Effects of oral zinc supplementation on serum leptin levels in Ache males of eastern Paraguay

Abstract

Significant population variation has been demonstrated in serum leptin levels, independent of adiposity. Included within these populations, Ache males have significantly lower leptin levels compared to American subjects with comparable adiposity. The underlying causes of these differences are not understood but zinc has been shown to be an important regulator of leptin in humans and rodents. Zinc deficiency is associated with somatic wasting and significant declines in circulating leptin levels. Zinc deficiency is common in underdeveloped regions and may therefore contribute to low leptin levels among Ache men. To ascertain the potential role of zinc on Ache male leptin profiles, zinc supplementation was conducted to observe leptin responsiveness. Ache males were given daily oral zinc supplementation (50 mg zinc gluconate) (n ¼ 8) or placebo (n ¼ 6) for 10 days. Serum leptin levels were measured on the first and last days of the treatment/placebo period. Despite supplementation exceeding triple the USDA recommended daily requirements, serum leptin levels did not change in the zinc-supplemented group (P ¼ 0.61) and were not significantly different from males receiving placebo (P ¼ 0.72). It is concluded that zinc is not likely to be a contributing factor in male Ache leptin profiles and that other sources of variation such as chronic energetic stresses affecting leptin production and perhaps receptor number or sensitivity should be considered. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 15:681-687, 2003.

Effects of zinc supplementation on serum leptin level and insulin sensitivity in obese people

“…Baltaci et al [13], in their investigation demonstrated that zinc supplementation (3 mg/kg) of 36 male rats for 6 weeks resulted in increasing plasma leptin at the end of study. This result was in contrast with Dilina et al [22] study, who showed that 30 mg zinc pills in 56 obese women for 4 weeks and Bribiescas [28] survey who showed that 50 mg zinc gluconate for 10 day, respectively did not change serum leptin concentration significantly. In addition, Olusi et al [29] did not find any significant relation between serum zinc and leptin level in healthy individuals.…”

Comparison of plasma leptin and zinc levels in elite athletes and sedentary people

“…Bribiescas 14 showed that 50 mg zinc gluconate supplementation for 10 days did not have any effect on plasma leptin concentration. Similarly, Olusi et al 15 reported that there was not significant relation between serum zinc and leptin in healthy individuals.…”

“…It was argued that zinc 14 and similarly, Olusi et al 15 reported that there was not any significant relation between zinc and leptin in healthy individuals. On the other hand, Chen et al 13 noted that zinc could be a mediator of leptin production.…”

Testosterone and zinc supplementation in castrated rats: Effects on plasma leptin levels and relation with LH, FSH and testosterone

“…Results of the studies examining the relation between zinc and leptin are inconsistent. Bribiescas (2003) showed that 50 mg zinc gluconate supplementation for 10 days did not have any effect on plasma leptin concentration. Similarly, Olusi et al (2003) reported that there was not any significant relation between serum zinc and leptin in healthy individuals.…”

“…It was reported that zinc supplementation did not change leptin secretion (Bribiescas, 2003). Similarly, Olusi et al (2003) reported that there was no significant relation between zinc and leptin in healthy individuals.…”