Effects of zeolite supplementation on parameters of intestinal barrier integrity, inflammation, redoxbiology and performance in aerobically trained subjects.

Joachim F. Greilberger,Norbert Bachl,Burkhard Schuetz,Tanja Oberwinkler,Thomas Petek,Kurt Steinbauer,Erwin Zinser,Manfred Lamprecht,Sandra Wallner-Liebmann,Simon Bogner,Gert Schippinger,Bernhard Wagner,Bettina Leber

doi:10.1186/s12970-015-0101-z

Abstract

BackgroundZeolites are crystalline compounds with microporous structures of Si-tetrahedrons. In the gut, these silicates could act as adsorbents, ion-exchangers, catalysts, detergents or anti-diarrheic agents. This study evaluated whether zeolite supplementation affects biomarkers of intestinal wall permeability and parameters of oxidation and inflammation in aerobically trained individuals, and whether it could improve their performance.MethodsIn a randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled trial, 52 endurance trained men and women, similar in body fat, non-smokers, 20–50 years, received 1.85 g of zeolite per day for 12 weeks. Stool samples for determination of intestinal wall integrity biomarkers were collected. From blood, markers of redox biology, inflammation, and DNA damage were determined at the beginning and the end of the study. In addition, VO2max and maximum performance were evaluated at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. For statistical analyses a 2-factor ANOVA was used.ResultsAt baseline both groups showed slightly increased stool zonulin concentrations above normal. After 12 weeks with zeolite zonulin was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in the supplemented group. IL-10 increased tendentially (p < 0.1) in the zeolite group. There were no significant changes observed in the other measured parameters.ConclusionsTwelve weeks of zeolite supplementation exerted beneficial effects on intestinal wall integrity as indicated via decreased concentrations of the tight junction modulator zonulin. This was accompanied by mild anti-inflammatory effects in this cohort of aerobically trained subjects. Further research is needed to explore mechanistic explanations for the observations in this study.

Highlights

Zeolites are crystalline compounds with microporous structures of Si-tetrahedrons
Two men terminated earlier due to injuries unrelated to the study, one men became sick with influenza, and one woman did not adhere to the strict exclusion of any supplement use
Groups did not differ in age, gender, Body mass index (BMI), Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), body weight and fat, clinical blood chemistry variables, and diet (P > 0.05)

Summary

Introduction

Zeolites are crystalline compounds with microporous structures of Si-tetrahedrons. In the gut, these silicates could act as adsorbents, ion-exchangers, catalysts, detergents or anti-diarrheic agents. Natural zeolites are crystalline compounds of volcanic origin with microporous structures of Si- and AI-tetrahedrons (SiO4, AIO4), linked through the common oxygen atoms to form an open crystal structure [1]. The grid structure of zeolites can act as inorganic cation-exchanger, adsorbent, detergent builder, and active reservoir for metalcatalyzed reactions [2,3,4,5,6]. These properties have earned them extensive industrial applications. Other researchers describe zeolite’s capability to adsorb glucose, antidiarrheic effects, and its strong antioxidant activity [9,10,11]

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