Zinc deficiency is prevalent in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and has significant clinical implications. Previous systematic reviews have only evaluated the impact of zinc supplementation on a limited range of biochemical outcomes in people receiving hemodialysis. In this analysis we sought to evaluate the impact of zinc supplementation on all outcomes in adults with CKD, including kidney replacement therapies. We conducted a systematic search across Cochrane, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify randomized controlled trials assessing any outcomes in adults with CKD. Three authors independently assessed trial eligibility, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. We identified 41 studies, with 23 included in meta-analyses. In total, 176 outcomes were reported, of which 11 were meta-analyzed. Zinc supplementation resulted in a significant increase in body weight (weighted mean difference [WMD], 2.52 kg; 95% CI, 1.58-3.45; P < .00001), serum zinc (WMD, 24.96 µg/dL; 95% CI, 20.43-29.50; P < .00001), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; WMD, 8.05 mg/dL; 95% CI, 0.22-15.88; P = .04), albumin (WMD, 0.38 g/dL; 95% CI, 0.07-0.69; P = .02), and dietary energy intake (WMD, 271.80 kcal; 95% CI, 172.70-370.90; P < .00001). No significant difference was observed in body mass index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, and dietary protein and zinc intakes. Qualitative synthesis suggests that zinc supplementation may improve gastrointestinal symptoms, intensity of pruritus, quality of life, and quality of sleep. In patients with CKD, znc supplementation is associated with increases in body weight, serum zinc, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), albumin, and dietary energy intake. The current body of evidence is of low quality, highlighting the need for further high-quality research to substantiate these findings and for the translation of findings into clinical practice. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42024574253.

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal found in the environment from natural (volcanic eruptions) and industrial sources, including mining, smelting, batteries, and fuel combustion. Studies have shown that oxidative stress, inflammation, and abnormal immune response are associated with Cd-induced hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) toxicity. The dietary trace element zinc (Zn) prevents oxidative and inflammatory effects in diverse experimental models. The literature has reported that Zn inhibits Cd-mediated HPT toxicity. Our objective is to investigate the mechanisms by which Zn inhibits the Cd-induced HPT toxicity in rats. A 42-day waterborne exposure of Cd and Zn was administered to rats individually at 200μg/L or in a co-exposure. Treatment with Zn significantly (p < 0.05) reduced inflammatory and oxidative imbalance, as well as indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity and expression in both the hypothalamus and testes of rats. Furthermore, a Zn-induced reduction (p < 0.05) in cadmium (Cd) concentration led to fewer degenerating neurons in the hypothalamus and lower testicular injury scores observed in the Sertoli and Leydig cells on histological examination. Exposure to Zn also resulted in an increased (p < 0.05) sperm count, motility, viability, and lowered morphological alterations due to its antagonistic effect on Cd-induced decrease in reproductive/pituitary hormones and steroidogenic enzyme activities. Zn displayed high binding affinity (-9.2kcal/mol) when docked with IDO, thus counteracting Cd-induced increase in IDO activity/expression by modulating redox imbalance.

Purpose Poor maternal nutrition knowledge, attitudes and practices during pregnancy may lead to adverse outcomes. Therefore, this study aims to longitudinally assess knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) and nutrient intakes of Indian rural and urban pregnant women and observe their association with gestational weight gain (GWG) and infant anthropometry. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 268 dyads of pregnant women and their infants enrolled in prospective longitudinal cohort-MAI (mother and infant) from August 2020-September 2023 in and around Pune, Maharashtra. The anthropometry of pregnant women and infants was measured while pregnant women were interviewed for KAP regarding nutrition and dietary intakes. Findings Rural women were younger, shorter and lighter than their urban counterparts. Pre-pregnancy BMI (20.5 ± 4.0 vs 25.5 ± 4.7 kg/m2), GWG (9.9 ± 3.7 vs 11.9 ± 4.5 kg), KAP scores (20.2 ± 3.4 vs. 26.8 ± 3.6) and infant weight (2.6 ± 0.4 vs 2.8 ± 0.5 kg) and length (48.7 ± 2.6 vs 49.4 ± 3.1 cm) of rural women was lower than urban. None of them consumed sufficient dietary protein, iron, folic acid, zinc or calcium; most consumed excess dietary carbohydrates and fats throughout pregnancy. Dietary energy (r = 0.305), calcium (r = 0.173), zinc (r = 0.122), beta-carotene (r = 0.122), iron (r = 0.137), KAP (r = 0.238) correlated with GWG and infant anthropometry. A cyclical relationship was observed between the KAP and nutrient intakes (r = 0.380). Foods such as papaya (67.3), bananas (44.2%), dark fruits and vegetables (40.1%), eggplant (38.6%), red chilies (15.8%) and jackfruit (14.6%) were avoided due to fear of spontaneous abortions. Originality/value Incorrect KAP and the dual burden of inappropriate nutrient intake owing to food taboos, lack of education and awareness were associated with GWG and infant anthropometry. Knowledge dissemination and behavior change communication strategies must be implemented to correct KAP and nutrient intake.

