According to newly published research, zinc deficiency may play a key role in causing chronic inflammatory diseases. The findings, published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, found this trend was especially prevalent among older individuals.
The study looked into the effect of zinc deficiency on our bodies, focusing in particular on how it might impact cellular immune activation and the epigenetic mechanisms that lead to inflammation.
The researchers revealed that their interest was catalysed by an observation that many age-related immune issues, primarily chronic inflammation, seem to coincide with a marked decline in zinc status among older populations.
Leading the research was Professor Emily Ho of Oregon State University, who indicated that the team had made some interesting findings. Foremost among these was that zinc seemed to impact immune function, affecting the way our bodies respond to inflammation and other stimuli.
Professor Ho and her team discovered that being deficient in zinc led to a corresponding increase in the inflammatory response of cells. More interestingly still, they were able to demonstrate that a reduction in the compound caused improper immune cell activation, as well as dysregulation of IL-6, an inflammatory cytokine.
As Professor Ho explains, this means that when zinc is taken away, the cells which control inflammatory responses act differently, resulting in increased levels of inflammation.
Why are older adults more affected by zinc deficiency?
So why are older adults more widely affected? Let us begin by noting that zinc compromises an important part of our diets. Typically found in protein-rich foods like meat and shellfish, it’s required for many biological processes, including development, growth, immunity, and neurological function.
Despite this, around 12 percent of Americans are deficient in the micronutrient – a figure which rises among those aged over 65. In this demographic, the statistic is closer to 40 percent, one assumes it’s not that different in the UK.
This can be explained by two interlinked factors. Firstly, older adults are less likely to consume a diet rich in zinc, meaning average intake is lower. Secondly, of the zinc they do imbibe, their bodies are less able to absorb or use it efficiently.
Naturally, this double-whammy makes them much more likely to be deficient than younger individuals.
The study explored
If you’re wondering how the research was conducted, allow us to enlighten you. The study compared zinc levels in older people, younger individuals, and mice, to see how different amounts of the nutrient affected immune response.
While Conella does not endorse animal trials, we do recognise that some of the research could prove beneficial in improving health and developing new treatments moving forward. That’s because, in both humans and mice, older individuals were found to have not only lower levels of zinc, but decreased IL-6 methylation and increased inflammation too.
Used together, these findings suggest that many chronic age-related diseases could be either indirectly caused or exacerbated by zinc deficiency. For this reason, the researchers suggested that regular intake of the mineral is important, particularly among older individuals.
