Profiling inflammatory cytokines following zinc supplementation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#biomarkers #cytokines #dietary-supplements #humans #inflammation

Profiling inflammatory cytokines following zinc supplementation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials

Faghfouri et al., 2021 | Br J Nutr | Meta Analysis

Citation

Faghfouri Amir Hossein, Baradaran Behzad, ... Alipour Beitullah. Profiling inflammatory cytokines following zinc supplementation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials. Br J Nutr. 2021-Nov-28;126(10):1441-1450. doi:10.1017/S0007114521000192

Abstract

Chronic inflammation has been considered as the main cause of chronic diseases. Zn has anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing the expression of inflammatory markers. The present systematic review and meta-analysis study aims to evaluate the impact of Zn supplementation on inflammation. PubMed (Medline), Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched up to 10 December 2020. Controlled trials which have investigated the effects of Zn supplementation on serum/plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines in subjects aged >15 years were included. A pooled meta-analysis was performed using a random effect model. Sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the robustness of the observed effect sizes. A total of twelve studies was included in meta-analysis. Zn could decrease IL-6 levels (standardised mean difference (SMD) = -0·76 pg/ml; 95 % CI -1·28, -0·24; P = 0·004). There was no significant change in TNF-α (SMD = 0·42 pg/ml; 95 % CI -0·31, 1·16; P = 0·257) and IL-2 levels (SMD = 1·64 pg/ml; 95 % CI -1·31, 4·59; P = 0·277) following Zn supplementation. However, Zn could increase IL-2 significantly after the deletion of one arm in sensitivity analysis (SMD = 2·96 pg/ml; 95 % CI 2·03, 3·88; P < 0·05). Conclusively, Zn supplementation can decrease the IL-6 level. Zn increased IL-2 level after the sensitivity analysis. Zn supplementation has not ameliorative effects on TNF-α.

Key Findings

Zn supplementation has not ameliorative effects on TNF-α.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition inflammation

MeSH Terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Cytokines
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Interleukin-2
  • Interleukin-6
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Zinc

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: zinc

Provenance

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