Aging impacts immunity, zinc status, and overall health, with these factors being closely interconnected. Zinc is known to modulate protein expression and cytokine production, with new molecular mechanisms continuing to be identified. ZIP8 facilitates IFN-γ production by increasing the intracellular zinc levels; how zinc status in humans affects ZIP8 expression remains unclear. We assessed serum zinc, dietary zinc intake, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use, phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated IFN-γ production, and ZIP8 protein expression in elderly hospitalized patients and young healthy controls. Compared to young adults, elderly participants exhibited lower zinc status and IFN-γ levels, with PPI use among the elderly correlating with zinc deficiency. Zinc-deficient elderly participants received zinc aspartate supplementation for approximately 7 days, resulting in increased serum zinc levels, IFN-γ production, and a trend toward increased ZIP8 expression; in participants taking PPIs, this increase reached statistical significance. Although we found no clear correlation between ZIP8 expression and zinc status, the observed response to supplementation warrants further investigation. These findings reinforce the relevance of zinc supplementation in the elderly, although further studies are needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking zinc status to IFN-γ production, particularly regarding the role of ZIP8 expression levels.

Dysregulated zinc homeostasis is a common feature of diabetes mellitus (DM), exacerbating β-cell dysfunction, impairing glycemic control, and promoting vascular, renal, neural, and cognitive complications. This review summarizes experimental and clinical evidence on hyperzincuria and impaired intestinal zinc absorption in type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 (T2DM) DM, focusing on their mechanisms and implications for revising dietary zinc recommendations. Experimental models showed tissue-specific zinc depletion, with pancreas, liver, and femur zinc levels reduced by 17-50%, while kidney, muscle, and intestine show variable changes depending on DM duration and dietary zinc. Radiolabeled zinc studies report a 53% reduction in intestinal uptake, while early-stage of DM may compensatory increase absorption up to ~ 70%. However, prolonged hyperglycemia and zinc transporter dysregulation (ZIP4/ZIP7/ZIP14 down, ZnT1/5/7 and metallothioneins up) cause persistent intracellular and systemic zinc depletion. Persistent urinary zinc (UZn) loss, a marker of disrupted zinc homeostasis in diabetes, increases 3- to 14-fold in T1DM models, 5- to 6-fold in db/db mice, and is 1.6- to 5-fold higher in humans with T1DM and 1.4- to 7-fold higher in T2DM. Hyperzincuria in DM is primarily driven by hyperglycemia-induced osmotic diuresis and glycosuria, exacerbated by diabetic nephropathy, proteinuria, and the use of certain antidiabetic and antihypertensive medications. Current zinc RDAs (8mg/day for women, 11mg/day for men) may be insufficient in diabetes, and a 30-50% higher intake could help restore zinc balance, improve glycemic control, and reduce the risk of complications. However, these estimates are based on experimental and observational data, and well-designed clinical studies are needed to confirm the optimal zinc intake in DM.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant intake of adult celiac patients and healthy individuals based on their dietary records and responses to an antioxidant consumption frequency questionnaire. Material and Method: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between February and June 2021 at the Association of Living with Celiac in Türkiye. A total of 32 adult celiac patients and 33 healthy individuals were included. Dietary intake data were collected using three-day food records and a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) was calculated from dietary records (dietary TAS) and FFQ responses (FFQ TAS) based on the antioxidant content of reported foods. Results: The proportion of energy derived from fat was significantly higher in celiac patients (p=0.001), whereas carbohydrate and fiber intakes were higher in healthy controls. Intakes of thiamine, pyridoxine, folate, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin C were significantly lower in celiac patients, while no significant differences were observed for vitamins A and E, selenium, or zinc. Both dietary TAS and FFQ-derived TAS values were significantly higher in healthy individuals compared to celiac patients (dietary TAS: p=0.031; FFQ TAS: p=0.027). A positive correlation was observed between dietary TAS and zinc intake in celiac patients, and between dietary TAS and vitamin A intake in healthy controls. Conclusion: Celiac patients had significantly lower antioxidant intake compared to healthy individuals. These findings underscore the need for further research to assess antioxidant status and its long-term health implications in this population.

