Association between zinc and body composition: An integrative review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #zinc #body-composition #obesity #trace-elements

Association between zinc and body composition: An integrative review

Cunha et al., 2022 | J Trace Elem Med Biol | Meta Analysis

Citation

Cunha Thais A, Vermeulen-Serpa Karina M, ... Vale Sancha H L. Association between zinc and body composition: An integrative review. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2022-May;71:126940. doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.126940

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Zinc deficiency is related to lean body mass reduction, fat deposition, and obesity. Zinc acts in catalytic, structural, and regulatory functions, being an essential micronutrient to humans. It is crucial for maintaining lean body mass, synthesizing nucleic acids and proteins, and forming new tissues. Pre-existing zinc deficiency may contribute to obesity due to its relationship with fat deposition associated with short stature. This integrative review aims to analyze the association between zinc and body composition, hitherto very poorly established in previous studies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The electronic databases utilized in this review were PubMed and Web of Science. We identified titles and abstracts from 1178 articles relating to zinc and body composition that were published in the last ten years. After duplicates were removed, the reference lists of relevant reviews were checked, and 47 articles were obtained by manual search. MAIN FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: The articles were transversal or longitudinal studies, clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analysis. Although there was heterogeneity among the methodologies, the existence of an association between zinc and body composition was predominant among the studies. All articles concluded that zinc had positive effects on proteogenesis. Moreover, zinc metabolism is dysregulated in obese individuals, whose mechanisms remain controversial.

Key Findings

The articles were transversal or longitudinal studies, clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analysis. Although there was heterogeneity among the methodologies, the existence of an association between zinc and body composition was predominant among the studies. All articles concluded that zinc had positive effects on proteogenesis. Moreover, zinc metabolism is dysregulated in obese individuals, whose mechanisms remain controversial.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

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

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Zinc
  • Body Composition
  • Obesity
  • Trace Elements
  • Micronutrients

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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