Zinc (Picolinate)

A meta-analysis was conducted to quantify production responses to chromium (Cr) supplementation and better understand variables that affect this response. Multivariate random and mixed effects models were used to develop and fit all models. The response variable was described by the mean difference of milk yield, ECM, DMI, and milk fat and protein yields between cows that received Cr supplementation and cows in the control group. Treatment means from 28 studies were used to assemble a database of studies designed specifically to investigate the effects of supplementing Cr on dairy cows. Of the 93 treatment means, 38 means fed the Cr starting in the dry period. Overall, Cr supplementation increased production, and the mean difference is affected by stage of lactation (characterized by DIM in our analysis), Cr source (Cr-methionine, Cr-propionate, Cr-chelate, Cr-picolinate, Cr-yeast), and dose (0-19 mg/d). The models for milk yield, milk fat, and milk protein suggest the greatest response for Cr supplementation between a 6 to 7 mg/d supplementation rate. However, the greatest response for DMI was predicted to be at a supplementation rate of 9 mg/d. The models suggest peak mean differences in yields of milk, ECM, fat, and protein at approximately 100 DIM with supplementation of Cr starting at pre- or postcalving. Although the production of ECM maximizes at approximately 100 DIM there is still a benefit in production to feeding Cr up to 168 to 186 DIM, depending on the Cr source. The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the American Dairy Science Association®. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) has been treated recently with chromium supplementations. However, it is unknown if this dietary supplement has similar effect to metformin. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of chromium supplementation in women with PCOS. METHODS: A meta-analysis was conducted using relevant articles obtained from searches of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar. The mean difference and standardized mean difference were employed to determine the effect size for biochemical parameters. RESULTS: A total of 10 randomized controlled trials involving 683 women were included in the analysis. The results indicated that chromium supplementation, as vs a placebo, significantly decreased fasting blood insulin (P=0.01), triglyceride (P<0.00001), total cholesterol (P<0.00001), very low-density lipoprotein (P<0.00001), low-density lipoprotein (P=0.0003), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (P=0.02), malondialdehyde (P=0.007), follicle stimulating hormone (P=0.0007), and prolactin (P=0.01), and increased the Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (P=0.02), total antioxidant capacity (P<0.0001), and ovulation incidence (P=0.001). Chromium supplementation was also found to be more effective than metformin in reducing HOMA-IR (P<0.00001), and luteinizing hormone (P=0.04). CONCLUSION: Chromium picolinate supplementation at a dosage of 200μg may provide benefits similar to metformin with regard to FBG, FBI, ovulation, and pregnancy incidence, with fewer side effects in patients with PCOS. Further experiments are still required to draw effective dietary guidelines related to chromium.

Diabetes is a global public health concern with increasing prevalence worldwide. Chromium (Cr), a trace element found in soil, water, and food, has been proposed to have a possible positive effect in glucose metabolism and diabetes mellitus prevention. However, the relationship between trivalent chromium [Cr(III)] exposure, mainly through the consumption of diet supplements, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains controversial. An extensive systematic review of the current literature on randomized controlled studies (RCTs) was conducted from 1 January 2000, to January 2024 using the databases PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane, with specific keywords and inclusion as well as exclusion criteria. After close screening of the research studies retrieved from the mentioned websites was conducted, the most related studies were included in the final systematic review. The studies were evaluated for the degree of relevance, quality, and risk bias, using appropriate quality assessment tools. Several of the included RCT studies reported possible benefits of Cr(III) supplementation, mainly in the form of chromium picolinate (CrPic), chromium yeast (CY), chromium chloride (CrCl3), and chromium nicotinate (CrN). The dosage of chromium was between 50 and 1000 μg/day and it was consumed from 2 to 6 months. Glycemic control markers, including FPG, insulin, HbA1C, and HOMA-IR levels, significantly decrease following chromium supplementation, mainly in studies with a longer intervention period. Supplementing with chromium (Cr) indicated that could significantly improve lipid profile by raising high-density lipoprotein and lowering triglyceride and total cholesterol while having little effect on low-density lipoprotein. However, most research findings include significant limitations, such as inconsistent dosage and type of chromium, formulation of supplements, and study duration. Further well-designed and high-quality research is needed to fully understand the role of chromium dietary supplementation and the potential risks related to its mechanisms of action, type, and dose, in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. © 2024. The Author(s), under e

INTRODUCTION: Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated the beneficial effects of chromium supplementation in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the associations between chromium supplementation and body composition in patients with T2DM. METHODS: To achieve this, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that reported the effects of chromium supplementation on body composition such as body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), fat mass (FM), and waist circumference (WC) in patients with T2DM from inception until July 2023. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a fixed-effects model. RESULTS: The meta-analysis included a total of 14 RCTs. The results showed that chromium supplementation did not have any significant effect on FM (WMD = -0.43%; 95% CI -0.94, 0.09), BMI (WMD: 0.09 kg/M2, 95% CI: -0.03, 0.20), WC (WMD: -0.47 cm, 95% CI: -1.10, 0.16), and BW (WMD: -0.26 kg, 95% CI: -0.69, 0.16). However, subgroup analysis revealed that chromium intake decreased FM in subjects aged ≥ 55 years and when chromium picolinate was used as an intervention. Additionally, there was a non-linear association between the dose of chromium supplementation and BW. CONCLUSIONS: The meta-analysis suggests that chromium supplementation does not significantly reduce BW, BMI, WC, and FM in patients with T2DM. Further RCTs with large-scale are required to determine the possible anti-obesity effects of chromium in patients with T2DM.

Aim: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of chromium supplementation on oxidative stress biomarkers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), catalase (CAT), nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and protein carbonyl. Methods: Relevant studies, published from inception until July 2019, were searched through PubMed/Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar. All randomized clinical trials investigating the effect of chromium supplementation on oxidative stress were included. Results: Out of 252 citations, 10 trials that enrolled 595 subjects were included. Chromium supplementation resulted in a significant increase in GSH (WMD: 64.79 mg/dl, 95% CI: 22.43 to 107.15; P=0.003) but no significant change in MDA, TAS, TBARS levels, SOD, CAT levels and GPX. Chromium picolinate supplementation resulted in a significant increase in TAC while failing to have a significant effect on NO. Moreover, both chromium picolinate and chromium dinicocysteinate supplementation reduced protein carbonyl levels. Conclusion: Overall, this meta-analysis demonstrated that chromium supplementation increased GSH without any significant changes in the mean of GPX, MDA, TAS, TBARS, CAT and SOD.