Zinc is essential for many physiological processes and its deficiency is highly prevalent worldwide. Its complex homeostasis involves membrane transporters from the SLC39/ZIP and SLC30/ZnT protein families. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis of urinary zinc levels in three European-ancestry cohorts (N = 10,113), followed by in silico and in vivo studies to elucidate their underlying public health and physiological relevance. We identified eleven genome-wide significant signals with six mapping to SLC39/ZIP and SLC30/ZnT gene regions. The lead signal (rs3008217C>G, p = 2.42E-110) in the SLC30A2 gene region which explained 6.1% of urinary zinc variation strongly colocalized with its expression in kidney tubules. Low phenotypic and genetic correlations between plasma and urinary zinc levels indicated distinct genetic regulation. High urinary zinc correlated with an unfavorable cardiometabolic profile, and Mendelian randomization analyses suggested causal roles for diabetes increasing urinary zinc levels, and elevated urinary zinc increasing stroke risk. Analyzing country-level allele frequencies and zinc deficiency prevalences revealed a 3-fold higher genetic zinc excretion risk in sub-Saharan Africa compared to Europe, significantly correlating with nutritional zinc deficiency prevalence. Although mutations in SLC30A2 are linked to insufficient zinc in human milk, we found no association with common variants using data generated from 387 mothers. Mice experiments showed that dietary zinc deficiency decreased urinary but not plasma zinc levels, and upregulated kidney Slc30a2 expression. This first GWAS on urinary zinc highlights the involvement of zinc transporters in its genetic regulation, as well as its role as a non-invasive biomarker for cardiometabolic diseases.

Selective impact of zinc on human circulating CD56dim NK cells.

Fetal and postnatal zinc restriction: Impact on the cardiac inotropic state, the cardiac renin-angiotensin system, and sex differences.

Triticum aestivum L. (wheat) is the world's most important source of calories, but inherent micronutrient deficiencies, especially in zinc (Zn), cause dietary zinc deficiency—in susceptible groups. Agronomic biofortification, a targeted intervention using micronutrient-enriched fertilizer regimes (specifically, ZnSO₄ foliar and integrated soil-foliar applications), has become a viable, scalable, and affordable way to increase the concentration of zinc (Zn) and its bioavailability in wheat grain tissue, circumventing genotype- and soil-related barriers to micronutrient uptake. Modern approaches that address anti-nutritional antagonists like phytic acid and show increased efficacy for Zn translocation and remobilization into edible endosperm include source-sink optimization, integrated nutrient management (INM), nano-chelated Zn carriers, and targeted application during critical phonological stages. The paper thoroughly summarizes developments in mineral solubilization, rhizosphere engineering, and foliar nutrition. It also incorporates data from case studies that highlight the best fertilizer formulation, timing, and physiochemical soil limits on zinc bio efficacy. The requirement for regionally tailored 4R nutrient stewardship (appropriate source, rate, time, and place), clarifying the relationships between genotype, environment, and management, and reducing the environmental and toxicological hazards associated with extended micronutrient input are among the remaining obstacles. By improving food nutritional density, addressing dietary zinc deficiencies quickly and sustainably, and assisting with international public health campaigns, the strategic use of agronomic biofortification is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

The effect of dietary zinc on growth performance, intestinal health and zinc metabolism of broilers under necrotic enteritis challenge

Zinc improves meat quality by modulating lipid metabolism in necrotic enteritis challenged broilers

