Lee Swanson Research Update

Low Level of Zinc Impacts Immune Health

April 2007

People with low levels of zinc in their bodies are prone to contracting infections, but research shows that supplementing with zinc can help keep those infections at bay.

Scientists at Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI and at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, began their zinc deficiency study noting: "Zinc deficiency, cell-mediated immune dysfunction, susceptibility to infections and increased oxidative stress have been observed in elderly subjects. Zinc is an effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent. The primary objective (of the study) was to determine the effect of zinc on the incidence of total infections in healthy elderly subjects. The secondary objective was to determine the effect of zinc on cytokines and oxidative stress markers."

Researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of zinc supplementation in elderly subjects. Fifty healthy subjects of both sexes aged 55-87 were recruited for the study from a senior center. The zinc-supplemented group received zinc gluconate (45 mg elemental zinc per day) orally for 12 months. Incidence of infections during the supplementation period was documented. The generation of inflammatory cytokines, T helper 1 and T helper 2 cytokines, and oxidative stress markers and the plasma concentrations of zinc were measured at baseline and after supplementation.

Compared with a group of younger adults, at baseline the older subjects had significantly lower plasma zinc, higher ex vivo generation of inflammatory cytokines and interleukin 10 and higher plasma oxidative stress markers and endothelial cell adhesion molecules. The incidence of infections and ex vivo generation of tumor necrosis factor and plasma oxidative stress markers were significantly lower in the zinc-supplemented than in the placebo group.

Researchers concluded: "After zinc supplementation, the incidence of infections was significantly lower, plasma zinc was significantly higher, and generation of tumor necrosis factor and oxidative stress markers was significantly lower in the zinc-supplemented than in the placebo group."

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 85(3):837-844, 2007

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