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Zinc and insulin metabolism
1Institut für Ernährungsphysiologie, Technische Universität, München, D-8050, Freising-Weihenstephan, Federal Republic of Germany.
Biological Trace Element Research
|November 26, 2013
Summary
Nutritional zinc deficiency impairs glucose tolerance and insulin levels. This review highlights how zinc affects insulin synthesis, secretion, and overall action, impacting metabolic health.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Insulin is crucial for glucose regulation, synthesized and secreted by pancreatic beta-cells.
- Zinc plays a vital role in insulin's structure, synthesis, secretion, and biological activity.
- Nutritional deficiencies can disrupt metabolic homeostasis, particularly glucose metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review experimental studies on the impact of zinc nutrition on insulin metabolism.
- To elucidate the specific effects of zinc deficiency on glucose tolerance and insulin dynamics.
- To compare zinc and chromium levels in serum, pancreas, and liver between deficient and control animals.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental studies investigating zinc deficiency and insulin metabolism.
- Analysis of glucose tolerance tests in zinc-deficient and pair-fed control rats.
- Measurement of serum, pancreatic, and hepatic concentrations of zinc and chromium.
Main Results:
- Zinc-deficient rats exhibited diminished glucose tolerance, lower serum insulin, and elevated insulin-like activity compared to controls.
- Serum zinc levels were significantly reduced in deficient rats and unresponsive to glucose stimulation.
- Pancreatic zinc concentrations decreased, while pancreatic and hepatic chromium levels increased in zinc-deficient rats.
Conclusions:
- Nutritional zinc deficiency significantly alters insulin metabolism and action.
- Zinc status is critical for maintaining normal glucose tolerance and insulin regulation.
- Further research into zinc's role in metabolic disorders is warranted.
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