Zinc supplementation may improve metabolic outcomes in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
1. Patients randomized to have Zinc (Zn) supplementation incorporated into an 8-week diet and exercise intervention for patients with NAFLD led to decreases in waist circumference, body-mass index (BMI), aspartate transaminase (AST), total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) levels compared to controls.
Evidence Rating Level: 1 (Excellent)
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rising in prevalence globally and is currently the most common etiology of liver disease. Several modifiable risk factors are known to contribute to its development, and NAFLD predisposes patients to development of other chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. While recommended treatment is usually lifestyle-related, the use of pharmacological agents may be beneficial. Zinc (Zn) deficiency in particular has been studied in relation to several metabolic conditions and is physiologically involved in the reduction of IR and oxidative stress, impacting other aspects of the lipid profile as well. The current randomized, double-blinded controlled clinical trial categorized 50 adults (mean age 44.68, SD 9.9 years) with NAFLD into either an intervention group (dietary plan + 30 mg Zinc gluconate daily) or control group (dietary plan + placebo capsule). After the 8-week study period, both groups experienced a significant change in weight from baseline (p < .05). However, in comparing intervention and control groups, the intervention group experienced a significant increase in Zn level, and decreases in weight, BMI, and waist circumference (ps < .05). There was also a significant change in AST, total cholesterol, and LDL-C levels (ps < .05) between the groups. However, no difference in IR, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), or high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) levels was observed. The current study has its strengths in controlling diet for both intervention and control groups, which indicates that Zn could potentially serve useful in the treatment of NAFLD. Further studies are required to elucidate this finding, and should make use of a larger sample size to bolster validity of results.
Click to read the study in BMC Nutrition
Image: PD
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