Age- and sex-dependent effects of long-term zinc supplementation on essential trace element status and lipid metabolism in European subjects: The Zenith Study

Isabelle Hininger-Favier*, Maud Andriollo-Sanchez, Josiane Arnaud, Nathalie Meunier, Séverine Bord, Ciaren Graham, Angela Polito, Giuseppe Maiani, Jacqueline M. O'Connor, Charles Coudray, Anne Marie Roussel

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Given the key role of Zn in many physiological functions, optimal Zn status could be a predictive parameter of successful ageing. However, the benefit of Zn supplementation is still a matter of debate since Zn supplementation has been reported to be associated with the alteration of Cu status and lipid metabolism. As part of the Zenith Project, the present study aimed to investigate, in free-living healthy European middle-aged and older subjects, the effect of Zn supplementation on the biochemical status of Zn, Fe and Cu and on lipid profile. Volunteers aged 55-70 (n 188) and 70-85 (n 199) years old participated in a double-blinded, randomised study and received a daily placebo, or Zn as 15 or 30 mg for 6 months. Zn supplementation did not significantly modify erythrocyte Zn levels or erythrocyte Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase activity. But Zn supplementation at 15 or 30 mg/d for 6 months increased significantly serum Zn levels and Zn urinary excretion with no major adverse effects on Fe and Cu status or on lipid metabolism. However, Zn supplementation at 30 mg/d showed some age- and sex-dependent alterations in Fe status or lipid profile. Therefore, with respect to the key role of an optimal Zn status in successful ageing, Zn supplementation at 15 mg/d, when necessary, could be safely proposed regarding lipids and the risk of interaction with Fe and Cu.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)569-578
Number of pages10
JournalBritish Journal of Nutrition
Volume97
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01 Mar 2007

Keywords

  • Elderly
  • Trace element interactions
  • Trace element-lipid interactions
  • Zinc status
  • Zinc supplementation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Nutrition and Dietetics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Age- and sex-dependent effects of long-term zinc supplementation on essential trace element status and lipid metabolism in European subjects: The Zenith Study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this