A meta-analysis published in the journal Nutrients suggests a possible deficiency of zinc in the plasma and serum of patients with autoimmune diseases.
Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 62 case-control studies identified through a literature search on the PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science and Science Direct databases.
Zinc levels in serum of patients with autoimmune diseases were significantly lower compared with control patients (mean effect, −1.19; CI, −1.26 to −1.11). Similarly, zinc levels were also found to be significantly lower in plasma of patients with autoimmune diseases than in control patients (mean effect, −3.97; CI, −4.08 to −3.87).
According to the authors, homeostasis of zinc has been found to be essential for regulating different aspects of the immune system. Zinc may have a role in the induction of autoimmunity, either a primary zinc deficiency or its secondary reduction resulting from inflammation. The authors call for further trials investigating the value of zinc supplementation for preventing and/or treating autoimmune diseases in patients with higher genetic risk.