Prevalence of Zinc Deficiency in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Malabsorptive disorders are closely associated with micronutrient deficiencies. In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), trace element deficiencies pose a clinical burden from disease onset throughout its course, contributing to morbidity and poor quality of life. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of zinc deficiency in IBD. Literature screening was performed on six electronic databases until 1 May 2022. Two independent investigators assessed the 152 retrieved articles for inclusion criteria, met by only nine, that included 17 prevalence entries for Crohn’s disease (CD) (n = 9) and ulcerative colitis (UC) (n = 8). No exclusion criteria were applied to language, deficiency cut-offs, population age, general health status, country, or study setting (cohort or cross-sectional). The prevalence of zinc deficiency in blood was scored positive if due to a single disease, not cumulative factors. Zinc deficiency prevalence across selected studies showed higher values in CD than in UC. Pooled analyses by the IBD subgroup showed a total population of 1677 with CD, for an overall mean zinc deficiency prevalence of 54% and 95% confidence intervals (CI) ranging from 0.51 to 0.56, versus 41% (95%CI 0.38–0.45) in the UC population (n = 806). The overall prevalence at meta-analysis was estimated at 50% (95%CI 0.48–0.52), but with high heterogeneity, I2 = 96%. The funnel plot analysis failed to show any evidence of publication bias. The risk of bias across selected studies was moderate to low. In IBD contexts, one of two patients suffers from zinc deficiency. Mismanagement of micronutrient deficiencies plays a role in inflammation trajectories and related cross-pathways. Clinicians in the field are advised to list zinc among trace elements to be monitored in serum.

Nutritional Biomarkers for the Prediction of Response to Anti-TNF-α Therapy in Crohn’s Disease: New Tools for New Approaches

“…For this nutrient, we have not analyzed the blood values, and therefore, we cannot confirm to what extent the reduced intake corresponded to reduced blood values. Nevertheless, zinc deficiency prevalence seems to be quite high among IBD patients, especially in CD [ 17 , 18 ]. The zinc level in the blood has already been related to a worse clinical progression in CD patients.…”

Sucrose-induced hyperglycemia dysregulates intestinal zinc metabolism and integrity: risk factors for chronic diseases

“…The impaired barrier function has been linked to multiple gastrointestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease. Similarly, zinc deficiency is reported in up to 50% of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases ( 26 , 36 , 37 ). However, it is unclear whether intestinal permeability or zinc deficiency are drivers or symptoms of the disease.…”

Sudden-Onset Acute Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Associated with Streptococcus and Brain MRI Hyperintensity in a Young Adult

“…Zinc has antiviral properties and a symbiotic relationship with gut microbiota [45]. Zinc deficiency can occur in 21-50% of CD patients [46][47][48], and zinc status can be inversely associated with CD [47]. Zinc supplementation improves therapeutic outcomes among CD adults [49].…”