Effects of zinc supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#biomarkers #c-reactive-protein #dietary-supplements #oxidative-stress #randomized-controlled-trials-as-topic

Effects of zinc supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Mohammadi et al., 2021 | J Trace Elem Med Biol | Meta Analysis

Citation

Mohammadi Hamed, Talebi Sepide, ... Askari Gholamreza. Effects of zinc supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2021-Dec;68:126857. doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2021.126857

Abstract

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Current evidence is debatable regarding the feasible effects of zinc supplementation on the inflammation and oxidative stress status of adults. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify this inconclusiveness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature search was conducted via online databases such as PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar until June 2020. The overall effect was presented as the weighted mean difference (WMD) at 95 % confidence interval (CI) in a random-effects meta-analysis model. Publication bias was also assessed using Egger's and Begg's statistics. RESULTS: In total, 25 clinical trials (n = 1428) were reviewed, which indicated that zinc supplementation significantly affects the concentration of C- reactive protein (WMD: -0.03 mg/l; 95 % CI: -0.06, 0.0; P = 0.029), interlukin-6 (WMD: -3.81 pg/mL; 95 % CI: -6.87, -0.76; P = 0.014), malondialdehyde (WMD: -0.78 μmol/l; 95 % CI: -1.14, -0.42; P < 0.001), and total antioxidant capacity (WMD: 95.96 mmol/l; 95 % CI: 22.47, 169.44; P = 0.010). In addition, a significant between-study heterogeneity and a non-significant increment was reported in nitric oxide (WMD: 1.47 μmol/l; 95 % CI: -2.45, 5.40; P = 0.461) and glutathione (WMD: 34.84 μmol/l; 95 % CI: -5.12, 74.80; P = 0.087). CONCLUSION: According to the results, zinc supplementation may have beneficial anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects in adults.

Key Findings

In total, 25 clinical trials (n = 1428) were reviewed, which indicated that zinc supplementation significantly affects the concentration of C- reactive protein (WMD: -0.03 mg/l; 95 % CI: -0.06, 0.0; P = 0.029), interlukin-6 (WMD: -3.81 pg/mL; 95 % CI: -6.87, -0.76; P = 0.014), malondialdehyde (WMD: -0.78 μmol/l; 95 % CI: -1.14, -0.42; P < 0.001), and total antioxidant capacity (WMD: 95.96 mmol/l; 95 % CI: 22.47, 169.44; P = 0.010). In addition, a significant between-study heterogeneity and a non

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 1428
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Biomarkers
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • 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