Search Results (848)

Aging impacts immunity, zinc status, and overall health, with these factors being closely interconnected. Zinc is known to modulate protein expression and cytokine production, with new molecular mechanisms continuing to be identified. ZIP8 facilitates IFN-γ production by increasing the intracellular zinc levels; how zinc status in humans affects ZIP8 expression remains unclear. We assessed serum zinc, dietary zinc intake, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use, phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated IFN-γ production, and ZIP8 protein expression in elderly hospitalized patients and young healthy controls. Compared to young adults, elderly participants exhibited lower zinc status and IFN-γ levels, with PPI use among the elderly correlating with zinc deficiency. Zinc-deficient elderly participants received zinc aspartate supplementation for approximately 7 days, resulting in increased serum zinc levels, IFN-γ production, and a trend toward increased ZIP8 expression; in participants taking PPIs, this increase reached statistical significance. Although we found no clear correlation between ZIP8 expression and zinc status, the observed response to supplementation warrants further investigation. These findings reinforce the relevance of zinc supplementation in the elderly, although further studies are needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking zinc status to IFN-γ production, particularly regarding the role of ZIP8 expression levels. Full article

To achieve the high-value utilization of pine nut resources, a novel zinc supplement was developed in this study. Pine nut protein was enzymatically hydrolyzed to prepare pine nut peptides (PP), which were subsequently chelated with zinc ions to form pine nut peptide–zinc chelate (PZn). Under optimized conditions, the zinc chelation rate of PZn reached 60.18 ± 1.77%. Peptidomic analysis revealed that PZn is composed of a select group of peptides predominantly characterized by low molecular weight (80.65 ± 1.47% < 1 kDa) and enrichment in aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and cysteine, indicating a self-selective chelation process. Comprehensive characterization via multiple techniques confirmed that zinc ions coordinate with carboxyl, hydroxyl, and thiol groups on these peptides, leading to charge neutralization, disruption of hydrogen-bonding networks, and peptide aggregation. Furthermore, bioactivity prediction of the PZn-constituting peptides revealed high intrinsic antioxidant potential, which corroborated the experimental results, showing that PZn exhibited significantly enhanced radical scavenging capacity compared to PP. These findings demonstrate that PZn possesses excellent zinc-binding capability and antioxidant activity, suggesting its potential as a novel zinc supplement, with its efficacy rooted in its specific molecular composition. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of sodium butyrate and organic zinc supplementation, alone or combined, on performance, zinc metabolism, blood parameters, and gut health in Holstein calves highly challenged by heat and diarrhea during the pre-weaning and weaning periods. Forty-eight male calves were assigned to one of four treatments: control (CON), SB (3 g/kg of sodium butyrate in dry matter [DM]), OZn (262 mg/kg of organic zinc in DM), or SBOZn (3 g/kg of sodium butyrate and 262 mg/kg of organic zinc in DM). Calves were monitored from days 7 to 63 for feed intake, weight gain, body morphometry, fecal score, and blood parameters. Zinc balance was evaluated from days 45 to 49, and 24 calves were slaughtered on day 64 for jejunal sampling to assess tight junction gene expression. Diarrhea incidence was high (>90%) across groups. Fecal scores varied over time but did not differ between treatments. The OZn and SBOZn groups had higher Zn intake, with greater absorption and retention of the mineral compared to the CON and SB groups. Additionally, the OZn group tended to have higher serum Zn concentrations. SB and OZn, separately or combined, had limited effects and did not consistently improve the performance or health of calves highly challenged during pre-weaning and weaning. Full article