BackgroundThis study aimed to examine the association between dietary mineral intake and serum lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, daily mineral intake was assessed using a validated dietary questionnaire administered to 149 participants. Daily energy and minerals intakes were calculated using 2002 China Food Composition Database, and reference values were based on the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) from the 2013 Chinese Dietary Guidelines. Partial correlation and multivariable linear regression analysis were performed to examine associations between daily mineral intake and serum lipid parameters.ResultsCompared with the DRIs for Chinese residents, daily intake of calcium, zinc, potassium, and dietary fiber was significantly lower in both men and women (all P < 0.001), whereas sodium, iron, and iodine intake were higher. Partial correlation analysis indicated that daily intake of calcium, iron, zinc and selenium was positively associated with serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P < 0.05), while dietary iodine intake was negatively associated with HDL-C (r= -0.181, P = 0.040). Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that dietary intakes of calcium, iron, iodine, zinc, and selenium were significantly associated with HDL-C after adjusting for covariates (all P < 0.05). No significant associations were observed between dietary mineral intake and total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or triglyceride.ConclusionsPatients with type 2 diabetes had largely suboptimal dietary mineral intake. Higher intakes of dietary calcium, iron, zinc, and selenium were positively associated with serum HDL-C, suggesting that maintaining mineral balance may benefit lipid homeostasis in this population.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40795-025-01163-6.

The objective was to determine the optimal dietary organic zinc (Zn) concentration to maximize growth performance and skeletal Zn deposition in broilers. A total of 240 one-d-old broiler chicks were assigned to 5 dietary treatments for a 20-d feeding trial, with 8 cages per treatment. All diets met or exceeded recommended nutrient requirement estimates for broilers, except for Zn. The 5 treatments were as follows: (1) a corn-soybean meal-based diet with 40 mg/kg inorganic Zn from ZnSO4·7H2O; (2) a corn-soybean meal-based diet without supplemental Zn; (3-5) treatment 2 supplemented with 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg of organic Zn from Zn proteinate (Bioplex Zn®). Body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were measured from d 0 to 20. On d 20, tibia samples were collected, and Zn concentration in tibia ash was determined. Orthogonal polynomial contrasts were used to evaluate linear and quadratic responses to increasing supplemental organic Zn. Pairwise contrasts were performed between diets containing 40 mg/kg of inorganic Zn and those containing either 10 or 20 mg/kg of organic Zn. The optimal supplemental level of organic Zn for tibia Zn concentration was estimated using a one-slope broken-line model. Average daily gain, feed intake, and tibia Zn concentration increased linearly (p<0.05) with increasing organic Zn. Broilers fed 10 mg/kg organic Zn exhibited similar growth to those receiving 40 mg/kg inorganic Zn, but lower tibia Zn concentration (p<0.001). In contrast, 20 mg/kg organic Zn supported both growth and bone Zn deposition equivalent to the inorganic Zn group. A one-slope broken-line analysis indicated that 16.5 mg/kg organic Zn was the minimum level required to maximize tibia Zn concentration. Bioplex Zn® was more bioavailable than inorganic Zn from Zn sulfate, and 16.5 mg/kg was sufficient to optimize both growth and skeletal Zn deposition in broilers.