OBJECTIVE: A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effects of dietary chromium picolinate (CrPic) supplementation on broiler growth performance and to determine whether such effects are regulated by broiler strains, sex, environmental stress, or contextual factors including study area and years. METHODS: Eligible studies were identified by searching the Web of Science, Springer, Elsevier, ScienceDirect, Taylor & Francis Online databases. Weighted average differences with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were computed with a random-effects model. We performed subgroup analysis stratified by study area, published years, broiler strains and sex, and environmental stress. Publication bias was assessed with Egger's test method. A total of 15 studies eligible for inclusion. RESULTS: The results indicated that CrPic supplementation significantly improved broiler growth performance and subgroup analysis confirmed this conclusion. We also found that Ross 308 or male broilers might be more sensitive to CrPic supplementation and showed better growth performance. A model was used to obtain the amount of chromium addition under the optimal growth performance, which suggested that the maximum value of average daily gain (ADG) was reached when chromium addition was 1810 μg/kg. The results of the sensitivity analysis showed low sensitivity and high stability of the meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: CrPic supplementation had a positive effect on the growth performance of broilers, and this meta-analysis provides a more accurate value of chromium addition, which may be beneficial for the practice of the broiler industry.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of chromium supplementation on lipid profile consisting of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) in humans. METHODS: The PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of sciences, Google Scholar and Cochrane library were systematically searched for randomised control trails (RCTs) available which published before August 2020. The meta-analysis was conducted using Random or fixed-effects models, and between-study heterogeneity was assessed by I2. RESULTS: Thirty-eight studies comprising 41 treatment arms and 7605 participants included to the present meta-analysis. Our results of overall analysis show only a significant reduction in serum TC level in response to chromium supplementation (WMD: -0.17 mmol/l, 95 % CI: -0.27, -0.07, P = 0.001). In accordance with the results of the subgroup analyses, the lowering-effect of chromium supplementation may be synergist during short-term (less than 12 weeks), low dose (less than 200), diabetics patient, younger adults (less than 54 years) and picolinate and elemental form for TC, older and non-obese subjects (>54 years and ≤ 29 kg/m2, respectively), women, Asian and Australian and picolinate form for TG, short-term, low dose, non-obese subjects, women, and Asian for VLDL, and nicotinate form for HDL-C, but had no effect on LDL-C. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis reveals that there was only an overall significant association between chromium supplementation with decreases in the concentration of TC. Additionally, we found considerable evidence of subgroup analysis that support a significant lowering effect of chromium supplementation on TC, TG and VLDL. Further RCTs with short-term and low dose chromium supplementation in subjects with diabetes are necessitated for a firm conclusion of the lipid-modulating properties.

BACKGROUND: Apos play a role in lipoprotein metabolism. Several studies have been carried out on the effect of chromium supplement in improving CVD risk factors. OBJECTIVE: This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis that aimed to investigate the effect of chromium supplementation on Apos levels of human studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched PubMed, Scopus up to May 2020 up to September 2019. We retrieved studies from identified articles. The studies' quality was evaluated using Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. We estimated the effect of chromium supplementation on Apo A, Apo A1, and Apo B by pooling mean and standard deviation (SD) values. RESULTS: We obtained six trials involving 231 participants. Chromium consumption resulted significantly decreased Apo B while the subjects were ingesting chromium picolinate. Chromium supplementation did not significantly decrease Apo A (WMD: -3.89 mg/dl; 95% CI, -11.96 to 4.18) with no significant heterogeneity (I2 = 0.00%, p = 0.37). The serum level of Apo A1 did not statistically change following chromium intervention (WMD: 6.11 mg/dl; 95% CI, -7.01 to 19.23) with no significant heterogeneity (I2 = 0.00%, p = 0.68). Chromium supplementation did not significantly decrease Apo B (WMD: 3.81 mg/dl; 95% CI, -5.32 to 12.94). With no significant heterogeneity (I2 = 42.3%, p = 0.12). CONCLUSIONS: The chromium supplement did not have a significant effect on the Apolipoproteins (Apo A, ApoA1 and Apo B).

BACKGROUND: Taste disorder is a frequent drug-induced or disease-related oral trouble. Various pharmacological, surgical, or physical treatments have previously been proposed for taste function recovery. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present systematic review was to assess the effects of palliative and curative interventions on taste recovery in light of recent literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, a search of the literature published up to June 2019 was conducted using MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, and The US National Institutes of Health Trials Register (PROSPERO registration reference: CRD 42019139315). The methodological quality of the included trials was rated with the "Delphi list For Quality Assessment of Randomized Clinical Trials" and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. RESULTS: From the 1842 titles first identified, 28 articles met the inclusion criteria. Interventions included zinc (aspartate, sulfate, gluconate, acetate, picolinate, and Polaprezinc®), esomeprazole, L-thyroxin, bethanechol, oral glutamine, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, alpha-lipoic acid, Ginkgo biloba, artificial saliva, pilocarpine, local anesthesia, and improved oral hygiene. The quality of evidence ranged from poor to high. CONCLUSION: Improving oral hygiene may promote taste ability. Zinc may prevent and alleviate taste disorder in patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The systematic review provided evidence about the clinical efficacy of oral procedures, zinc supplementation, and palliative cares in dysgeusic patients. Further research is needed to find effective treatments with low adverse effects.

Chromium supplementation has been proposed to have beneficial effects in farm animals, particularly when under stress. The last two decades, in particular, have seen an emphasis on examining the effects of supplemental chromium on a variety of variables in chicks and chickens. Thus, given the recent approval of a Cr(III) compound for use in chicken feed in the United States and the recent surge in papers on the use of Cr in chicken feed, the need for a systematic review of studies utilizing chickens is extremely urgent and timely. With the exception of studies on cold-stressed laying hens, the results of studies of Cr supplementation of chickens, whether broilers or laying hens, were found to be too inconsistent for any firm conclusions to be drawn other than that Cr supplementation generally leads to accumulation of Cr in tissues. Few potential trends in terms or beneficial or deleterious effects from Cr supplementation were found regardless of strain of chicken, Cr source, Cr dose, duration of supplementation, or variable examined. Hence, in summary, no recommendation for the use of Cr as a supplement for the diet of chickens can be made at this time.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the overall biohumoral and metabolic effects of a 12-week add-on therapy consisting of a new nutraceutical formulation (BHC) based on berberine, hesperidin, and chromium picolinate in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) patients with suboptimal glycemic compensation receiving metformin. After 12 weeks, participants in the group receiving metformin plus BHC, compared to the group receiving metformin only, saw a significant improvement in their glucose profile, in terms of both glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose (FBG). Their FBG dropped from 145 ± 20 mg/dL to 128 ± 23 mg/dL (p < 0.01), a decrease of 11.7% compared with the baseline. This decrease differed significantly from the situation in the control arm (p < 0.05). HbA1c decreased by 7.5% from the baseline, from 53.5 ± 4.3 mmol/mol to 49.5 ± 5.1 mmol/mol (p < 0.01), in the group given BHC, while no difference was seen in the control group. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were found to be significantly reduced (p < 0.01) only in the BHC group, from 9.34 ± 7.61 μg/mL to 6.75 ± 6.13 μg/mL, and from 1.7 ± 0.15 μmol/L to 1.4 ± 0.25 μmol/L, respectively. In patients with T2D taking metformin with suboptimal glycemic compensation, adding BHC for 3 months significantly improved glucose control in terms of FBG and HbA1c, and had a positive effect on the lipid peroxidation profile, as indicated by a decrease in AGEs and MDA.

BACKGROUND: Evaluating the impact of chromium picolinate supplementation on glycemic status, lipid profile, inflammatory markers and fetuin-A in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: In present research, participants (N = 46) were randomized to (400 mcg/day, n = 23) chromium picolinate and placebo (n = 23) for 3 months. RESULTS: Glucose indices, and lipid profiles, inflammatory biomarker and fetuin-A were measured before and after the intervention. Chromium reduced triglyceride (TG), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin (IL) -6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and fetuin-A significantly compared to placebo group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, chromium significantly increased the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI). There were no significant differences in total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), fasting blood sugar (FBS), Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C), interleukin (IL)-17 between the two groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Chromium picolinate significantly decreased TG, insulin, HOMA-IR, fetuin-A, the number of inflammatory factors, and increased QUICKI without changing FBS, HbA1C, TC, LDL, HDL, IL-17 levels and liver steatosis intensity in patients with NAFLD. Further studies by examining the effect of different doses of chromium and mechanisms of cellular action, would help further clarify the subject.

