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Relationship between the severity of olfactory dysfunction and serum zinc levels
Hirotaka Tanaka1,2, Eri Mori3, Rumi Sekine4
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8, Nishishimbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, Japan.
Summary
Zinc deficiency may worsen olfactory dysfunction. Low serum zinc levels were linked to poorer smell test results, especially in cases of idiopathic olfactory dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- The link between zinc deficiency and olfactory dysfunction remains unclear.
- Zinc deficiency can induce apoptosis in olfactory ensheathing cells, crucial for olfactory nerve regeneration.
- This suggests a potential role for zinc in maintaining olfactory function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum zinc levels and olfactory function in individuals with olfactory dysfunction.
- To determine if zinc deficiency exacerbates olfactory impairment.
Main Methods:
- Ninety patients with various types of olfactory dysfunction were enrolled.
- Participants were categorized into normal zinc and zinc-deficient groups based on serum zinc levels (<60, <65, or <70 µg/dL).
- Olfactory test results and patient data were compared between groups.
Main Results:
- The zinc-deficient group (<60 µg/dL) exhibited significantly poorer odor detection and recognition thresholds.
- Correlations were found between olfactory test performance and serum zinc levels (<65 µg/dL).
- Idiopathic olfactory dysfunction patients with zinc deficiency (<70 µg/dL) showed significantly worse olfactory test outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Zinc deficiency may contribute to the severity of olfactory dysfunction.
- Idiopathic olfactory dysfunction might be partially caused by zinc deficiency.
