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Trace Minerals in Human Health: Hot Topics and Information Update
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Trace Minerals in Human Health: Hot Topics and Information Update

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Micronutrients and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 October 2024) | Viewed by 14726

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Agostinho Almeida

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
Interests: trace element in health and disease; trace element analysis—development and validation of analytical procedures; food, environmental, pharmaceutical, forensic, and clinical/toxicological applications; atomic spectroscopy and elemental mass spectrometry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Henrique Nascimento

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Neurology Service, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo, António, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal
Interests: neurology; dementia; movement disorders; neurodegeneration; oxidative stress; inflammation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Trace minerals play critical roles in metabolism, growth, development, immune function, and overall human health. Knowledge in this area has greatly benefited from advances in analytical techniques observed in recent decades, particularly the widespread use of ICP-MS. We call on researchers to share their latest work on the relationship between trace minerals and human health. Interventional, epidemiological, and biomonitoring studies are especially welcome, as well as comprehensive reviews on the latest evidence. We expect to receive contributions with new information on the most recognized essential trace minerals (iron, zinc, copper, iodine, selenium, manganese, and chromium), but also on elements such as molybdenum, vanadium, nickel, fluoride, rubidium, strontium, and lithium. Specific topics such as the safety of gadolinium or iodine as contrast agents, manganese and acquired hepatocerebral degeneration, trace minerals imbalances in chronic hemodialysis patients, or natural (environmental and dietary) exposure to lithium and the prevalence of suicide in the general population are also welcome. We would also greatly appreciate new data on trace minerals in breast milk and its relationship to children's developmental outcomes, studies on trace minerals and immunity (namely, in COVID and AIDS patients), and studies on current trace mineral intake by disadvantaged populations, especially in developing countries.

Prof. Dr. Agostinho Almeida
Dr. Henrique Nascimento
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • trace minerals/trace elements
  • human health
  • human brain
  • cognitive decline
  • neurodegenerative diseases
  • human milk
  • mother health
  • child development
  • immunity
  • hemodialysis patients
  • dietary intakes
  • deficiencies

