Zinc Benefits Middle-Age, Elderly Populations

ROMEDietary zinc supplementation significantly increased plasma vitamin A levels proportional to zinc dosage and period of treatment, according to a recent study (Eur J Clin Nutr, doi: 10.1038). Researchers randomly assigned 387 healthy middle-age (5570 years) and older (7085 years) men and women to groups to receive 15 mg or 30 mg Zn/d or placebo for six months. Dietary intake was assessed by means of a validated four-day recall record. Fasting plasma retinol and tocopherol blood samples were simultaneously analyzed, as were erythrocyte folate levels.Results showed plasma vitamin A levels significantly increased proportional to zinc dosage and period of treatment, particularly at six months; no significant changes were observed in the placebo group. Additionally, zinc supplementation did not affect vitamin E:cholesterol ratio or erythrocyte folates. The researchers concluded long-term zinc supplementation benefits serum vitamin A levels but does not affect erythrocyte zinc concentration, plasma vitamin E or erythrocyte folate status.