BACKGROUND: Chromium picolinate (CrPic) and vitamin D3 are known as two antioxidant micronutrients. Through inducing endothelial dysfunction, oxidants such as homocysteine (Hct) and malondialdehyde (MDA) lead to cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). No published data has directly examined the effects of these two antioxidants on improving the endothelial dysfunction in T2DM throughreducing homocysteine and oxidative stress. METHODS: Subjects (n = 92) in this randomized, double blind, placebo-control study were randomly assigned to receive oral placebo (group I), D3 (group II: 50,000 IU/ week), chromium picolinate (CrPic) (group III: 500 μg/day), and both vitamin D3 and CrPic (group IV) for four months. Fasting blood samples were drawn at study baseline and following intervention to determine Hct, MDA, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiol groups (SHs), vascular cell adhesion molecule- 1 (VCAM-1), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). RESULTS: After intervention, MDA significantly decreased in groups II and IV; TAC significantly increased in group IV, and SHs significantly augmented in group III; Hct was significantly reduced in groups II, III, and IV; and VCAM-1 significantly decreased in groups III and IV and PAI-1 was significantly reduced in groups II, III, and IV. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that through reducing homocysteine and oxidative stress and improving endothelial dysfunction, chromium and vitamin D3 co-supplementation might be predictive and preventive of cardiovascular diseasesassociated with T2DM. IRCT, IRCT20190610043852N1, registered 21 October 2019, https://fa.irct.ir/user/trial/42293/view.

OBJECTIVE: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a complicated disease and is considered as a severe global health problem affecting 30% of adults worldwide. The present study aimed to evaluate changes in oxidative stress, adipokines, liver enzyme, and body composition following treatment with chromium picolinate (CrPic) among patients with NAFLD. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: The current randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 46 NAFLD patients with the age range of 20-65 years. Patients were randomly classified into two groups, receiving either 400 µg CrPic tablets in two divided doses of 200 µg (23 patients) or placebo (23 patients) daily for 12 weeks. The participants' body composition and biochemical parameters were evaluated at the baseline and after 12 weeks. RESULTS: Serum levels of liver enzymes reduced significantly only in the CrPic group (P < 0.05 for all), but not between the groups after the intervention. Besides, there were significant differences between the study groups regarding body weight and body fat mass, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, leptin, and adiponectin post-intervention (P = 0.017, P = 0.032, P = 0.003, P = 0.023, P = 0.012, P = 0.003, and P = 0.042, respectively). However, glutathione peroxidase and resistin levels did not differ significantly between groups (P = 0.127 and P = 0.688, respectively). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study showed that consuming 400 µg/day of CrPic for 12 weeks in patients with NAFLD causes a significant change in leptin, adiponectin, oxidative stress (expect glutathione peroxidase), and body weight, compared to baseline. Nevertheless, it does not affect liver enzymes. Therefore, the CrPic supplementation may improve adipokines, some anthropometric indices, and oxidative stress in patients with NAFLD.

High postprandial blood glucose levels are associated with increased mortality, cardiovascular events and development of diabetes in the general population. Interventions targeting postprandial glucose have been shown to prevent both cardiovascular events and diabetes. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of a novel nutritional supplement targeting postprandial glucose excursions in non-diabetic adults. Sixty overweight healthy male and female participants were recruited at two centers and randomized in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design. The supplement, a water-based drink containing 2.6g of amino acids (L-Leucine, L-Threonine, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, L-Isoleucine, L-Valine) and 250 mcg of chromium picolinate, was consumed with a standardized carbohydrate-rich meal. The primary endpoint was the incremental area under the curve (iAUC) for venous blood glucose from 0 to 120 minutes. Secondary endpoints included glucose iAUC 0-180 minutes and the maximum glucose concentration (Cmax), for both venous and capillary blood glucose. In the intention-to-treat-analysis (n = 60) the supplement resulted in a decreased venous blood glucose iAUC0-120min compared to placebo, mean (SE) of 68.7 (6.6) versus 52.2 (6.8) respectively, a difference of -16.5 mmol/L•min (95% CI -3.1 to -30.0, p = 0.017). The Cmax for venous blood glucose for the supplement and placebo were 6.45 (0.12) versus 6.10 (<0.12), respectively, a difference of -0.35 mmol/L (95% CI -0.17 to -0.53, p<0.001). In the per protocol-analysis (n = 48), the supplement resulted in a decreased Cmax compared to placebo from 6.42 (0.14) to 6.12 (0.14), a difference of -0.29 mmol/L (95% CI -0.12 to -0.47, p = 0.002). No significant differences in capillary blood glucose were found, as measured by regular bed-side glucometers. The nutritional supplement drink containing amino acids and chromium improves the postprandial glucose homeostasis in overweight adults without diabetes. Future studies should clarify, whether regular consumption of the supplement improves markers of disease or could play a role in a diet aiming at preventing the development of diabetes.

AIM: to evaluate if a nutraceutical compound containing Ilex paraguariensis, White Mulberry and Chromium Picolinate can ameliorate glycemic status in patients with pre-diabetes. METHODS: we enrolled patients with IFG or IGT, not taking other hypoglycemic compounds. Patients were randomized to take placebo or the nutraceutical compound for 3 months, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Both treatments were self-administered once a day, 1 tablet during the breakfast. RESULTS: a reduction of FPG was observed with the nutraceutical combination (-7.8%). Furthermore, there was a decrease of HOMA-IR with the nutraceutical combination (-7.9%). M value was higher (p < 0.05 vs baseline and p < 0.05 vs placebo) at the end of the treatment. We obtained a reduction of Tg with the nutraceutical combination (-8.3%). About 16.6% of patients treated with nutraceutical returned to have a normal glycemia (< 100 mg/dL), and all patients had an improvement of insulin-resistance, in particular 67% of patients returned to have a M value inside range of normal insulin sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: a nutraceutical containing Ilex paraguariensis, White Mulberry and Chromium Picolinate at 500 mg can be helpful in improving glycemia and Tg value, in patients with pre-diabetes. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Hypercholesterolemia is the major risk factor in the development of coronary heart disease. Coronary heart disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in many countries worldwide. An increasing attention is now paid to nutraceuticals development for prevention and cure of dyslipidemia, especially for patients who do not wish to use chemical statins. The cholesterol lowering effect and the tolerability of NutraforChol®, a nutraceutical product containing red yeast rice extract, guggulipid extract and chromium picolinate, was evaluated on subjects who had total cholesterol level 200-239 mg/dL and LDL cholesterol level 100-159 mg/dL. In this study, a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study which consisted of 4 weeks run-in period and 8 weeks treatment period was performed. Based on the study results, NutraforChol® effectively decreased total cholesterol (-15.9 %) and LDL level (-19.9 %) after two weeks consumption. The total cholesterol and LDL reduction were maintained during 8 weeks study period. At study termination (week 8), there was a significant difference between total cholesterol level of NutraforChol® treated group (173.5 ± 21.7 mg/dL) and placebo-treated group (204.5 ± 22.8 mg/dL) (p < 0.05). In addition, there was a significant difference between LDL level at week 8 in NutraforChol® group (115.5 ± 22.2 mg/dL) and placebo-treated group (145.1 ± 23.7 mg/dL) (p < 0.05). The tolerability of NutraforChol® was also evaluated. There were no significant changes (p > 0.05) on renal and liver function parameters between baseline and study termination. Thus, NutraforChol® may be considered as a complementary or alternative safe nutraceuticals for the treatment of mild dyslipidemic subjects.

