc directly impacts your taste receptors and can interfere with other proteins in your saliva.

Direct interaction with taste receptors

Zinc is a crucial mineral for the proper function of your taste buds. It helps facilitate the production of a salivary protein called gustin, which is vital for the growth and development of taste buds. However, when high concentrations of zinc come into direct contact with taste receptors, as with a lozenge dissolving in the mouth, it can overstimulate or even disrupt them. This can result in a distorted taste perception, where the intense metallic or bitter flavor overpowers normal sensations.

Oxidation of salivary proteins

Another mechanism behind the metallic taste is the interaction of zinc with salivary proteins. Experts suggest that metallic minerals, like zinc, can cause the oxidation of certain proteins in your saliva. This chemical reaction can create new compounds that your taste buds perceive as a metallic flavor. The taste usually subsides as your body absorbs the zinc and your saliva returns to its normal state.

The effect of different supplement forms

The form in which you take zinc plays a large role in the intensity of the weird taste. Lozenges, sprays, and liquid supplements, which have direct and prolonged contact with the mouth's mucous membranes and taste buds, are the most common culprits. Tablets or capsules swallowed quickly often result in a less pronounced or absent taste disturbance, as the mineral bypasses the taste buds for digestion.

Factors that influence the strange sensation

Several factors can influence the intensity and duration of the altered taste experience. These include the dosage, the duration of use, and a person's individual sensitivity. High doses of zinc are more likely to cause significant taste alterations and may even be a sign of excessive intake.

• Excessive dosage: Consuming zinc in amounts higher than the recommended tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 40 mg per day for healthy adults significantly increases the risk of side effects, including dysgeusia and mouth irritation.
• Zinc deficiency: Paradoxically, a zinc deficiency can also cause taste disturbances. In cases of deficiency, a lack of zinc can lead to a reduced ability to taste, making the supplementation of zinc a form of treatment. However, the initial supplementation can sometimes feel overwhelming or cause a temporary, different kind of taste distortion as the body's taste perception readjusts.
• Individual sensitivity: Some people are simply more sensitive to the effects of minerals on their taste buds. This heightened sensitivity means they may experience a metallic taste even with standard doses of zinc supplementation.

How to mitigate the metallic taste

For those who find the weird taste from zinc intolerable, several strategies can help minimize the effect:

• Choose a different form: If lozenges are the problem, try switching to a capsule or tablet that is swallowed whole. This avoids direct contact with your taste buds.
• Take with food: Taking zinc with a meal can help mask the taste and may improve absorption, reducing the likelihood of a concentrated mineral taste.
• Chew sugar-free gum: Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on mints can stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize the metallic flavor.
• Mask the flavor: Eating a small amount of citrus or a sour food, like a pickle, can help to mask the metallic taste.
• Rinse your mouth: A simple rinse with water or a baking soda solution can help to clear the lingering taste.

A comparison of zinc supplement side effects

Feature	Zinc Lozenges/Sprays	Zinc Capsules/Tablets
Effect on Taste	More likely to cause a strong, metallic, or unpleasant taste due to direct contact with taste buds.	Less likely to cause taste alteration as the supplement is swallowed and absorbed in the digestive system.
Mouth Irritation	Common side effect, including mouth sores and irritation.	Rare side effect, as there is minimal contact with oral tissues.
Onset of Taste Effect	Immediate, while the lozenge is dissolving or spray is being used.	Delayed or absent, as the mineral is released in the stomach.
Gastrointestinal Issues	Can cause nausea or stomach upset, though sometimes less common than with high-dose tablets.	Higher doses can increase the risk of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Duration of Taste Effect	Temporary, often dissipating after the supplement is finished and saliva production returns to normal.	If a taste is experienced, it is likely temporary as the supplement is digested.

Conclusion

Experiencing a weird taste when taking zinc is a normal and common side effect, particularly when using lozenges or liquid supplements. The primary causes are the direct interaction of concentrated zinc with taste receptors and the oxidation of salivary proteins. While the sensation is generally temporary and harmless, it can be a nuisance for some. By understanding the underlying reasons and exploring alternative supplement forms or mitigation strategies, you can manage the effect and continue to benefit from zinc's immune-boosting and health-supporting properties. If the taste disturbance is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other adverse symptoms like nausea, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues or adjust your dosage.

Important considerations when experiencing dysgeusia from zinc supplements

Beyond taste: A brief look at other zinc side effects

Dietary versus supplemental zinc: A taste perspective

How mineral interactions affect taste

The link between gustin and taste perception

Managing dosage to minimize adverse taste effects

Note: If you are using intranasal zinc, be aware that this has been linked to a permanent loss of the sense of smell and should be avoided.

References

Healthline, "7 Signs and Symptoms of Zinc Overdose" [Internet]. 2024. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/zinc-overdose-symptoms Mayo Clinic, "Zinc: Side effects and warnings" [Internet]. 2025. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-zinc/art-20366112 Medical News Today, "Common causes for a metallic taste in your mouth" [Internet]. 2023. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/313744 Next Health, "Does Zinc Make You Nauseous?" [Internet]. 2025. Available from: https://www.next-health.com/post/does-zinc-make-you-nauseous Cleveland Clinic, "Dysgeusia (Altered Taste): Causes & Treatment" [Internet]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22047-dysgeusia

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the weird taste from zinc called?

The medical term for the altered taste caused by zinc is dysgeusia, which refers to an abnormal or impaired sense of taste, and often manifests as a metallic or bitter flavor.

Is a metallic taste from zinc normal?

Yes, it is a very common and normal side effect, particularly with lozenges, sprays, or liquid supplements that have direct and prolonged contact with your taste buds.

How long does the metallic taste from zinc last?

For most people, the metallic taste is temporary and subsides shortly after the supplement has been processed by the body. Taking it with food or using a different form can help minimize its duration.

How can I avoid the metallic taste from zinc lozenges?

To avoid the taste, you can switch from lozenges to a capsule or tablet form, as it bypasses your taste buds. Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on mints after taking a lozenge can also help neutralize the taste.

Does the type of zinc affect the taste?

Yes, different forms of zinc can have varying effects. Zinc gluconate in lozenges is a frequent cause of taste changes. Capsules and tablets are often less bothersome because they are swallowed whole.

Can zinc cause permanent taste changes?

Typically, the taste changes from oral zinc supplements are not permanent. However, it is crucial to note that intranasal zinc (sprays applied inside the nose) has been linked to a permanent loss of the sense of smell and should be avoided.

Is the weird taste a sign of a zinc overdose?

While a persistent or intense metallic taste can be a symptom of excessive zinc intake, it is not always a sign of a severe overdose. However, if accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, it's wise to consult a doctor.