Background/Objectives: Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a severe congenital genodermatosis characterized by skin and mucosa fragility, chronic inflammation, recurrent infections and high nutritional demands due to increased metabolism and epithelial barrier-related losses, placing patients at risk of zinc deficiency. We aimed to investigate the clinical relevance and biochemical determinants of zinc deficiency as a potentially modifiable contributor to disease burden in RDEB. Methods: In this cross-sectional study (n = 84), serum zinc levels were analyzed in association with sex, age, disease severity, percentage of body surface area (BSA) affected, inflammatory markers, infection burden, and common clinical complications including anemia and growth impairment. Results: Zinc deficiency, defined as levels below 670 µg/L, was identified in 35% of patients and became more frequent after age 5 and during adulthood, particularly among those with more severe disease. Deficiency was strongly associated with anemia, inflammation, infection burden, growth impairment, and extensive skin involvement. A revised cutoff of 780 µg/L is proposed, showing improved diagnostic performance for identifying patients at risk of systemic complications, and offering a more suitable threshold for starting preventive supplementation. Multivariate logistic modeling confirmed that low serum zinc independently predicted anemia risk, alongside transferrin saturation and C- reactive protein levels. Serum albumin was identified as the strongest determinant of zinc levels, partially mediating the effects of inflammation and skin involvement. Conclusions: These findings identify serum zinc as a clinically relevant marker of nutritional status and complication burden in RDEB. While no causal or therapeutic effects can be inferred from this cross-sectional study, the strong and biologically plausible associations observed suggest a rationale for systematic monitoring and correction of zinc deficiency as part of comprehensive supportive care, and warrant prospective studies to assess clinical benefit. Full article

Heat stress during summer significantly impairs seminal quality in swine production. As a key genetic resource for enhancing indigenous Chinese fatty pig breeds, Ningxiang boars require effective nutritional strategies to maintain reproductive performance under thermal challenge. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a combined antioxidant dietary supplement on seminal quality, antioxidant status, and gut microbiota in heat-stressed Ningxiang boars. Ten Ningxiang boars were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 5 per group). The control group received a basal diet, while the experimental group was fed the same basal diet supplemented with 400 mg/kg vitamin E, 5 g/kg yeast-derived zinc, 250 mg/kg yeast-derived selenium, and 800 mg/kg N-carbamylglutamate (NCG). Results demonstrated that sperm and seminal plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly elevated in the supplemented group compared to the control (p < 0.05), whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that dietary supplementation combined antioxidant markedly altered gut microbiota composition: the abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, particularly members of the Muribaculaceae family, increased significantly (p < 0.05), while opportunistic pathogens within the Acholeplasmataceae family were reduced (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that dietary supplementation with this antioxidant combination improves seminal quality in Ningxiang boars, potentially by enhancing endogenous antioxidant defenses and modulating gut microbial balance. Full article

(1) Background: Zinc is an essential micronutrient involved in immune regulation, epithelial barrier integrity, and the host response to bacterial infections. However, the clinical benefits of zinc supplementation across different age groups remain uncertain, with heterogeneous findings and variable dosing strategies reported in the literature. (2) Objectives: To map and summarize randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating zinc supplementation (either as treatment or prophylaxis) for bacterial infection outcomes in neonates, children, and adults, and to identify gaps requiring further research, including the use of zinc-based nanoparticles. (3) Eligibility Criteria: We included English-language RCTs that evaluated zinc supplementation and reported clinical outcomes related to bacterial infections. Observational studies, trials without infection-related outcomes, and studies not involving human participants were excluded. (4) Sources of Evidence: A MEDLINE (PubMed) search was conducted from 2000 to 1 November 2025 using predefined keywords related to zinc supplementation, neonates, children, adults, and bacterial infections. Reference lists of eligible articles were screened to identify additional studies. (5) Charting Methods: Data were charted for each included study, including population characteristics, zinc dosing and regimen, type of supplementation (therapeutic or prophylactic), main infection-related outcomes, and key findings. Data charting was performed independently and verified within the research team. (6) Results: A total of 51 RCTs were included: 10 in neonates, 32 in children, and 9 in adults. In neonates, therapeutic zinc supplementation as an adjunct to antibiotics showed heterogeneous results, with some studies reporting reductions in morbidity, inflammatory markers or mortality, while others found no significant differences in clinical outcomes. In children, zinc supplementation consistently reduced the duration and severity of diarrheal episodes and, in several trials, improved the resolution of respiratory infections. In adults, the evidence was limited but suggested potential benefits in selected populations, such as burn patients or those with zinc deficiency or immunologic dysfunction. Variability in zinc dosage, treatment duration, and outcome definitions limits direct comparison across studies. (7) Conclusions: Zinc supplementation appears to provide benefits in neonates and children, whereas evidence in adults remains mixed and inconclusive. Standardized, well-powered RCTs are needed to define optimal dosing strategies, identify populations most likely to benefit, and clarify the mechanisms underlying zinc’s anti-infective effects. Future research should consider the use of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and potential synergy with antibiotics, although clinical data remain still limited. Full article

Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element that plays a key role as a cofactor for over 300 enzymes involved in metabolic processes, protein synthesis, and gene expression regulation. Zn supplementation is used in the prevention and treatment of infectious, dermatological, and reproductive system diseases. Legal regulations allow for a relatively wide range of mineral content in this product category (from −20% to +45% of the declared value). The study aimed to analyze the quality of food supplements containing Zn—compliance with declared Zn content was assessed. The study included 80 preparations. The preparations varied in terms of declared Zn content, pharmaceutical form, chemical form of Zn, composition, and primary mode of action. Zn content was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry after prior mineralization of the samples in concentrated nitric acid in a closed microwave system. It was estimated that 70% of food supplements contained Zn within the acceptable range. It should be emphasized that 23.75% of the preparations contained more Zn than the permissible range of Zn content, and 6.25% contained less—both of these groups of preparations may be associated with a health risk. From a regulatory perspective, these results highlight the need for continuous surveillance of the food supplement market to improve consumer safety. Full article

Endometriosis is a chronic, oestrogen-dependent inflammatory condition affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age, frequently associated with chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhoea and infertility, substantially impairing quality of life. While pharmacological and surgical therapies represent the standard of care, growing evidence indicates that lifestyle and dietary factors play an important complementary role in symptom management and may influence disease progression. Regular physical activity appears to attenuate systemic inflammation, improve hormonal regulation and support psychological well-being. Dietary patterns rich in anti-inflammatory components, particularly Mediterranean-diets and low-inflammatory diets, have been associated with reduced pain and improved gastrointestinal symptoms, whereas high consumption of red and processed meats may increase disease risk. Micronutrients and selected supplements, including vitamins C, E and D, magnesium, zinc, folate, omega-3 fatty acids, N-acetylcysteine, curcumin, probiotics and green tea polyphenols, show promising but variable evidence for symptom relief. Additional lifestyle factors, such as avoiding endocrine-disrupting chemicals, moderating alcohol intake, ensuring adequate sleep and managing psychological stress, may further modulate inflammatory and hormonal pathways relevant to the disorder. Overall, current evidence indicates that integrating lifestyle interventions alongside conventional treatments offers clinically relevant benefits, although larger, well-designed clinical studies are needed to clarify the magnitude of these effects and to explore further promising lifestyle-based therapeutic approaches. Full article

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of replacing fishmeal with H. illucens larval meal on the colonic immune homeostasis in weaned piglets in enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC)-challenged pig housing. Seventy-two weaned piglets, aged 28 days, were randomly divided into three groups for dietary treatment: the basal diet (negative control, NC), the positive control diet (PC) supplemented with 1445 mg zinc/kg zinc oxide in the basal diet, and the H. illucens larval meal complete replacement of fishmeal in the basal diet (HILM), for 28 days in ETEC-challenged pig housing. The results showed that the relative transcript abundances of ZO-1, pBD2, PR39, and PG1–5 were increased (p < 0.05) in pigs fed the HILM diet compared with those fed the NC diet. In addition, the HILM diet reduced (p < 0.05) the serum contents of IL-8 and increased (p < 0.05) the serum contents of IL-10 and IgG compared with the NC diet. In terms of the molecular mechanisms by which immune homeostasis is improved, the p-NF-κB/ NF-κB ratio and TLR2 protein expression in the colon were decreased (p < 0.05) in pigs fed the HILM diet compared with those fed the NC diet. Compared with the NC diet, the HILM diet reduced (p < 0.05) the protein expression of HDAC3 and HDAC7 in the colon of pigs. The SIRT1, acH3K9, and pH3S10 protein expressions in the colon were the greatest (p < 0.05) in pigs fed the HILM diet compared with the NC diet. HILM diets improved the colonic immune homeostasis in weaned piglets by enhancing the antimicrobial peptide expression, thereby mitigating ETEC challenges in pig housing. Mechanistically, HILM diets promote antimicrobial peptide expression through increased histone acetylation (acH3K9 and pH3S10). Full article

