The Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Steatosis Severity and Liver Function Enzymes in Overweight/Obese Patients with Mild to Moderate Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Following Calorie-Restricted Diet: a Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

The role of zinc is known in balancing the oxidant/antioxidant system and also in improving insulin resistance in many diseases. Recently, in vivo and in vitro studies revealed roles of zinc on lipophagy and suppressing hepatic lipid deposition. The present study is the first double-blind randomized clinical trial that investigated the effect of zinc supplement on clinical manifestations and anthropometric parameters of overweight/obese non-alcoholic fatty liver patients following calorie-restricted diet. Fifty-six overweight/obese subjects with confirmed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using ultrasonography were randomized to treatment (calorie-restricted diet plus 30 mg/day zinc supplement) or placebo (calorie-restricted diet and placebo) groups. Serum liver enzymes and liver steatosis were measured at the baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention. Anthropometric measurements and food recalls were collected at the beginning, weeks 6 and 12. Zinc supplementation significantly elevated serum zinc concentrations in the treatment group (p < 0.001). Treatment also reduced alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase enzymes in the treatment group (p < 0.05). Waist circumference was also significantly lowered in the zinc group (p < 0.05). Liver steatosis and fatty liver index changes were not significant between the groups. Overall, beneficial effects of zinc supplementation were shown on serum levels of zinc and liver enzymes in overweight/obese NAFLD patients.