Atherosclerosis
Volume 210, Issue 2 , Pages 344-352, June 2010

Effects of zinc on plasma lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations in humans: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

  • Meika Foster

      Affiliations

    • Discipline of Nutrition and Metabolism, School of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences, University of Sydney NSW 2006, Australia
    • ,
  • Peter Petocz

      Affiliations

    • Department of Statistics, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
    • ,
  • Samir Samman

      Affiliations

    • Discipline of Nutrition and Metabolism, School of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences, University of Sydney NSW 2006, Australia
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author at: Discipline of Nutrition and Metabolism, School of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences, Biochemistry and Microbiology Building, G08, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia. Tel.: +61 2 9351 2476; fax: +61 2 9351 6022.

Received 13 June 2009; received in revised form 18 November 2009; accepted 24 November 2009. published online 25 December 2009.

Abstract 

Background

Studies in humans and animals suggest that zinc has the potential to affect lipoprotein metabolism and hence impact cardiovascular disease risk.

Methods

A meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials was conducted to determine the effect of zinc supplementation on plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in humans. Potentially relevant studies were identified from a literature search covering the period 1980–2008 (inclusive), and additional citation searches.

Results

Thirty three interventions (n=14,238 subjects) were included in the random effects meta-analysis. No overall significant effects of zinc supplementation were observed for plasma cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol or plasma triglyceride concentrations. Plasma zinc concentrations increased significantly (+2.42±0.25μmol/L, P<0.001; n=14,047). Secondary analyses in individuals classified as healthy revealed that zinc supplementation is associated with a significant decrease in plasma HDL cholesterol concentrations (−0.10±0.02mmol/L, P<0.001; n=13,215), equivalent to a 7% decrease from baseline.

Conclusion

No effect of zinc supplementation on plasma lipoproteins was detected in the overall analysis. In individuals classified as healthy, zinc supplementation is associated with a decrease in HDL cholesterol concentrations and thus contributes to an increased risk of coronary heart disease.

Keywords: Meta-analysis, Lipoproteins, Cardiovascular disease, Zinc

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 31.50 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

PII: S0021-9150(09)00995-2

doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2009.11.038

Atherosclerosis
Volume 210, Issue 2 , Pages 344-352, June 2010

Article Tools

* Image Usage & Resolution