Association between dietary zinc intake and olfactory dysfunction: a study based on the NHANES database

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Epidemiology
• Otorhinolaryngology

Background:

• Olfactory dysfunction prevalence increases with age and can be influenced by nutritional factors.
• Dietary zinc plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including sensory function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between dietary zinc intake and olfactory dysfunction prevalence.
• To identify potential thresholds and population-specific relationships using NHANES data.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional analysis of 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data.
• Weighted logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were employed.
• Subgroup analyses were conducted based on age, ethnicity, and Body Mass Index (BMI).

Main Results:

• A negative association was observed between dietary zinc intake and olfactory dysfunction, particularly in non-Hispanic whites and Hispanics with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m².
• Optimal dietary zinc intake for olfactory health was identified as 9.60-17.45 mg/day.
• Individuals aged 60 and above exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of olfactory dysfunction.

Conclusions:

• Maintaining a daily dietary zinc intake between 9.60-17.45 mg is protective against olfactory dysfunction.
• Higher BMI and advanced age are associated with increased risk of olfactory dysfunction.
• Recommendations include increasing dietary zinc intake for specific populations to support olfactory health.