The current study was conducted to assess the effects of simultaneous usage with vitamin D3 and chromium picolinate (CrPic) supplementations on homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), fasting blood glucose (FBS), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Ninety-two patients with T2DM were randomly allocated to the following 4 groups for 4 months: (I) placebo of vitamin D3 (n = 23); (II) vitamin D3 supplement at a dose of 50 000 IU/week (n = 23); (III) CrPic supplement at a dose of 500 μg/day (n = 23); and (IV) both vitamin D3 at a dose of 50 000 IU/week and CrPic at a dose of 500 μg/day (n = 23). HOMA-IR levels increased significantly in groups I and II after the intervention. However, this increase in group I was significantly higher than that in group II after the treatment. HOMA-IR levels were controlled in groups III and IV during the intervention. TNF-α decreased significantly in groups II, III, and IV after the intervention. FBS, HbA1c, and lipid profile did not change significantly in total groups after the intervention. It seems that chromium and vitamin D3 co-supplementation are probably effective in controlling HOMA-IR by decreasing TNF-α in T2DM. Novelty Chromium alone and/or in simultaneous pretreatment with vitamin D3 is more effective than vitamin D3 in controlling HOMA-IR in T2DM. Chromium and vitamin D3 alone and/or in simultaneous pretreatment decrease TNF-α in T2DM.

PURPOSE: A technological gap exists for the iron (Fe) fortification of difficult-to-fortify products, such as wet and acid food products containing polyphenols, with stable and bioavailable Fe. Fe picolinate, a novel food ingredient, was found to be stable over time in this type of matrix. The objective of this study was to measure the Fe bioavailability of Fe picolinate in a complementary fruit yogurt. METHODS: The bioavailability of Fe picolinate was determined using stable iron isotopes in a double blind, randomized cross-over design in non-anemic Swiss women (n = 19; 25.1 ± 4.6 years). Fractional Fe absorption was measured from Fe picolinate (2.5 mg 57Fe per serving in two servings given morning and afternoon) and from Fe sulfate (2.5 mg 54Fe per serving in two servings given morning and afternoon) in a fortified dairy complementary food (i.e. yogurt containing fruits). Fe absorption was determined based on erythrocyte incorporation of isotopic labels 14 days after consumption of the last test meal. RESULTS: Geometric mean (95% CI) fractional iron absorption from Fe picolinate and Fe sulfate were not significantly different: 5.2% (3.8-7.2%) and 5.3% (3.8-7.3%) (N.S.), respectively. Relative bioavailability of Fe picolinate versus Fe sulfate was 0.99 (0.85-1.15). CONCLUSION: Therefore, Fe picolinate is a promising compound for the fortification of difficult-to-fortify foods, to help meet Fe requirements of infants, young children and women of childbearing age.

BACKGROUND: the use of statin to lower blood cholesterol is often associated with bothersome adverse effects such as myopathy and liver dysfunction. NC120 is herbal lipid lowering drug containing red yeast rice (RYR) extract, guggulipid, and chromium picolinate, and expected to have better safety profile. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety profiles of NC120 in lowering blood lipid. METHODS: this was a double blind randomized clinical trial comparing NC120 with placebo in subjects with hypercholesterolemia. Two capsules of NC120 or placebo were administered twice a day for 28 days. Blood total-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride were measured on day-0, day-7, and day-28. Unpaired t-test was used to compare study parameter between groups, and one-way ANOVA was used to compare within group. RESULTS: 25 subjects received NC120 and 24 subjects received placebo. Significant decrease of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were observed since day-7 in NC120 group, while the changes in placebo group were not significant at all time of observation. No significant decrease of triglyceride was observed in NC120 group and in placebo group. Side effects were minor and comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSION: NC120 is effective in reducing total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, but not triglyceride. This drug shows a good safety profile, and thus can be considered for patients who can not tolerate statin drugs.

The growing use of radionuclides in nuclear medicine for therapy and diagnosis requires the development of chelators that combine high complexation performance with strong radiolytic stability. Macropa, an ether-crown ligand, displays a strong affinity for large trivalent cations and can be used as a chelator for radionuclides such as 225Ac, 149/161Tb, and 132/135La. Here, we investigated the γ-radiolysis of Macropa in water and evaluated the impact of complexation by studying Ln-Macropa complexes. Samples were irradiated up to 30 kGy, and degradation was monitored by ESI-MS and HPLC-ESI-MS, while quantification was made by 1H NMR. For free Macropa, the major degradation pathways involve carbon-carbon bond cleavages and the loss of the picolinate arm, together with additional minor hydroxylated and unsaturated products. In contrast, Ln-Macropa complexes mainly form hydroxylated products arising from HO˙ attack, and no La decomplexation was detected. Radiolytic degradation yields indicate that Macropa is already highly resistant (G0 ≈ -1.25 × 10-7 mol J-1) and that complexation with La further enhances stability (G0 ≈ -0.76 × 10-7 mol J-1). DFT calculations (BDE and Fukui indices) support these observations by showing increased C-C bond strengths upon La(III) complexation, as well as a shift in atomic positions most susceptible to radical attack from the crown ether to the pyridine ring of the carboxylate arm. Overall, these results highlight Macropa as a robust chelator under γ-irradiation and show that complexation can both improve stability and change degradation pathways toward products that preserve the ligand's chelating functions.

Diabetes mellitus continues to be a significant worldwide health burden, necessitating safe and efficient treatment alternatives. In alloxan-induced diabetic rats, this study examined the combined antidiabetic effectiveness of chromium picolinate and Prunus persica kernel extract. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to phytochemically characterize a polyphenolic-rich extract (60% acetone). Alloxan monohydrate (140 mg/kg b.w.) was administered intraperitoneally to develop diabetes in rats. The animals were split into groups for normal control, diabetic control, chromium picolinate, Prunus kernel extract, three combination therapy groups, and conventional medication. The treatments were administered orally on a 21-day basis. Insulin levels in serum were also measured following dissection, and body weight and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were monitored prior to and after treatment. Pancreatic tissue was taken in order to determine the preservation and regeneration of B-cells through a histological analysis. Compared to individual therapy, the combined therapy had a significant benefit of reducing the level of FBG (p < .01), increasing serum insulin significantly, and rescuing the morphology of the pancreatic B-cells. These findings confirm the P. persica kernel extracts and chromium picolinate as supplementation therapies in diabetes management because they suggest that the two compounds act synergistically to enhance pancreatic protection and control glucose levels.

