Toxic Effects Associated With Consumption of Zinc Petar G. Igic, MD, Edward Lee, MD, William Harper, MD, Keith W. Roach, MD  Mayo Clinic Proceedings  Volume 77, Issue 7, Pages 713-716 (July 2002) DOI: 10.4065/77.7.713 Copyright © 2002 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Terms and Conditions

Figure 1 Top, graphic representation of patient's hematocrit (Hct) and leukocyte (white blood cell [WBC]) counts (x 109/L) over time. The mode (intravenous [IV] or oral [PO]) and daily copper dose administered over time is shown at the top of the figure. Initially, 2 mg IV per day for 5 days was administered, followed by 10 mg PO per day for 10 days, and finally 2 mg PO per day for 70 days. The steep rise in Hct levels on day 7 (arrow) of hospitalization is attributed to the transfusion of 2 U of packed red blood cells. The rapid rise in WBC count at the same time is due to human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor therapy. Bottom, As expected, serum zinc and copper levels measured over 90 days return to normal with zinc discontinuation and copper supplementation. Mayo Clinic Proceedings 2002 77, 713-716DOI: (10.4065/77.7.713) Copyright © 2002 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Terms and Conditions