The effects of zinc supplementation on the metabolic factors in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Abstract Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with metabolic factors including obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and elevated inflammatory factors. Zinc (Zn) supplementation has been investigated as a potential adjunctive therapy in managing NAFLD outcomes. Methods In this randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial, 50 overweight or obese participants with NAFLD were randomized into 2 groups of 25 and received either 30 mg of daily Zn or a placebo for 8 weeks. Both groups were invited to follow a balanced energy-restricted diet and physical activity recommendations. Results Based on the between-group comparison, Zn supplementation caused a significant increase in the Zn level (P 0.05). Conclusion The results of the present study indicated that 8-week supplementation of 30 mg daily Zn may increase the Zn serum level and decline anthropometric parameters, AST, TC, and LDL-C in NAFLD patients, so further research is suggested in the future. Trial registration The trial was retrospectively registered at IRCT.ir as IRCT20191015045113N1 (December/8/2019).

Keywords

• Non-alcoholic fatty Liver Disease
• Zinc
• Aminotransferases
• Metabolic factors