Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Glycemic Control, Insulin Resistance, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Jessica Paola Loaiza-Giraldo, Florencia Amigo-Fierro, Camila Ignacia Cancino-Castro et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of zinc supplementation on glycemic control, insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress in individuals with diabetes. Analyzing 18 randomized controlled trials with 1023 participants, the study found that zinc supplementation significantly increased plasma zinc levels and improved insulin resistance, evidenced by a reduction in serum insulin levels by -2.50 (95% CI -4.69 to -0.31).
Key findings
- Zinc supplementation increased plasma zinc concentrations by 7.80 (95% CI 4.33 to 11.26).
- Serum insulin levels decreased by -2.50 (95% CI -4.69 to -0.31) with zinc supplementation.
- C-reactive protein levels reduced significantly with a standardized mean difference of -0.91 (95% CI -1.43 to -0.38).
- Total antioxidant capacity increased with a standardized mean difference of 1.79 (95% CI 0.68 to 2.91).
Why it matters
Zinc supplementation may offer a beneficial adjunctive strategy for improving insulin resistance and reducing inflammation in patients with diabetes, potentially enhancing overall metabolic health.