Zinc is an essential trace element involved in numerous physiological processes, including enzyme function, gene regulation, immune response, and cell signaling. While zinc deficiency can lead to health issues, excessive intake can cause toxicity. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a daily dietary intake of 6.7–15 mg, while the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) sets the tolerable upper intake level (UL) at 25 mg/day, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows up to 40 mg/day. Zinc toxicity can occur through oral, dermal, or inhalation routes, with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and copper deficiency. Chronic exposure to high zinc levels can lead to conditions like metal fume fever and copper-induced zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency is more common, particularly among vegetarians and vegans, due to lower bioavailability from plant-based diets. The balance of zinc and copper is crucial, as excessive zinc can interfere with copper absorption. Zinc toxicity is rare from dietary intake but can occur from supplements or industrial exposure. Preventive measures include adhering to recommended intake levels, avoiding excessive supplementation, and ensuring proper workplace safety to prevent inhalation of zinc fumes. The review highlights the importance of maintaining zinc homeostasis to prevent both deficiency and toxicity.Zinc is an essential trace element involved in numerous physiological processes, including enzyme function, gene regulation, immune response, and cell signaling. While zinc deficiency can lead to health issues, excessive intake can cause toxicity. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a daily dietary intake of 6.7–15 mg, while the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) sets the tolerable upper intake level (UL) at 25 mg/day, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows up to 40 mg/day. Zinc toxicity can occur through oral, dermal, or inhalation routes, with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and copper deficiency. Chronic exposure to high zinc levels can lead to conditions like metal fume fever and copper-induced zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency is more common, particularly among vegetarians and vegans, due to lower bioavailability from plant-based diets. The balance of zinc and copper is crucial, as excessive zinc can interfere with copper absorption. Zinc toxicity is rare from dietary intake but can occur from supplements or industrial exposure. Preventive measures include adhering to recommended intake levels, avoiding excessive supplementation, and ensuring proper workplace safety to prevent inhalation of zinc fumes. The review highlights the importance of maintaining zinc homeostasis to prevent both deficiency and toxicity.