Zinc supplementation in women
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Zinc Supplementation in Women: Effects on Health and Wellbeing
Zinc Supplementation and Menopausal Health
Zinc supplementation in postmenopausal women has shown several benefits. Studies found that 8 weeks of zinc supplementation improved vitamin D3 status and was linked to lower leptin levels, which may help with lipid metabolism and reduce risks associated with menopause . Zinc also increased folate levels and decreased homocysteine, which are important for cardiovascular health . Additionally, zinc supplementation improved antioxidant defenses, as seen by higher erythrocyte zinc and increased glutathione peroxidase activity, helping to address the common zinc deficiency and reduced antioxidant capacity in postmenopausal women . Another study found that zinc supplementation increased testosterone levels and improved various aspects of sexual function, such as desire, arousal, and satisfaction, in postmenopausal women with low zinc .
Zinc and Metabolic Health in Women
In women with gestational diabetes, zinc supplementation for 6 weeks improved metabolic profiles by reducing fasting plasma glucose, insulin levels, and insulin resistance, while also improving insulin sensitivity . For women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), zinc supplementation led to better fasting glucose, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced inflammation and oxidative stress markers, suggesting zinc as a useful adjunct therapy for PCOS management .
Zinc for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Dysmenorrhea
Zinc supplementation has been shown to reduce both physical and psychological symptoms of PMS. In young women with PMS, zinc improved symptoms such as anger, anxiety, depression, and physical discomfort, and also increased antioxidant capacity and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which is linked to better mood and brain health Jafari2019Khansary2022. Another study confirmed that zinc supplementation improved relationships and social functioning in women with PMS . For primary dysmenorrhea, a systematic review and meta-analysis found that zinc supplementation significantly reduced pain severity, with longer treatment durations and higher doses providing greater relief, and with a good safety profile .
Zinc and Cognitive Function in Overweight or Obese Women
Twelve weeks of zinc supplementation in overweight or obese middle-aged women led to improvements in cognitive test scores, suggesting that zinc may help support cognitive health in this population, even without weight loss .
Conclusion
Zinc supplementation in women offers a range of health benefits, including improved vitamin and mineral status, better metabolic and antioxidant profiles, reduced symptoms of PMS and dysmenorrhea, enhanced cognitive function, and improved sexual health in postmenopausal women. These effects are seen across different life stages and health conditions, supporting the role of zinc as a valuable supplement for women’s health Vázquez-Lorente2021Vázquez-Lorente2022Karamali2015+7 MORE.
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