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Zinc May Promote Bone HealthWhat is the problem and what is known about it so far?The mineral zinc is important for bone health. It helps bones grow and stay strong in several ways. Low zinc levels are linked to weak bones and have been found in people with type 1 diabetes. Why did researchers do this particular study?The researchers wanted to find out if getting too little zinc in the diet is linked to bone problems in people with type 1 diabetes. Who was studied?The study included 66 people with type 1 diabetes. How was the study done?Researchers tracked the zinc content of patients' food over 3 days and collected blood and urine samples to perform laboratory tests measuring markers of bone health, including the presence of osteocalcin, which is important for normal bone growth and bone turnover. What did the researchers find?Getting enough zinc in the diet was linked to higher levels of osteocalcin, and therefore healthier bones, especially among male patients. What are the limitations of the study?Because of the study design, researchers could find a link between zinc and osteocalcin, but could not learn about specific causes and effects between the two. Also, some patients who were taking a multivitamin with unknown zinc content were switched to a different multivitamin with average amounts of zinc, calcium, and other bone-related minerals. This could have affected the study results. However, analyzing the study data without including those patients produced similar results. What are the implications of the study?Getting enough dietary zinc may help reduce the risk of bone problems and fractures in people with type 1 diabetes, especially those who are male. FOR MORE INFORMATION |
Now Available! Late-breaking Diabetes research summaries Read the ADA's research magazine Forefront |
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