BACKGROUND: Achilles tendinitis (AT) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder with unclear etiology. This study aimed to investigate the causal relationships between circulating inflammatory cytokines (ICs), metabolites, and AT risk using bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR), and to identify potential metabolite-mediated pathways. METHODS: A bidirectional MR design was implemented, integrating genetic instruments for 91 ICs and 1400 metabolites with GWAS summary statistics from the FinnGen consortium. Causal inferences were drawn using inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger regression, and weighted median approaches, accompanied by sensitivity and mediated analyses. RESULTS: CCL19, CCL23, and IL17A were identified as protective factors for AT, with CCL23 demonstrating consistent associations across multiple MR methods. 65 metabolite traits were significantly associated with disease risk. Glycochenodeoxycholate glucuronide showed a protective effect (P = 0.002), whereas the alpha-tocopherol to glycerol ratio increased risk (P = 0.011). Mediation analysis indicated six pathways: CCL19 - pantothenate - AT; CCL19 - Picolinate - AT; CCL19 - X-21845- AT; CCL23 - X-12822 - AT; CCL23 - X-18921 - AT; IL17A - cysteinylglycine disulfide - AT. CONCLUSION: This is the first MR study to systematically assess the causal roles of ICs and metabolites in AT, identifying CCL19, CCL23, and IL17A as protective factors and highlighting multiple metabolite signatures linked to disease risk, offering novel insights for mechanistic research and targeted intervention. © 2026 Wei et al.

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a complex disorder characterized by metabolic dysregulations. While chromium picolinate (CrPic) has shown beneficial effects on metabolic parameters, its comprehensive effects and safety in MetS patients remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of CrPic supplementation on cardiometabolic indicators, DNA damage, and inflammatory markers in MetS patients. In this 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 48 subjects with MetS (based on NCEP ATP III criteria) were randomized to receive either 400 µg CrPic daily (n = 24) or placebo (n = 24). Primary outcomes included glycemic control (fasting blood sugar, HbA1c), lipid profile, DNA damage index (8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine), and inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level and gene expression). Secondary outcomes were anthropometric measures and blood pressure. Forty participants (20 in each group) completed the study. CrPic supplementation significantly improved HbA1c (-0.68%, P = 0.005), HDL-c (+ 4.8 mg/dl, P = 0.008), and SBP (-4.8 mmHg, P = 0.012). After adjusting for confounding factors, improvements in HbA1c (-0.07 ± 0.02%, P = 0.001) and SBP (-8.84 ± 3.57 mmHg, P = 0.019) remained significant compared to placebo. CrPic showed no adverse effects on DNA damage markers or inflammatory cytokine expression. CrPic supplementation appears to be a safe intervention that can modestly improve glycemic control, HDL-c levels, and blood pressure in MetS patients. While these improvements were statistically significant, achieving clinically meaningful changes may require optimization of dosage and intervention duration. © 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary chromium picolinate (Cr-Pic) on growth performance, glucose (GLU) metabolism, and hypoxia tolerance of juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). A total of 2160 juvenile grass carp (10.98 ± 0.01 g) were randomly divided into six groups with six cages each, containing 60 fish per cage. They were fed experimental diets with chromium (Cr3+) at 0.00 (basal diet), 0.40, 0.80, 1.20, 1.60, and 2.00 mg/kg (actual contents: 0.25, 0.67, 1.08, 1.63, 2.08, and 2.65 mg/kg, respectively) for 10 weeks. Then, 96 fish were selected and divided into a normoxia group (n = 48) and a hypoxia group (n = 48) for a 96 h hypoxia trial. The growth trial results showed that, compared to the 0.25 mg/kg Cr3+ group, the 0.67 to 2.65 mg/kg Cr3+ groups enhanced the percent weight gain (PWG; P < 0.001) and increased the protein retention value (P < 0.001), and promoted the growth and development of juvenile grass carp. In the hypoxia group, dietary 1.08 mg/kg Cr3+ reduced the activities of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT; P < 0.001) and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT; P < 0.001), thereby alleviating liver damage. Furthermore, dietary 1.63 mg/kg Cr3+ also increased glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation in juvenile grass carp under hypoxia stress, as evidenced by the enhanced activities of liver enzymes, such as hexose kinase (P < 0.001), pyruvate kinase (P < 0.001), and malate dehydrogenase (P < 0.001). Additionally, in the liver, dietary 1.08 to 1.63 mg/kg Cr3+ inhibited the expression of proteins related to gluconeogenesis, like glucose-6-phosphatase (P < 0.001) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (P < 0.001), and elevated the relative mRNA expression levels of mitochondrially encoded NADH dehydrogenase I (P < 0.001) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase-coupling factor 6 (P < 0.001), thereby increased ATP production under hypoxia stress. Moreover, in the hypoxia group, dietary 1.08 to 1.63 mg/kg Cr3+ up-regulated the liver relative mRNA expression levels of nuclear respiratory factor 1 (P < 0.001) and mitofusin 1 (P < 0.001), and down-regulated the relative mRNA expression leve

Iron overload in the bone microenvironment elevates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and triggers osteoblast ferroptosis, exacerbating osteoporosis. We developed a genipin-crosslinked hydrogel composed of 3-aminophenylboronic acid-grafted hyaluronic acid and hydrocaffeic acid (DHCA)-grafted chitosan (CS-DHCA/HA-3-APBA) and loaded with chromium picolinate (CrPic). In the environment of osteoporosis, Fe3+ coordination compacted the network and increased compressive modulus by approximately twofold, while elevated ROS accelerated network degradation, supporting ROS-responsive CrPic release, whereas under physiological buffer conditions the release remained slow and stable. In vitro, in iron-overloaded rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs), the CS-DHCA/HA-3-APBA/CrPic hydrogel lowered ROS, preserved mitochondrial membrane potential, blocked ferroptosis, and restored migration and osteogenic differentiation. Treated cells showed alkaline phosphatase activity and mineral deposition near control levels despite iron overload. In vivo, in rabbits with iron overload-induced osteoporosis, defects treated with the Fe3+-chelating, CrPic-loaded hydrogel (F-Gel@CrPic) formed robust new bone. At 4 weeks, BV/TV in this group was about 30 %, roughly threefold higher than in untreated defects, and it nearly doubled again by 8 weeks, approaching healthy levels. New bone showed higher mineral density and markedly reduced iron deposition. This work highlights the unique ability of engineered hyaluronic acid/chitosan hydrogels to actively correct a pathological microenvironment and achieve functional tissue repair, showcasing the promise of natural polysaccharide-based engineering for advanced therapy.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often leads to insulin resistance, affecting glucose and fat metabolism. This study aimed to explore the impact of mineral supplements on insulin resistance, blood sugar, and lipid profiles in women with PCOS. METHODS: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted across four databases. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Mineral supplements were compared with a placebo in all studies, and data were analyzed using fixed-effect and random-effects models to assess the impact on metabolic parameters. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included 11 RCTs involving 618 women with PCOS. Mineral supplementation was associated with significant reductions in fasting blood glucose (SMD = − 0.34, p < 0.001), fasting insulin (SMD = − 0.72, p < 0.001), and HOMA-IR (SMD = − 0.75, p < 0.001). In addition, total cholesterol (SMD = − 0.35, p < 0.001) and triglyceride levels (SMD = − 0.58, p < 0.001) were significantly reduced. A small but statistically significant reduction in HDL levels was also observed (SMD = − 0.19, p = 0.04). No significant effect was found on LDL-C (SMD = − 0.11, p = 0.55). CONCLUSION: Mineral supplementation may improve insulin resistance and selected metabolic parameters in PCOS, with the most consistent effects observed for glycemic indices. Effects on lipid parameters were mixed. Further large-scale, well-designed trials are needed to clarify long-term benefits and optimal supplementation strategies. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

