Zinc deficiency may contribute to increased inflammation among HIV-positive individuals

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-04/uoma-zdm042216.php

Public Release: 22-Apr-2016
Zinc deficiency may contribute to increased inflammation among HIV-positive individuals
UMass Amherst research suggests lack of key mineral may link to chronic inflammation
University of Massachusetts at Amherst

In a new study, University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers Krishna Poudel and colleagues report that zinc deficiency may contribute to chronic inflammation among HIV-positive individuals. Theirs is believed to be the first investigation to explore the association between serum zinc levels and inflammation among people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, while taking their anti-retroviral therapy (ART) into account.

As the authors note, zinc functions as an anti-inflammatory agent, and zinc deficiency is a common micronutrient abnormality seen in people with HIV. But more work is needed to determine whether zinc supplements might help to reduce inflammation and further, to identify a subpopulation of patients who might benefit from this, they add.

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