The Effect of Curcumin on Serum Copper and Zinc and Zn/Cu Ratio in Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome: A Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome is a complex disorder with high socioeconomic costs and a high global prevalence. The serum concentrations of some trace elements are higher in people with metabolic syndrome compared to normal individuals. Curcumin is derived from turmeric and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin may therefore have a potential role in the management of cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of curcumin on serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and Zn/Cu ratio levels in patients with metabolic syndrome. A double-blind clinical trial was designed in which 120 individuals with metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned to one of three groups: curcumin 1gr/day, phospholipidated curcumin 1gr/day, or a placebo, each taken for 6 weeks. Serum copper and zinc were measured before and after intervention. At baseline, in addition to obtaining the anthropometric characteristics of participants, a fasting blood sample was taken from each participant, and the concentrations of serum Cu and Zn were measured by atomic absorption (Varian AA 240 FS model). Serum Zn concentrations rose significantly in the phospholipidated curcumin and curcumin groups, being significantly higher (p <.001) in the phospholipidated curcumin group than in the curcumin group (p <.05). Serum Zn concentration fell in the control group (p <.05). Changes in serum Zn level from baseline to the levels after six weeks' intervention were significantly different between the groups, but changes in serum Cu from between baseline until after intervention were not significantly different. The serum Zn/Cu level in phospholipidated curcumin and curcumin groups after intervention was higher than for the control group, but it was more significant in the group taking phospholipidated curcumin (p <.001). Curcumin and phospholipidated curcumin complex, given at a dose of 1 g per day for six weeks, were associated with an increase in serum zinc and consequently zinc-to-copper ratio.

Role of Turmeric and Curcumin in Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Diseases: Lessons Learned from Clinical Trials

“…564 Another study showed that curcumin (1 g/day) and phospholipidated curcumin (1 g/day) supplementation for 6 weeks improved serum zinc levels in 120 patients with MetS. 565 In another study, nanocurcumin alone or in combination with aerobic exercise reduced serum levels of IL-6, MDA, and hs-CRP and increased IL-10, BDNF, and TAC in patients with MetS. 566 Nanocurcumin 80 mg/day for 12 weeks was also shown to reduce triglyceride levels and HOMA-β in patients with MetS.…”

Edible Bioactive Film with Curcumin: A Potential “Functional” Packaging?

“…Similarly, the anti-obesity activity of curcumin is attributed to anti-inflammatory responses, oxidative stress balance, and endogenous antioxidant enzyme expression [ 66 ]. Safarian et al [ 67 ] reported that the ingestion of curcumin (1 g/day) and phospholipidated curcumin complex for six weeks increased the serum zinc and zinc-to-copper ratio, which represent two important antioxidants in patients with metabolic syndrome.…”

Curcuminoids for Metabolic Syndrome: Meta-Analysis Evidences Toward Personalized Prevention and Treatment Management

“…Some recent studies reported the effects of curcumin and its derivatives on some oxidative stress markers in MS patients ( 122 ), for instance, serum copper, zinc, and trace elements are elevated in patients with MS compared to healthy subjects ( 120 ). A double-blind clinical trial of 120 subjects with MS reported increased serum zinc and Zn/Cu ratio after administration of curcumin and phospholipid curcumin complex at a dose of 1 g/day for 6 weeks ( 123 ). However, Mohammadi et al reported no significant difference in the alteration of HSP 27 serum concentrations among the study groups (group received curcumin, phospholipid -curcumin complex, or a placebo for 6 weeks) ( 124 ).…”