BACKGROUND: Zn is an essential mineral nutrient for human health. Its deficiency may result not only from insufficient intake but also from impaired absorption. Dietary components released from the food matrix during digestion can interact in ways that either enhance or inhibit mineral bioavailability. OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the bioaccessibility of Zn from dietary supplements, particularly in the context of diet type, chemical form, and pharmaceutical formulation effects. METHODS: The experiment was conducted using an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion model with cellulose dialysis membranes. Zn content after digestion was determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (F-AAS). The method employed had been previously developed and validated for use in determining the bioaccessibility of mineral nutrients. RESULTS: The bioaccessibility of Zn from the standard, basic, and high-fiber diets was 19.43, 16.18, and 8.12%, respectively. In the presence of a standard diet, the bioaccessibility of Zn from dietary supplements was within the range 1.77-36.09%, in the presence of a basic diet, 1.05-35.86%; and in the presence of a high-fiber diet, 1.37-35.94%. The highest values were observed for zinc picolinate, whereas the lowest were determined for zinc oxide. CONCLUSIONS: A high-fiber diet significantly reduced Zn bioaccessibility. Bioaccessibility is also strongly dependent on the chemical form of zinc.

Poultry immunity is negatively impacted by heat stress (HS), resulting in reduced efficacy of vaccines. In this study, we determined whether dietary chromium (III) picolinate (CrPic) and the nano formulation (Nano-CrPic) could help alleviate the negative effects of HS on cellular immunity in vaccinated broilers against Newcastle disease (ND). Ross 308 broilers were subjected to continuing heat exposure and received supplementations of either CrPic or Nano-CrPic at 500, 1000, or 1500 ppb. Following ND vaccination, we quantified the expression of IFN-γ mRNA from splenic tissues. Importantly, IFN-γ expression increased between about 2.5-4 fold in vaccinated versus control broilers at 3 days after vaccination. In addition, under HS conditions, Nano-CrPic at 500 and 1000 ppb increased IFN-γ expression by 35-50 % compared to broilers in the HS Controls (p < 0.01) and 20-30 % compared to broilers fed traditional CrPic at comparable levels of supplementation. On the other hand, no significant change in IFN-γ expression was observed following either CrPic or Nano-CrPic supplementation in non-vaccinated birds. Supplementation with Nano-CrPic at the highest-level of 1500 ppb had diminished enhancements on IFN-γ expression, suggesting a non-linear dose-response pattern. The findings indicate that dietary supplementation using Nano-CrPic at 500-1000 ppb provides a practical means of improving cellular immunity responses that are generated after vaccination, particularly in heat-stressed broilers, thereby improving potential vaccination response under heat stress.

The effects of silk sericin (SS) supplementation on the functionality of chromium picolinate (CrPic) and lipid metabolism were assessed in male Sprague-Dawley rats to determine whether SS improves the bioavailability of CrPic and contributes to beneficial changes in lipid profiles and cardiovascular risk markers. Rats were administered different doses of SS (0, 1, 10, and 100 mg kg-1 body weight (BW)) in conjunction with CrPic (300 µg kg-1 BW) for 8 weeks through oral gavage. Body and organ weights, lipid profiles, glucose levels, chromium (Cr) accumulation, total protein, and adipocyte size were evaluated. Additionally, FTIR analysis was conducted to investigate the binding and release behavior of SS with CrPic. Although body weight and daily feed intake were comparable among groups, a significant increase in pancreas weight and reduction in omentum weight were observed across all CrPic-SS groups. Increased dosages of SS resulted in a significant reduction in triglyceride and plasma glucose levels. All CrPic and CrPic-SS treatments reduced LDL and total cholesterol while increasing HDL. Cr accumulation was elevated in the liver and kidneys of groups administered 10 and 100 mg kg-1 BW of SS, accompanied by a significant increase in total protein levels and a reduction in adipocyte size to less than 50 µm in all rats. FTIR analysis indicated that SS binds to CrPic at pH 2.0 and releases it at pH 7.0, demonstrating pH-dependent delivery similar to the gastrointestinal tract and possibly improved CrPic functionality. These findings indicate that SS improves the bioavailability of CrPic and positively affects lipid metabolism and cardiovascular risk markers in vivo.

Skin and hair quality directly impact facial plastic surgery outcomes, influencing wound healing, scar quality, pigmentation, inflammation, and perioperative telogen effluvium. This review summarizes the nutritional biologics-dietary nutrients and bioactive compounds with mechanistic and clinical relevance to aesthetic practice. Vitamins A and C support keratinocyte differentiation and collagen hydroxylation; vitamin D and zinc contribute to barrier immunity, antimicrobial peptides, and tissue repair. A structured nutritional assessment and targeted correction of deficiencies, paired with a low-glycemic, antioxidant-rich dietary pattern, offers a practical, low-risk strategy to optimize perioperative recovery and long-term maintenance after facial aesthetic and reconstructive procedures.

INTRODUCTION: Telogen effluvium (TE) affects the scalp and is marked by widespread, non-scarring hair loss. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between these micronutrients and TE across different age-groups. METHODOLOGY: Eligible studies included RCTs, clinical trials, cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies that reported serum levels of zinc, copper, or vitamin D in TE patients versus healthy controls. Meta-analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.3 with a random-effects model; heterogeneity was assessed via I 2 and chi2 statistics. RESULTS: Out of 372 papers, 29 articles were considered suitable for the systematic review extracted through the database search. Diagnostic methods included trichoscopy and standardized assays (e.g., AAS, ICP-MS). This review analyzed TE patients as predominantly female. Meta-analyses revealed significantly lower serum ferritin (SMD = -0.57, 95% CI: -1.01 to -0.12, p = 0.01) and vitamin D (SMD = -0.87, 95% CI: -1.49 to -0.25, p = 0.006) levels in TE cases versus controls. CONCLUSION: TE is strongly associated with deficiencies in ferritin and vitamin D. Despite high heterogeneity, findings underscore the role of trace element imbalances in hair loss. Personalized nutritional interventions and standardized diagnostic protocols are recommended to address variability and improve clin

PURPOSE: Hair loss is a frequent but distressing complication after metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), often attributed to nutritional deficiencies. Comparative evidence between one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is limited. This study aimed to evaluate postoperative hair loss and its association with micronutrient changes at 3 and 6 months following OAGB and LSG. METHODS: In this prospective cohort, 261 patients (LSG, n = 117; OAGB, n = 144) were followed between 2021 and 2024. Hair loss was assessed using the standardized hair pull test at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Serum iron, zinc, folic acid, and vitamin B12 were measured at the same intervals. Generalized linear mixed models and regression analyses were applied to assess longitudinal changes and predictors of hair loss. Logistic regression with ROC analysis was used to evaluate model performance. RESULTS: Hair loss scores increased significantly at 3 months (p < 0.001), peaking at this time point before improving slightly at 6 months ( p = 0.274 vs. 3 months). Trends were similar in both groups, with no significant difference in hair loss between OAGB and LSG (interaction p = 0.572). Serum iron and zinc declined significantly at 3 months with partial recovery by 6 months, whereas vitamin B12 and folic acid increased with routine supplementation. Reduced iron levels were strongly associated with increased hair loss at both 3 and 6 mont

