Researchers find surprising connection between zinc levels and Type 2 Diabetes

[Jan. 30, 2024: JJ Shavit, The Brighter Side of News]

In a groundbreaking study, a major link has been discovered between zinc levels in the human body and the risk factors for type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Published in the scientific journal eLife, the study has significantly elevated science's comprehension of zinc's essential role in metabolic processes.

Academics and experts have lauded this investigation as pivotal to our grasp over zinc's involvement in metabolic processes. The research team has employed cutting-edge genetic analysis techniques on a large cohort of human participants.

The outcome? A potential therapeutic target for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes. Such a revelation holds interest for those engrossed in both metabolism research and trace element biology.

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Zinc's significance in the world of insulin production and glucose metabolism isn't a new revelation. Shek Man Chim, the lead author and Principal Scientist at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., New York, US, shed light on this, stating, “We know that increasing zinc intake improves blood glucose control in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, and people with a mutation in a key zinc transporter protein have a reduced risk of diabetes.”

The enigma, however, revolved around the precise mechanism through which zinc influenced systemic blood glucose levels and diabetes susceptibility.

Chim, alongside his team, delved deep into the protective attributes of zinc against diabetes. Through rigorous testing of loss-of-function mutations from genetic sequence data sourced from an extensive group of European ancestry participants involved in the Regeneron Genetics Center-Geisinger Health System DiscovEHR study, the researchers made a breakthrough. They pinpointed a rare mutation causing a loss of function in a crucial zinc transporter protein termed SLC39A5. This mutation was directly linked to heightened circulating zinc levels.

To cement their findings, the team orchestrated a meta-analysis, studying over 580,000 participants from four multi-ethnic European and US studies. The conclusions were unequivocal: elevated circulating zinc levels, attributed to the SLC39A5 loss-of-function mutation, were inversely proportional to diabetes risk.

This realization prompted further exploration. Genetically modified mice, devoid of the SLC39A5 transporter protein, were analyzed. The results? Elevated levels of zinc in blood and tissue samples. These modified mice, when subjected to obesity-inducing diets, demonstrated a remarkable reduction in fasting glucose levels in comparison to their control counterparts. Moreover, the absence of SLC39A5 resulted in minimized insulin resistance, a notorious marker for diabetes.

With diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease frequently presenting concurrently, the team sought to identify if SLC39A5's absence also shielded the liver. Their speculations were confirmed. Mice lacking SLC39A5 showed reduced fat accumulation in both the liver and crucial blood markers signifying liver damage. The benefits of a lack of SLC39A5 weren't limited to just that. When subjected to liver-damaging diets, these mice also exhibited lower fat buildup in the liver and enhanced insulin sensitivity.

Additionally, the research team ventured further. They investigated the potential of SLC39A5's absence in halting the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to a more dangerous condition, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This severe liver inflammation often culminates in irreversible scarring or fibrosis. The results were again positive. Mice devoid of SLC39A5 displayed decreased markers of liver damage, reduced fasting blood glucose, and improvements in liver inflammation and fibrosis.

Public reviewers did express certain reservations. Notably, differences in metabolic consequences of SLC39A5 inactivation between male and female mice were ambiguous, necessitating additional investigation.

Senior author Harikiran Nistala, the current Head of Functional Genomics at Alkermes Inc, Waltham, US, summarized the study's implications.

“Our study provides for the first-time genetic evidence demonstrating the protective role of zinc against high blood sugar and unravels the mechanistic basis underlying this effect,” Nistala remarked. "Our observations suggest that blocking SLC39A5 could be a potential therapeutic avenue for type 2 diabetes and other indications where zinc supplementation alone is inadequate."

There are many foods that are high in zinc, which is an essential mineral for good health. Here are a few of the best:

Oysters: Oysters are the clear winner when it comes to zinc content. A 3-ounce serving of cooked oysters contains about 50 milligrams of zinc, which is more than five times the recommended daily intake for adults.

Red meat: Beef, lamb, and pork are all good sources of zinc. A 3-ounce serving of cooked ground beef contains about 7 milligrams of zinc, while a 3-ounce serving of cooked lamb chops contains about 5 milligrams.

Poultry: Chicken and turkey are also good sources of zinc. A 3-ounce serving of cooked chicken breast contains about 3 milligrams of zinc, while a 3-ounce serving of cooked turkey breast contains about 2 milligrams.

Seafood: Other types of seafood, such as crab, shrimp, and mussels, are also good sources of zinc. A 3-ounce serving of cooked crab meat contains about 4 milligrams of zinc, while a 3-ounce serving of cooked shrimp contains about 1 milligram.

Nuts and seeds: Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and cashews are all good sources of zinc. A 1-ounce serving of roasted pumpkin seeds contains about 2 milligrams of zinc, while a 1-ounce serving of roasted sunflower seeds contains about 1 milligram.

Beans and lentils: Beans and lentils are good sources of plant-based zinc. A 1-cup serving of cooked lentils contains about 1 milligram of zinc, while a 1-cup serving of cooked black beans contains about 0.5 milligrams.

Whole grains: Whole grains, such as quinoa and brown rice, are also good sources of zinc. A 1-cup serving of cooked quinoa contains about 2 milligrams of zinc, while a 1-cup serving of cooked brown rice contains about 1 milligram.

In addition to these foods, there are also several fortified foods that are good sources of zinc, such as breakfast cereals, milk, and yogurt.

It is important to note that some factors can affect the absorption of zinc. For example, phytates, which are found in whole grains and legumes, can bind to zinc and make it less available for absorption. However, soaking or sprouting grains and legumes can help to reduce the amount of phytates they contain.

If you are concerned about getting enough zinc, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if you need to take a supplement.

As the world grapples with rising cases of diabetes and associated metabolic diseases, this research might just be the beacon of hope many have been seeking.

Note: Materials provided above by The Brighter Side of News. Content may be edited for style and length.

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