Trace Elements and Risk of Immune-Mediated Skin Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

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#humans #trace-elements #skin-diseases #zinc #copper

Trace Elements and Risk of Immune-Mediated Skin Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Shao et al., 2025 | Nutr Rev | Meta Analysis

Citation

Shao Xinyi, Ou Yi, ... Chen Jin. Trace Elements and Risk of Immune-Mediated Skin Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Nutr Rev. 2025-Aug-01;83(8):1462-1474. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuaf015

Abstract

CONTEXT: Evidence regarding the relationship between serum trace element levels and immune-mediated inflammatory skin diseases (IMSDs) is inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: In this systematic review and meta-analysis we aimed to evaluate the association between selected serum trace element levels (zinc [Zn], copper [Cu], iron [Fe], selenium [Se], and calcium [Ca]) and IMSDs (psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis [AD], alopecia areata [AA], hidradenitis suppurativa, and bullous diseases). DATA SOURCES: We conducted a comprehensive search on the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Web of Science databases from the database inception date to May 2, 2024. Studies measuring serum, plasma, or whole-blood levels of Zn, Cu, Fe, Se, or Ca in patients with IMSD compared to those in healthy controls were included. DATA EXTRACTION: This study followed the guidelines of the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses guidelines. Two authors (X.Y.S. and Y.O.) independently reviewed the titles and abstracts of the identified studies using a standardized collection form. DATA ANALYSIS: The primary outcome was the standardized mean difference with a 95% CI in serum trace element levels (Zn, Cu, Fe, Se, and Ca) between patients with IMSDs and healthy controls. Overall, 113 studies involving 7014 patients with IMSD were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with those in the healthy control group, serum Zn levels decreased in patients with vitiligo, psoriasis, and AA; serum Cu levels increased in patients with psoriasis, AD, and AA; serum Se and Fe levels decreased in patients with psoriasis and AD. CONCLUSION: Serum trace element levels showed more significant changes in patients with IMSDs than in healthy controls. These findings suggest that alterations in trace element levels may be associated with the occurrence, development, and prognosis of IMSDs.

Key Findings

Serum trace element levels showed more significant changes in patients with IMSDs than in healthy controls. These findings suggest that alterations in trace element levels may be associated with the occurrence, development, and prognosis of IMSDs.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population healthy controls
Sample Size 7014
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Trace Elements
  • Skin Diseases
  • Zinc
  • Copper
  • Iron
  • Selenium
  • Female

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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