Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

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#cardiovascular-diseases #dietary-supplements #humans #randomized-controlled-trials-as-topic #risk-factors

Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Khazdouz et al., 2020 | Biol Trace Elem Res | Meta Analysis

Citation

Khazdouz Maryam, Djalalinia Shirin, ... Qorbani Mostafa. Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2020-Jun;195(2):373-398. doi:10.1007/s12011-019-01870-9

Abstract

The prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors has been increasing worldwide. The results of reported studies on the effects of zinc supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors are unequivocal. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted to evaluate the effects of zinc supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors. A systematic search was conducted through international databases (PubMed/Medline, Institute of Scientific Information, and Scopus) until December 2018 to include all randomized controlled trials (RCT), quasi-RCT, and controlled clinical trials which assessed the effect of zinc supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors including lipid profile, glycemic indices, blood pressure, and anthropometric indices. Random- or fixed-effects meta-analysis method was used to estimate the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 20 studies were included in the meta-analysis, which included a total of 1141 participants in the intervention group. Meta-analysis showed that zinc supplementation significantly decreased plasma levels of triglyceride (SMD - 0.66, 95% CI - 1.27, - 0.06), very-low-density lipoprotein (SMD - 1.59, 95% CI - 2.86, - 0.31), and total cholesterol (SMD - 0.65, 95% CI - 1.15, - 0.15). Similarly, zinc supplementation significantly decreased fasting blood glucose (SMD - 0.52, 95% CI - 0.96, - 0.07) and HbA1c (SMD - 0.64, 95% CI - 1.27, - 0.02). The effects of zinc supplementation on blood pressure and anthropometric indices were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Zinc supplements had beneficial effects on glycemic indices and lipid profile. Thus, it appeared that zinc supplementation might be associated with a decrease in cardiometabolic risk factors contributing to a reduction in risk of atherosclerosis.

Key Findings

Thus, it appeared that zinc supplementation might be associated with a decrease in cardiometabolic risk factors contributing to a reduction in risk of atherosclerosis.

Outcomes Measured

  • blood pressure

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 1141
Age Range See abstract
Condition blood pressure

MeSH Terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Risk Factors
  • Zinc

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: zinc

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09