Phosphate is emerging as an active mediator of oxidative stress and vascular injury in chronic kidney disease (CKD). This emerging pathophysiological framework, referred to as “Phosphatopathy”, describes the systemic syndrome driven by chronic phosphate overload and characterized by oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, vascular calcification, cellular senescence, and metabolic imbalance. Beyond being a biochemical marker, phosphate overload triggers NOX-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS), activates Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β signaling, and disrupts the FGF23–Klotho axis, promoting endothelial dysfunction, vascular calcification, and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). These pathways converge with systemic inflammation and energy imbalance, contributing to the malnutrition–inflammation–atherosclerosis (MIA) syndrome. Experimental and clinical data reveal that the phosphate/urinary urea nitrogen (P/UUN) ratio is a sensitive biomarker of inorganic phosphate load, while emerging regulators such as microRNA-125b and calciprotein particles integrate phosphate-driven oxidative and inflammatory responses. Therapeutic strategies targeting phosphate burden—rather than serum phosphate alone—include dietary restriction of inorganic phosphate, non-calcium binders, magnesium and zinc supplementation, and activation of important pathways related to the activation of antioxidant defense such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and SIRT1. This integrative framework redefines phosphate as a modifiable upstream trigger of oxidative and metabolic stress in CKD. Controlling phosphate load and redox imbalance emerges as a convergent strategy to prevent vascular calcification, improve arterial stiffness, and reduce cardiovascular risk through personalized, mechanism-based interventions. Full article

Background: Zn is an essential mineral nutrient for human health. Its deficiency may result not only from insufficient intake but also from impaired absorption. Dietary components released from the food matrix during digestion can interact in ways that either enhance or inhibit mineral bioavailability. Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the bioaccessibility of Zn from dietary supplements, particularly in the context of diet type, chemical form, and pharmaceutical formulation effects. Methods: The experiment was conducted using an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion model with cellulose dialysis membranes. Zn content after digestion was determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (F-AAS). The method employed had been previously developed and validated for use in determining the bioaccessibility of mineral nutrients. Results: The bioaccessibility of Zn from the standard, basic, and high-fiber diets was 19.43, 16.18, and 8.12%, respectively. In the presence of a standard diet, the bioaccessibility of Zn from dietary supplements was within the range 1.77–36.09%, in the presence of a basic diet, 1.05–35.86%; and in the presence of a high-fiber diet, 1.37–35.94%. The highest values were observed for zinc picolinate, whereas the lowest were determined for zinc oxide. Conclusions: A high-fiber diet significantly reduced Zn bioaccessibility. Bioaccessibility is also strongly dependent on the chemical form of zinc. Full article

Chemical incompatibility between active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and mineral supplements may affect their bioavailability and effectiveness. Water, as the main component of physiological fluids, plays a crucial role in these interactions. Natural waters vary in the deuterium. Estimation of the kinetic isotope effect (KIE) provides valuable information on reaction mechanisms in solvents with different D/H ratios and with the replacement of protium with deuterium in API molecules. Studies of the kinetics of interactions between zinc ions and amoxicillin in water with a natural isotopic composition (D/H = 145 ppm) and in heavy water (99.9% D₂O) offer a model for predicting similar interactions in vivo. The presence of chiral centers in the amoxicillin molecule allowed the use of polarimetry to study the influence of the solvent isotopic composition, temperature, and pH on the rate of interaction. In heavy water, a twofold decrease in the rate of amoxicillin binding to hydrated zinc ions was observed compared to natural water at 20 °C. Arrhenius kinetics confirmed the observed KIE: Ea = 112.5 ± 1.3 kJ/mol for D₂O and 96.0 ± 2.1 kJ/mol for H₂O. For the first time, kinetic polarimetric studies demonstrated differences in the mechanisms of binding of d- and s-element cations to amoxicillin. Full article

