Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Lipid Profile in Obese People: A Systematic Review

Background: Many studies have investigated the influence of minerals on the control of changes in lipid metabolism in obese individuals. The objective of this study was to describe, in a systematic review, the clinical trial outcomes of zinc supplementation and lipid profiles of obese participants. Methods: This review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. A survey was conducted for selecting clinical trials related to the effects of zinc supplementation on lipid profiles in obese people, using the following databases: PubMed, SciVerse ScienceDirect and Cochrane. Results: After the selection process, five articles were identified as eligible for this review and it was observed that the clinical trials included adults and children of both sexes, in three different countries, and with zinc supplementation doses ranging from 20 to 100 mg/day. None of the studies observed changes in High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL-c) with zinc supplementation. On the other hand, three studies observed a positive effect of zinc supplementation on triglycerides, and two found an effect on Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL-c) and total cholesterol. Conclusion: The results of this systematic review provide evidence on the benefits of zinc supplementation on lipid profiles in obese individuals. However, new intervention studies are needed to elucidate the function of the nutrient in protection against disorders related to lipid metabolism, as well as the standardization of the type, dose, and time of zinc supplementation.