Zinc supplementation is associated with a reduction in serum markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adult #aged #biomarkers #c-reactive-protein #dietary-supplements

Zinc supplementation is associated with a reduction in serum markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Hosseini et al., 2021 | Cytokine | Meta Analysis

Citation

Hosseini Razieh, Ferns Gordon A, ... Jalali Mohammad. Zinc supplementation is associated with a reduction in serum markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Cytokine. 2021-Feb;138:155396. doi:10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155396

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Zinc (Zn) is a trace metal that is considered to have an impact on chronic inflammation. However, findings of clinical trials have been inconsistent. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to provide a more robust examination of the evidence on the effectiveness of Zn supplements on markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. METHODS: A systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library was undertaken to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of Zn on inflammation and oxidative stress until 17 August 2020. We applied a random-effects method to obtain effect sizes (ES) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Meta-regression was used to detect the potential source of between-study heterogeneity. RESULTS: Twenty-one eligible RCTs comprising 1321 participants were included in the meta-analysis. In comparison with the control groups, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) (ES = -0.92 mg/L, 95% CI = [-1.36, -0.48], P < 0.001, I2 = 90.2%), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (ES = -0.49 pg/mL, 95% CI = [-084, -0.14], P = 0.006, I2 = 34.6%) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (ES = -0.42, 95% CI = [-083, -0.01], P = 0.04, I2 = 76.1%) were significantly reduced in the groups receiving Zn. Serum interleukin 6 (ES = -1.02 pg/mL, 95% CI = [-2.06, 0.02], P = 0.05, I2 = 92.3%) was marginally reduced following Zn supplementation. Moreover, treatment duration was found as the source of inter-study heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests that Zn supplements reduce serum concentrations of markers of inflammation and oxidation: CRP, TNF-α and MDA.

Key Findings

Twenty-one eligible RCTs comprising 1321 participants were included in the meta-analysis. In comparison with the control groups, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) (ES = -0.92 mg/L, 95% CI = [-1.36, -0.48], P < 0.001, I2 = 90.2%), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (ES = -0.49 pg/mL, 95% CI = [-084, -0.14], P = 0.006, I2 = 34.6%) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (ES = -0.42, 95% CI = [-083, -0.01], P = 0.04, I2 = 76.1%) were significantly reduced in the groups receiving Zn. Serum interleukin 6 (ES = -1.02

Outcomes Measured

  • C-reactive protein

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 1321
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Biomarkers
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Malondialdehyde
  • Middle Aged
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Young Adult
  • 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