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 635 KiB  
Article
Association Between Natural Lithium Exposure and Suicide Rate: An Ecological and Biomonitoring Study in Portugal
by Carolina Gonçalves, Rui Azevedo, Cristina Couto, Mary Duro, Agostinho Santos, Laura Cainé and Agostinho Almeida
Nutrients 2025, 17(7), 1283; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17071283 - 7 Apr 2025
Viewed by 819
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Higher lithium (Li) levels in drinking water have been linked to lower suicide rates in the general population in several ecological studies, though this relationship is not always consistent. The main limitation of such studies is the assumption that Li content [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Higher lithium (Li) levels in drinking water have been linked to lower suicide rates in the general population in several ecological studies, though this relationship is not always consistent. The main limitation of such studies is the assumption that Li content in drinking water is directly correlated with total Li intake, which may not always be the case for several reasons. Methods: In this context, we conducted a biomonitoring study to compare urinary Li levels—assumed as a reliable indicator of total Li intake—among individuals from three regions with different suicide relative risks (RRs): Porto Metropolitan Area (PMA; low RR), Central region (CT; intermediate RR), and Trás-os-Montes region (TM; high RR). Each participant provided a urine sample (first morning) and two water samples (drinking water and environmental water). Li concentrations were determined using ICP-MS. Results: A total of 311 individuals participated in this study. The median (P25–P75) urinary Li concentration was 21.9 (15.1–46.0) in PMA, 19.0 (12.6–30.4) in CT, and 24.2 (14.6–38.7) µg/L in TM, with no statistically significant differences between regions (Kruskal–Wallis test with Bonferroni correction). Urinary Li was weakly correlated with Li in drinking water (ρ = 0.174; p = 0.002) but not with Li in environmental water (ρ = −0.036; p = 0.694). Conclusions: These findings do not support a protective role of natural Li exposure in suicide risk at the low levels found in drinking (P75 = 3.75 µg/L) and environmental (P75 = 6.87 µg/L) water. More robust and comprehensive biomonitoring studies are needed to clarify the potential impact of natural Li exposure on suicide rates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trace Minerals in Human Health: Hot Topics and Information Update)
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11 pages, 1014 KiB  
Article
Managing Zinc Supplementation in Hemodialysis Patients: Balancing and Preventing Deficiencies in Serum Copper and Zinc Levels with and Without HIF-PH Inhibitors
by Akira Takahashi
Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4135; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234135 - 29 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1435
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Zinc supplementation induces metallothionein, leading to reduced serum copper levels. Conversely, serum copper concentrations tend to rise with the use of HIF-PH inhibitors. Methods: To establish a safe level of zinc supplementation that avoids copper deficiency, serum copper and zinc concentrations measured [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Zinc supplementation induces metallothionein, leading to reduced serum copper levels. Conversely, serum copper concentrations tend to rise with the use of HIF-PH inhibitors. Methods: To establish a safe level of zinc supplementation that avoids copper deficiency, serum copper and zinc concentrations measured every three months were retrospectively analyzed over five years in 50 patients undergoing hemodialysis. Results: At the initiation of the study, the median (IQR) concentrations were 100 (84.25–109) µg/dL for serum copper and 60.5 (50.5–70) µg/dL for serum zinc. All participants without zinc supplementation exhibited zinc deficiency (<80 µg/dL). After three months, copper deficiency (<71 µg/dL) was observed when serum copper concentrations were <98.6 µg/dL for patients with HIF-PH inhibitors and <90.3 µg/dL for patients without them. Reduced zinc supplementation may be necessary when serum copper falls below 90 µg/dL. Zinc levels remained deficient because supplementation was limited due to concerns about copper deficiency. Lowering the target zinc level to around 80 µg/dL instead of the conventional 80–120 µg/dL may be safer. Conclusions: Regular monitoring of both copper and zinc levels, taking place at least every three months, is recommended to adjust zinc supplementation, especially in patients on HIF-PH inhibitors. Copper supplementation should also be considered alongside zinc supplementation to effectively treat hypozincemia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trace Minerals in Human Health: Hot Topics and Information Update)
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10 pages, 3472 KiB  
Article
ZIP8 Is Upregulated in the Testis of Zip14-/- Mice
by Varalakshmi Vungutur, Shannon M. McCabe and Ningning Zhao
Nutrients 2024, 16(21), 3575; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16213575 - 22 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1023
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Manganese is an essential nutrient involved in various biological processes, including reproductive health, yet the mechanisms regulating its homeostasis in the testis remain poorly understood. Methods and Results: In this study, we investigated the expression and regulation of key manganese transporters—ZIP8, ZIP14, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Manganese is an essential nutrient involved in various biological processes, including reproductive health, yet the mechanisms regulating its homeostasis in the testis remain poorly understood. Methods and Results: In this study, we investigated the expression and regulation of key manganese transporters—ZIP8, ZIP14, and ZnT10—in mouse testes. Immunoblotting analyses revealed that ZIP8 is expressed in the testes, while ZIP14 and ZnT10 were undetectable. Using Zip14 knockout (Zip14-/-) mice, which exhibit systemic manganese overload, we discovered a significant increase in manganese levels in the testis, accompanied by an upregulation of ZIP8. Importantly, the levels of other essential metals, such as iron, zinc, and copper, remained unchanged. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that ZIP8 plays a critical role in manganese transport in the testis, and its increased expression may contribute to manganese accumulation in the absence of ZIP14. This study advances our understanding of manganese homeostasis in the testis and its potential impact on male reproductive health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trace Minerals in Human Health: Hot Topics and Information Update)
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11 pages, 1228 KiB  
Article
Association between Serum Zinc and All-Cause Mortality in Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis: The Osaka Dialysis Complication Study (ODCS)
by Shinya Nakatani, Tetsuo Shoji, Fumiyuki Morioka, Rino Nakaya, Mayuko Ueda, Hideki Uedono, Akihiro Tsuda, Tomoaki Morioka, Hisako Fujii, Hisako Yoshida, Katsuhito Mori and Masanori Emoto
Nutrients 2024, 16(19), 3270; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193270 - 27 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1612
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Zinc is an essential microelement, and its deficiency is common in patients undergoing hemodialysis. However, the association between serum zinc and mortality in these patients remains unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the possible association between serum zinc levels [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Zinc is an essential microelement, and its deficiency is common in patients undergoing hemodialysis. However, the association between serum zinc and mortality in these patients remains unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the possible association between serum zinc levels and all-cause mortality in prevalent patients with kidney failure on maintenance hemodialysis. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of maintenance hemodialysis patients followed up for 5 years. The key exposure was serum zinc level measured at baseline, and the outcome was all-cause mortality. Their association was analyzed using Cox proportional hazard models. Results: Among 1662 eligible patients selected for this analysis, 468 (28%) died. Lower serum zinc levels were associated with a higher risk for mortality, independent of the major demographic factors and factors including mineral and bone disorder and renal anemia. However, this association was no longer significant when adjusted for serum albumin. Because there was a close correlation between serum zinc and albumin levels, we performed further analyses in which participants were categorized into four groups by median serum zinc (68 µg/dL) and albumin (3.7 g/dL) levels. In the lower serum albumin groups, risk of death was significantly higher in those with lower zinc than those with higher zinc levels, whereas such a difference was not significant in the high serum albumin groups. Conclusions: In patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis with lower serum albumin levels, a lower serum zinc level was associated with a higher risk of mortality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trace Minerals in Human Health: Hot Topics and Information Update)
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Review

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14 pages, 663 KiB  
Review
Dietary Phytic Acid, Dephytinization, and Phytase Supplementation Alter Trace Element Bioavailability—A Narrative Review of Human Interventions
by Thiresia Chondrou, Nikoleta Adamidi, Dimosthenis Lygouras, Simon A. Hirota, Odysseas Androutsos and Vaios Svolos
Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4069; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234069 - 27 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5007
Abstract
Background: Phytic acid is abundant in plant-based diets and acts as a micronutrient inhibitor for humans and non-ruminant animals. Phytases are enzymes that break down phytic acid, releasing micronutrients and enhancing their bioavailability, particularly iron and zinc. Deficiencies in iron and zinc are [...] Read more.
Background: Phytic acid is abundant in plant-based diets and acts as a micronutrient inhibitor for humans and non-ruminant animals. Phytases are enzymes that break down phytic acid, releasing micronutrients and enhancing their bioavailability, particularly iron and zinc. Deficiencies in iron and zinc are significant public health problems, especially among populations with disease-associated malnutrition or those in developing countries consuming phytic acid-rich diets. This narrative review aimed to summarize findings from human intervention studies on the interactions between phytic acid, phytase, and micronutrient bioavailability. Methods: An extensive PubMed search (1 January 1990 to 8 February 2024) was conducted using MeSH terms (phytic acid, phytase, IP6, “inositol hexaphosphate,” micronutrient, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc). Eligible studies included human intervention trials investigating the bioavailability of micronutrients following (a) phytase supplementation, (b) consumption of phytic acid-rich foods, or (c) consumption of dephytinized foods. In vitro, animal, cross-sectional, and non-English studies were excluded. Results: 3055 articles were identified. After the title and full-text review, 40 articles were eligible. Another 2 were identified after cross-checking reference lists from included papers, resulting in 42 included articles. Most studies exploring the efficacy of exogenous phytase (9 of 11, 82%) or the efficacy of food dephytinization (11 of 14, 79%) demonstrated augmented iron and zinc bioavailability. Most phytic acid-rich food-feeding studies (13 of 17, 77%) showed compromised iron and zinc bioavailability. Conclusions: Strong evidence supports decreased iron and zinc bioavailability in phytic acid-rich diets and significant improvements with phytase interventions. Studies of longer periods and within larger populations are needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trace Minerals in Human Health: Hot Topics and Information Update)
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24 pages, 4927 KiB  
Review
Emerging Perspectives in Zinc Transporter Research in Prostate Cancer: An Updated Review
by Samantha Acevedo, María Fernanda Segovia and Erwin de la Fuente-Ortega
Nutrients 2024, 16(13), 2026; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16132026 - 26 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3618
Abstract
Dysregulation of zinc and zinc transporters families has been associated with the genesis and progression of prostate cancer. The prostate epithelium utilizes two types of zinc transporters, the ZIP (Zrt-, Irt-related Protein) and the ZnTs (Zinc Transporter), to transport zinc from the blood [...] Read more.
Dysregulation of zinc and zinc transporters families has been associated with the genesis and progression of prostate cancer. The prostate epithelium utilizes two types of zinc transporters, the ZIP (Zrt-, Irt-related Protein) and the ZnTs (Zinc Transporter), to transport zinc from the blood plasma to the gland lumen. ZIP transporters uptake zinc from extracellular space and organelle lumen, while ZnT transporters release zinc outside the cells or to organelle lumen. In prostate cancer, a commonly observed low zinc concentration in prostate tissue has been correlated with downregulations of certain ZIPs (e.g., ZIP1, ZIP2, ZIP3, ZIP14) and upregulations of specific ZnTs (e.g., ZnT1, ZnT9, ZnT10). These alterations may enable cancer cells to adapt to toxic high zinc levels. While zinc supplementation has been suggested as a potential therapy for this type of cancer, studies have yielded inconsistent results because some trials have indicated that zinc supplementation could exacerbate cancer risk. The reason for this discrepancy remains unclear, but given the high molecular and genetic variability present in prostate tumors, it is plausible that some zinc transporters—comprising 14 ZIP and 10 ZnT members—could be dysregulated in others patterns that promote cancer. From this perspective, this review highlights novel dysregulation, such as ZIP-Up/ZnT-Down, observed in prostate cancer cell lines for ZIP4, ZIP8, ZnT2, ZnT4, ZnT5, etc. Additionally, an in silico analysis of an available microarray from mouse models of prostate cancer (Nkx3.1;Pten) predicts similar dysregulation pattern for ZIP4, ZIP8, and ZnT2, which appear in early stages of prostate cancer progression. Furthermore, similar dysregulation patterns are supported by an in silico analysis of RNA-seq data from human cancer tumors available in cBioPortal. We discuss how these dysregulations of zinc transporters could impact zinc supplementation trials, particularly focusing on how the ZIP-Up/ZnT-Down dysregulation through various mechanisms might promote prostate cancer progression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trace Minerals in Human Health: Hot Topics and Information Update)
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