Micronutrient deficiencies, also known as “hidden hunger,” remain a pervasive public health issue in low- and middle-income countries, particularly among vulnerable populations within these countries. The main drivers of these deficiencies are poverty, limited dietary diversity, weak nutritional strategies, poor health service delivery and general health access barriers. This review assesses the prevalence, drivers, and consequences of selected micronutrient deficiencies: iron, iodine, zinc, vitamin A and vitamin D, within the scope of undernutrition, food insecurity, and socioeconomic inequity. The consequences associated with these deficiencies include stunted growth, increased susceptibility to illness, poor cognitive and social functioning, and deepened poverty. The primary strategies to address these deficiencies include dietary diversification, supplement provision, biofortification, and the production of fortified foods. Barriers to progress include the high cost of food, weak healthcare infrastructure, low educational levels, and ineffective policy implementation. Integrated food systems, personalised nutrition, and innovative food technologies have the potential to address both nutritional and health inequities. Addressing barriers to safe and nutritious food and healthcare systems in order to address health inequities requires integrated, multisectoral planning and contextual policy. Improving individual health outcomes is crucial, but addressing micronutrient deficiencies has a ripple effect throughout society, enabling economic development through poverty reduction and increased productivity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sleep health impacts numerous domains of human health, and sleep deprivation has emerged as a significant public health concern. Multiple types of dietary nutrient supplementation, dietary intake, and the use of nutritional supplements to enhance sleep quality are recognized as effective methods to improve sleep quality. Methods: We aim to systematically evaluate the efficacy of dietary supplement interventions in sleep quality improvement across populations with sleep disorders and healthy individuals. We conducted a comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, ScienceDirect, Wiley, and CVIP databases. Sleep evaluation metrics included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), sleep efficiency (SE), sleep latency (SL), total sleep time (TST), wake after sleep onset (WASO), and number of awake after sleep onset (NASO). Meta-analysis procedures were executed in Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 17.0, with heterogeneity quantified via I² statistics. Results: This study, in total, included 28 randomized controlled trials. This meta-analysis’s results suggest dietary interventions significantly improved sleep outcomes: reduced PSQI (MD: −0.70, 95% CI: −1.37 to −0.03, p < 0.05), increased SE (+2.58 min, 95% CI: 2.01–3.16, p < 0.00001), prolonged TST (SMD: +0.23, 95% CI: 0.04–0.43, p < 0.05), and shortened SL (SMD: −0.24, 95% CI: −0.37 to −0.10) and WASO (SMD: −0.30, 95% CI: −0.48 to −0.12) (both p < 0.001). NASO showed a marginal reduction (MD: −1.57, 95% CI: −3.16 to 0.02, p = 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that tryptophan, vitamin D, omega-3, zinc, and antioxidants may enhance sleep quality by decreasing SL, and WASO increases SE and extends TST, respectively. Full article

Background/Objectives: Micronutrient deficiencies during infancy remain a major public health concern, particularly in developing countries. Although exclusive breastfeeding is the optimal source of nutrition for infants up to six months of age, limited studies have simultaneously evaluated multiple micronutrient statuses in this population. This study aimed to assess the levels of vitamin D, iron, and other micronutrients—including vitamins A, E, B12, folic acid, zinc, and copper—in exclusively breastfed infants. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 2022 and 2024 at a university well-child clinic in İzmir, Turkey. A total of 132 healthy, exclusively breastfed six-month-old infants were included. Blood samples were analyzed for hemogram, serum iron, ferritin, 25(OH)D, vitamins A, E, B12, folic acid, zinc, and copper. Sociodemographic data and supplementation practices were recorded. Deficiency cut-offs were defined according to WHO and national guidelines. Results: Among the infants, 40.2% had iron deficiency or anemia, and 14.4% had vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin B12, A, E, zinc, and copper deficiencies were identified in 29.5%, 2.4%, 4%, 7.4%, and 6.6% of infants, respectively. Regular vitamin D and iron supplementation were significantly associated with lower deficiency rates (p < 0.05). Maternal education level, dressing style, and smoking status were significantly related to infant vitamin D status. Conclusions: Despite national supplementation programs, iron and vitamin D deficiencies remain common in exclusively breastfed infants. Routine and regular supplementation should be emphasized, and subclinical deficiencies—particularly vitamin B12—should be considered. Broader studies evaluating maternal nutritional factors and socioeconomic determinants are warranted to guide preventive strategies. Full article