ABSTRACTBackgroundCold stress reduces egg production and quality in laying hens by increasing energy demands for thermoregulation, thereby limiting nutrients for reproduction and disrupting ovarian function and calcium metabolism.ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary crude protein (CP), methionine (Met) and zinc (Zn) levels on laying performance and egg quality of hens under cold stress conditions.MethodsA total of 432 Lohmann LSL‐Lite hens (65 weeks old) were allocated to 12 dietary treatments in a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with six replicates per group. Treatments included three CP levels (15.80%, 14.30%, 12.80%), two Met levels (0.3%, 0.22%) and two Zn levels (0 and 30 mg/kg). Birds were housed under cold stress conditions (5°C–13°C) for 12 weeks.ResultsReducing dietary CP improved egg production, feed conversion ratio, and egg mass (p < 0.05). Higher Met (0.3%) increased egg weight compared to 0.22% Met (p < 0.05). Significant interactions between CP and other dietary factors (Met, Zn) affected egg shape index and Haugh unit (p < 0.05). The lowest CP and Met levels resulted in the poorest egg shape index, while 0.22% Met combined with 14.30% CP yielded the highest Haugh units.ConclusionLowering CP improved laying performance under cold stress with minimal effects on most egg quality traits; however, interactions between CP and Met influenced egg shape index and albumen quality. The study concluded that optimal results were achieved with diets containing 14.30% CP, 0.30% Met and 30 mg/kg Zn.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary iron and zinc in-take on the risk of preterm labor before and during different trimesters, and to assess whether there is an interaction between iron and zinc intake and the risk of preterm labor. The study was a nested case-control study of 880 cases and 8017 controls in Lanzhou City, northwest China. Unconditional logistic regression was used to determine the association between dietary iron/zinc intake and the risk of preterm labor and its clinical subtypes. Multivariable-adjusted restricted cubic spline (RCS) modeling was used to explore the non-linear relationship between dietary iron/zinc intake levels and the risk of preterm birth. Lower iron/zinc intake before and during pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of preterm labor and some of its subtypes, and there was a non-linear trend between iron/zinc intake and risk of preterm labor (p non-linear <0.05). A synergistic effect of low iron and zinc intake on the risk of preterm labor was also observed. We observed a significant increase in the risk of preterm labor in women with low dietary zinc intake before and during pregnancy, with a dose-response relationship. Similarly, there was a significant negative association between lower dietary iron intake during pregnancy and preterm labor. In addition, there was a multiplicative interaction between low dietary iron and zinc intake and preterm delivery before pregnancy and during three different periods of pregnancy. Higher dietary intake of iron and zinc before and during pregnancy may reduce the risk of preterm labor. Low intakes of iron and zinc during pregnancy appear to have a synergistic effect on the risk of preterm labor.

Toxicological effects of dietary silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on zebrafish (Danio rerio): A comprehensive study on mixture toxicity.

Impact of zinc supplementation on growth, antioxidant status, and physiological health of Cyprinus carpio (Common Carp): Evaluating the optimal dietary zinc requirements

Acute Injection of IL-6, but not Hepcidin, Results in Hypozincemia but Does not Inhibit Dietary Zinc Absorption in Mice.

Dietary zinc deficiency disrupts fertility in vivo by impairing oocyte and embryo development near ovulation. Acute treatment of newborn ovaries with a strong intracellular chelator (TPEN), which preferentially binds zinc, disrupts follicular development. However, the chronic effects of transition metal chelation on preantral follicle development are not known. In this study, the effect of the extracellular transition metal chelator, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), was used to examine more prolonged effects on preantral follicle development. Preantral granulosa cell–oocyte complexes from 14-day-old mice were cultured under control, chelated (DTPA), or rescue (DTPA + ZnSO4) conditions for up to 10 days. Preantral follicles cultured in DTPA alone showed impaired growth, disrupted nucleolar morphology, and impaired meiotic progression. The granulosa cells in DTPA-treated follicles underwent apoptosis at a higher rate than controls, had fewer physical connections to the oocyte, and reduced activation of pSMAD2 signaling. Moreover, Lhcgr and Ar transcripts were higher in cumulus cells, and Figla was lower in oocytes from DTPA-treated follicles. These data support a role for transition metals in general, and zinc in particular, in proper development of preantral ovarian follicles. The loss of somatic support cells explains some or all of the growth and developmental deficits seen in the DTPA-treated oocytes. DTPA preferentially binds zinc. Therefore, these results support growing evidence that a proper supply of transition metals, including zinc, is essential for optimal ovarian function.Lay summaryThe roles the mineral zinc plays in the ovary are not yet clear. The present study used follicles from mouse ovaries that were grown in the lab for up to 10 days. Follicles are round structures that contain a large egg cell at the center, surrounded by smaller cells called granulosa cells. Follicles were either grown with adequate zinc or insufficient zinc levels. The findings show that follicles require sufficient zinc to form connections between the egg and granulosa cells, which are essential for growth of both the egg and the granulosa cells. When there is insufficient zinc, loss of these connections leads to more granulosa cells dying and smaller follicles. These results show that zinc is important for growth of ovarian follicles, which could be important for treating infertility by supplying adequate levels of zinc in the diet.