Transient neonatal zinc deficiency (TNZD) is a genetic condition that presents with dermatitis, alopecia, diarrhea, and growth faltering in breast milk-fed infants of females with a heterozygous pathogenic variant in SLC30A2, the primary zinc transporter in mammary glands. Despite being an easily treatable condition, effectively evaluating for TNZD can be challenging because the infant's genotype does not reliably reflect the mother's genotype. Herein, we present our approach to diagnosis in an exclusively breastfed 5-month-old infant with treatment-refractory eczematous rash, admitted for growth faltering and decreased serum zinc and alkaline phosphatase levels. The infant was diagnosed with TNZD via trio genome-based exome sequencing after a heterozygous SLC30A2 variant of uncertain significance (VUS) (c.927G>C; p.Trp309Cys) was identified in the proband's mother, which was notably absent in the proband. Breast milk zinc concentration ([Zn]) was measured in duplicate via inductively coupled mass spectrometry in 10 samples (3 from the proband's mother and 7 from unrelated controls) and measured -265, -144, and -46 μg/dL below expected [Zn] at 0, 5, and 7 months postpartum, respectively, compared to an average deviation of -29 μg/dL in controls. Zinc supplementation in the infant led to rapid clinical improvement. The absence of the maternal SLC30A2 variant in the proband underscores diagnostic challenges in evaluating for TNZD

BACKGROUND: Eyebrow madarosis, or eyebrow alopecia, has significant cosmetic and psychosocial implications. Nonscarring causes are diverse, including autoimmune, infectious, endocrine, genetic, nutritional, traumatic, and iatrogenic etiologies. Despite its frequency in dermatologic practice, guidance for evaluation and management remains limited. METHODS: A comprehensive PubMed search (1960&ndash;2025) was performed using terms related to "eyebrow alopecia," "eyebrow madarosis," and specific disease processes. English-language studies were included if they evaluated eyebrow involvement and provided data on etiology, diagnosis, or treatment. Review articles without new patient data and studies limited to scalp alopecia were excluded. RESULTS: Nonscarring eyebrow alopecia can be caused by autoimmune disorders such as alopecia areata, infections including syphilis and tinea faciei, endocrinologic conditions like hypothyroidism, and inflammatory dermatoses such as atopic or seborrheic dermatitis. Additional causes include nutritional deficiencies, trauma, and drug-induced alopecia. Reported treatments include corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, JAK inhibitors, immunomodulators, antifungals, zinc supplementation, and behavioral therapy. Novel agents such as dupilumab and roflumilast have shown promise for inflammatory-related eyebrow loss. CONCLUSION: Nonscarring eyebrow madarosis encompasses a wide range of reversible causes. Early recognition and targeted therapy can lead to eyebrow regrowth and improve psychosocial outcomes. Further studies are needed to establish evidence-based treatment algorithms and validated tools to assess eyebrow regrowth.

Acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE) is a clinical disorder that manifests due to severe zinc deficiency, which can be either genetic or acquired. The acquired form has been reported in patients with poor dietary intake, alcoholism, chronic liver disease, malabsorption syndrome, sickle cell anemia, or chronic renal failure, which usually presents at a later stage in life and has similar clinical features to the inherited defect. On the other hand, the genetic form is an autosomal recessive disorder, characterized by periorificial dermatitis, alopecia, and diarrhea caused by a defect in the SLC39A4 gene located on human chromosome 8, band 8q24.3, which impairs zinc absorption in the small intestine. Zinc is necessary for the functioning of many regulatory genes and enzymes; its deficiency presents with diverse manifestations in childhood, most commonly. Genetic testing is usually not available in many places, so the diagnosis is made clinically, along with measurement of zinc levels in serum or hair, and replenishing with supplements as soon as possible. This case report also depicts a case of inherited acrodermatitis enteropathica in an infant, which was managed successfully with zinc supplementation.

CONTEXT: Zinc-biofortified staple crops offer a potentially cost-effective and sustainable approach to address zinc deficiency in low- and middle-income countries. Scientists have developed and released several zinc-biofortified staple crops varieties globally and assessed their efficacy in improving biomarkers of zinc status. However, there are inconsistencies in result across the studies. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present research was to systematically explore the existing literature to assess the efficacy of zinc-biofortified staple crops in improving zinc status. DATA SOURCES: We performed a comprehensive literature search using 5 electronic databases: SCOPUS, Medline, CINAHL, Embase, and Web of Science, focusing on randomized controlled trials reporting the efficacy of zinc-biofortified staple crops in improving zinc status. The initial search was conducted during April 14-16, 2024, with an updated search on April 8, 2025. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42025603758). DATA EXTRACTION: In this review we identified 1869 articles from the 5 databases, with 1068 studies screened for title and abstract. Full-text review was conducted on 20 articles, and the 7 were ultimately included for this review based on eligibility. RESULTS: Among the 7 studies included in the review, only a crossover study reported an increase in plasma zinc at the midpoint, which

INTRODUCTION: Bariatric surgery effectively induces weight loss, yet its impact on micronutrient homeostasis, particularly zinc, remains unclear. Given zinc’s essential role in wound healing, immunity, and hair growth, understanding postoperative changes is clinically relevant. This study evaluated the effect of sleeve gastrectomy and one-anastomosis gastric bypass on serum zinc levels. METHODS: The prospective cohort study recruited 50 patients with severe obesity who underwent bariatric surgery. Patients were divided to two groups and monitored for one year. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy group included 25 participants; one anastomosis gastric bypass surgery group included 25 participants. Primary outcome was the assessment of serum zinc levels at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of symptoms associated with reduced zinc levels, such as hair loss, diarrhea, and delayed wound healing. RESULTS: Patients who underwent one-anastomosis single bypass surgery had a higher incidence of low serum zinc levels at 6 months and at 12 months postoperatively compared to those who underwent sleeve gastrectomy (60.5 ± 20.9 vs. 79.8 ± 19.1 µg/dL, p = 0.008, and 49.7 ± 19.1 vs. 79.2 ± 22.8 µg/dL, p < 0.001). Symptoms related to hypozincemia, including hair loss, diarrhea and delayed wound healing, were significantly increased after one-anastomosis single bypass surgery (p ˂ 0.05). CONCLUSION: One-anastomosis single bypass is associated with a higher postoperative incidence of hypozincemia, as well as a worsening of symptoms compar

BACKGROUND Acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by solute carrier family 39 member 4 (SLC39A4) gene variants that impair zinc absorption. Although typically associated with bacterial or fungal superinfection, its concurrence with Kaposi's varicelliform eruption (KVE) is exceptionally rare - only 1 case was previously reported. This report describes a case of KVE complicating AE in a patient with novel compound heterozygous SLC39A4 variants, highlighting the immunovirological implications of zinc deficiency. CASE REPORT An 8-year-old girl who had chronic dermatitis since infancy presented with a diffuse vesiculobullous rash. Physical examination revealed perioral and acral dermatitis, alopecia, and crusted vesicles consistent with KVE. Laboratory testing showed normal serum zinc levels (76.13 µg/dL) but reduced alkaline phosphatase (32 U/L). Genetic analysis identified compound heterozygous SLC39A4 variants: a maternal frameshift variant (c.522_523dup) and 3 paternal variants (c.925T>C, c.1782C>T, and c.1843C>T). The patient received oral zinc gluconate and topical crisaborole ointment, achieving complete resolution within 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS This case demonstrates that AE may present with normal zinc concentrations, underscoring the diagnostic value of alkaline phosphatase. Genetic confirmation remains essential in atypical presentations. These novel variants broaden the mutational spectrum of SLC39A4 and emphasize the importance of early zinc supplementation and antiviral prophylaxis in patients with AE who display KVE risk.

