Zinc Gluconate: Clinical Applications in Ulcerative Colitis and its Toxicity

General Description

Zinc gluconate has shown promise as a dietary supplement for managing ulcerative colitis, enhancing immune function and improving clinical outcomes in patients. A clinical study with 41 participants demonstrated that zinc gluconate supplementation significantly improved plasma and erythrocyte zinc levels and positively affected inflammatory cytokines. However, concerns arise regarding the toxicity of intranasal administration, as high doses can damage the olfactory mucosa, leading to anosmia. While some recovery of olfactory function was observed in mice, lower concentrations still caused toxicity. Therefore, the therapeutic use of zinc gluconate should carefully consider its safety profile, especially in intranasal applications.

Figure 1. Zinc gluconate

Clinical Applications in Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction to Zinc Gluconate in Ulcerative Colitis

Zinc gluconate has emerged as a significant dietary supplement in the management of ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the colon's mucous membrane. The pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis remains unclear, but it is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Zinc, an essential trace element, plays a critical role in the immune system, which is vital for controlling inflammation and promoting healing in patients with ulcerative colitis. The supplementation of zinc gluconate has been studied to evaluate its effect on the inflammatory response and overall clinical improvement in affected patients. ¹

Clinical Study and Findings

A clinical study involving 41 patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis assessed the impact of zinc gluconate supplementation compared to a placebo. Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving zinc gluconate (n = 23) and the other a placebo (corn starch) (n = 18). The study measured dietary zinc intake, plasma and erythrocyte zinc concentrations, and serum levels of various cytokines at baseline and after 30 and 60 days of intervention. The results indicated that patients receiving zinc gluconate had significantly improved plasma and erythrocyte zinc levels over time, demonstrating the effectiveness of zinc supplementation in enhancing the nutritional status of this essential mineral. Furthermore, the supplementation led to notable changes in the concentrations of interleukins IL-2 and IL-10, which are crucial in regulating immune responses. ¹

Conclusion and Implications for Treatment

The findings from the study suggest that zinc gluconate supplementation not only improves zinc levels in patients with ulcerative colitis but also positively influences their clinical outcomes. This reinforces the importance of zinc as a dietary component in managing the disease. By enhancing immune function and modulating inflammatory responses, zinc gluconate can serve as a beneficial adjunct therapy for individuals suffering from ulcerative colitis. Therefore, incorporating zinc gluconate into treatment plans could be a promising strategy for improving the quality of life and health status of patients with this chronic condition. ¹

Toxicity

Toxicity in Intranasal Administration

Zinc gluconate has been widely studied for its potential health benefits, including its role in reducing the duration of the common cold. However, the toxicity associated with intranasal (IN) administration of zinc gluconate raises significant concerns. Research indicates that high doses of Zinc gluconate, specifically 170 mM, can lead to severe damage to the olfactory mucosa, resulting in anosmia, or loss of smell. In studies involving wild-type and MT1/2-deficient mice, the administration of Zinc gluconate resulted in profound loss of olfactory function. The findings highlight the risks associated with intranasal zinc formulations, emphasizing the need for careful evaluation of their safety and potential adverse effects on olfactory health.

Recovery and Implications of Zinc Gluconate Toxicity

Although some mice exhibited recovery of olfactory function over time, the study found that MT1/2 knockout mice displayed a lower percentage of recovery compared to wild-type mice, suggesting that metallothioneins may play a role in mitigating zinc gluconate toxicity. Even at lower concentrations, such as 33 mM, which are comparable to homeopathic preparations, zinc gluconate still caused olfactory epithelial toxicity. These results underline the importance of understanding the toxicological profile of zinc gluconate, particularly in IN applications. As the use of zinc in drug formulations continues to grow, it is crucial to assess the potential for olfactory functional deficits and ensure that safety measures are in place to protect users from adverse effects. ²

Reference

1. de Moura MSB, Soares NRM, Barros SÉL, et al. Zinc gluconate supplementation impacts the clinical improvement in patients with ulcerative colitis. Biometals. 2020; 33(1): 15-27.

2. Hsieh H, Horwath MC, Genter MB. Zinc gluconate toxicity in wild-type vs. MT1/2-deficient mice. Neurotoxicology. 2017; 58: 130-136.

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