A recent study published in BMC Public Health has revealed a surprising link between higher zinc intake and an increased risk of endometriosis, a painful and chronic condition affecting millions of women worldwide.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the endometrium, which lines the uterus, grows outside of it. This can lead to severe complications such as intra-abdominal adhesions, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. The condition is associated with increased risks of dysmenorrhea, subfertility, and pelvic pain by 40-60%, 21-47%, and 71-87%, respectively. While the exact origins of endometriosis are not fully understood, it is believed to involve genetic, inflammatory, immune, and environmental factors.
Zinc is an essential trace element that plays a critical role in DNA synthesis, gene transcription, and cell division—processes fundamental to human reproduction. It is not stored in the body and must be obtained through diet, primarily from meat, grains, and dairy. The recommended daily intake varies from 4.6-6.2 mg/day in children under three to 8-14 mg/day in adults. Zinc deficiency can lead to immune dysfunction, increasing the risk of various diseases and affecting ovarian development and function in females. However, excessive zinc intake can also lead to immunosuppression.
The data for this study came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 1999 and 2006, including 4,315 American women aged 20 to 54, with 7.7% reporting a diagnosis of endometriosis. The study found that increased dietary zinc intake was associated with the use of dietary supplements, moderate exercise, living with a partner, and higher income. Even after adjusting for confounding factors, zinc content in the diet was linked to a higher risk of endometriosis.
Women who consumed more than 14 mg/day of zinc had a 60% higher risk of endometriosis compared to those who consumed 8 mg or less daily. Those consuming between 8 and 14 mg/day did not show a significant change in risk. The correlation between increased zinc intake and endometriosis risk was found to be independent of lifestyle or demographic factors such as smoking, obesity, or race.
Studies have shown that women with endometriosis have higher levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes that break down the extracellular matrix, facilitating the invasive behavior of endometriotic tissue. Zinc’s role as an enzyme cofactor and MMP inhibitor may be compromised by the sequestration of zinc by metallothionein, a protein that binds to zinc after dietary absorption and increases with age and inflammation.
Conclusion
While the study suggests a link between increased dietary zinc and endometriosis risk, further research is necessary to understand the mechanisms behind this association and to determine if zinc intake is a modifiable risk factor in women’s health. The findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on zinc’s role in endometriosis and its potential implications for women’s health management.
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