Background: Hair loss is a common complaint, especially in the primary care setting. Despite conflicting results in previous studies regarding the role of zinc in hair loss, zinc levels are being widely tested as part of an initial laboratory investigation for hair loss. Objectives: We aimed to investigate whether lower zinc levels were associated with patients' complaints of hair loss. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we collected data on the zinc levels of patients diagnosed with hair loss who underwent a zinc level test after their diagnosis. The zinc levels of these patients were compared to those of a control group, which included patients who were also investigated for zinc levels for reasons other than hair loss. Results: Between 2000 and 2020, 23,975 eligible patients were included in this study. Among these patients, 9.5% (N = 2279) had a diagnosis of hair loss and a median zinc level of 96 µg/dL (84.0-110.0), compared to 99 µg/dL (85.0-115.0) in the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between zinc levels and complaints of hair loss. While we do report lower zinc levels in those with hair loss complaints, this change is minor and lacks clinical significance. As the standard today, we suggest that zinc levels should not be obtained as a laboratory test when investigating hair loss. Further studies on

BACKGROUND: Acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE) is a rare autosomal recessive condition caused by mutations in the SLC39A4 gene, leading to a zinc absorption disorder. The hallmark features of AE are periorificial erosive dermatitis, hair loss, and diarrhea. In this case report, we describe an 8-year-old child with AE who presented with septic shock. CASE PRESENTATION: In this case report, we described a case of AE in an 8-year-old boy who presented with severe erosive dermatitis and was referred to the emergency department with septic shock. The genetic tests reported a frameshift deletion on SLC39A4, which confirmed the diagnosis of AE. After treatment with a therapeutic zinc supplement (3 mg/kg/day), his skin lesions began to heal, his hair regrew, and he showed significant improvement in both weight and social engagement. CONCLUSION: Patients presenting with mucocutaneous erosive lesions, particularly in a periorificial pattern, should be considered for a diagnosis of AE. Timely intervention is crucial, as f

BACKGROUND: Acrodermatitis enteropathy (AE) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the SLC39A4 gene. It is characterized by acral and perioral dermatitis, alopecia, and diarrhea. We reported the clinical features, genetic findings, and treatment response of a minority ethnic infant with AE from Xinjiang, China, and reviewed advances in AE management. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 10-month-old minority female infant presented with characteristic perioral, acral, and perianal erythematous erosions; alopecia; and diarrhea. Her serum zinc level significantly decreased (0.19 mg/L). Whole-exome sequencing revealed a homozygous c.197G > T(p. C66F) mutation in the SLC39A4 gene. Her skin lesions improved, her hair regrew, and her serum zinc level increased to 0.62 mg/L following zinc supplementation (3 mg/kg/d) and comprehensive treatment. CONCLUSION: This is the first case of AE in a Xinjiang minority infant and implicates SLC39A4 mutations in its pathogenesis and zinc therapy efficacy. This case provides insights into the genetic and clinical features of AE across Chinese ethnic groups, emphasizing early genetic testing and individualized zinc therapy. Primary physicians should consider AEs in infants with characteristic dermatitis, alopecia, and diarrhea. The zinc levels should be measured promptly, and genetic analysis should be conducted to prevent misdiagnosis and treatment delays.

BACKGROUND: A number of elements are essential for the body, including zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), vitamin A, and vitamin E. Nutritional deficiency diseases (ND diseases) are ailments that reduce the amount of animals produced, restrict commerce, and can result in severe economic losses. Mineral deficiencies, whether primary or secondary, create significant obstacles in livestock production because they are associated with decreased productivity, reproductive issues, and various health complications. AIM: This study aimed to determine the levels of Zn, Cu, and vitamin A, as well as the clinical signs, hematological, biochemical, and antioxidant changes that may occur due to the nutritional deficiencies of such trace elements and vitamin A in sheep. METHODS: Several blood parameters were measured in normal or nutritionally deficient sheep. Such parameters included hematological levels, glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, and oxidative stress GSH-Px, SOD, and CAT. This study was conducted on 100 sheep (male and female). Eighty sheep suffered from Zn, Cu, and vitamin A deficiency, and 20 were clinically healthy and served as the control group. RESULTS: The diseased animals had the following clinical signs: depression, pica, pale mucous membrane, loss of hair around the eye, ear, and nose, erected wool, easily detached wool, depigmentation of the coat with apparent alopecia, decreased body weight gain with normal or decreased appetite. Some sheep were suffering from gait stiffness and parakeratosis with a marked increase in heart and respiratory rates, with normal body temperature. The obtained results showed significant decreases (p < 0.05) in Hb, PCV, RBCs, and WBCs in addition to significant decreases (p < 0.05) in glucose and total prot

Zinc-induced copper deficiency is an underdiagnosed condition that can lead to systemic manifestations of hypocupremia, including anemia, neutropenia, ataxic myelopathy, spastic paresis, alopecia, and skin depigmentation. This case illustrates the harmful effects of zinc supplementation and zinc-containing denture adhesive in a 68-year-old man, ultimately leading to copper deficiency. It also underscores the importance of considering zinc toxicity in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with unexplained cytopenias, bone marrow abnormalities, and related symptoms. Furthermore, this report highlights the need for clinicians to consider zinc toxicity-induced copper deficiency in the evaluation of unexplained pancytopenias, especially in the post-COVID era, where zinc supplementation has become increasingly prevalent.

The rise of fad diets and unregulated supplement use, amplified by social media and aggressive marketing, has dramatically shifted public attitudes toward nutrition and health. This new landscape is associated with a growing spectrum of dermatologic presentations, as the skin frequently serves as an early indicator of both nutritional deficiencies and toxicities. Popular dietary trends, such as ketogenic, carnivore, and raw vegan regimens, have been linked to cutaneous disorders, including prurigo pigmentosa, scurvy-like eruptions, hair loss, xerosis, and pigmentary changes. In parallel, the overuse of supplements like niacin, selenium, and zinc is increasingly implicated in cases of dermatologic toxicity, presenting as flushing, dermatitis, alopecia, and nail dystrophy. Fitness-oriented supplements, particularly whey protein, are now recognized contributors to acne flares, likely via insulin and IGF-1 pathways. Given the high prevalence of health misinformation online and the lack of regulation surrounding dietary supplements, dermatologists and allied clinicians must prioritize thorough dietary and supplement histories, recognize the skin's role as an early warning system for nutritional imbalance, and provide evidence-based patient counseling. A multidisciplinary approach that integrates clinical vigilance, interdisciplinary education, and public health advocacy will be crucial for reducing the burden of nutrition-related skin disease and promoting safe, effective dietary practices. The clinical recognition of these diet- and supplement-induced dermatoses is complicated by their overlap with more common inflammatory or autoimmune skin diseases, often leading to misdiagnosis and delayed management of the underlying nutritional etiology.