Short-term oral zinc supplementation enhances Natural Killer cell functionality and decreases circulating Innate Lymphoid Cell counts and frequencies in healthy young adults.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Zinc is an essential trace element with high importance for immune function. Previous research has shown that vegetarians and vegans are at increased risk of zinc deficiency, due to low zinc bioavailability in plant-based food. However, its effects on immune parameters in healthy adults following these diets remain largely unexplored. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of dietary patterns, serum zinc levels, and short-term oral zinc supplementation on Natural Killer (NK) cells, circulating Innate Lymphoid Cells (cILCs), and NK cell functionality in omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans.

Methods

A total of 54 study participants, including 21 omnivores, 18 vegetarians, and 15 vegans were enrolled in our study. NK cell and cILC counts and frequencies were an

SUBMITTER: Amling L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11909903 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature