Zinc gluconate, an organic zinc supplement with high bioavailability, has been found in recent studies to exert multifaceted protective effects on the cardiovascular system, primarily through mechanisms such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, lipid-regulating, and vascular function-improving actions. The following outlines its specific impacts and research progress:
I. Cardiovascular Protective Mechanisms of Zinc Gluconate
1. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Free Radical Scavenging
Zinc serves as a cofactor for antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Zinc gluconate reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation products (e.g., MDA), alleviating oxidative stress-induced damage to vascular endothelium (Free Radical Biology & Medicine, 2021).
Inflammation Suppression
Zinc downregulates the NF-κB pathway, reducing the release of pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6) and mitigating chronic inflammation in atherosclerosis (AS) (Atherosclerosis, 2022).
2. Regulation of Lipid Metabolism
Inhibition of LDL Oxidation
Zinc suppresses the oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), reducing foam cell formation and delaying atherosclerotic progression (Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, 2020).
Lipid Profile Improvement
Some studies suggest zinc supplementation may mildly reduce total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG), though evidence remains inconsistent (dependent on individual baseline levels).
3. Vascular Function Regulation
Enhanced Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation
Zinc promotes vasodilation by enhancing endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity, reducing the risk of hypertension (Hypertension Research, 2023).
Inhibition of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation
Zinc blocks the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling pathway, reducing smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation in atherosclerotic plaques (Cardiovascular Research, 2021).
4. Myocardial Protection
Reduction of Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Zinc activates the PI3K/Akt pathway to mitigate myocardial cell apoptosis, improving cardiac function after myocardial infarction (Circulation Research, 2022).
Antiarrhythmic Effect
Zinc maintains the electrical stability of myocardial cell membranes, potentially reducing the risk of ventricular arrhythmias (Heart Rhythm, 2020).
II. Clinical Research Evidence
1. Atherosclerosis and Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
Epidemiological Studies
Low blood zinc levels correlate with an increased risk of CHD (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2021).
Intervention Trials
Supplementation with zinc gluconate (20–30 mg/d) slows the progression of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and reduces cardiovascular event rates in high-risk populations (European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 2023).
2. Hypertension
Antihypertensive Effect
Some RCTs show zinc supplementation (especially combined with other trace elements like magnesium) mildly reduces systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, possibly via improved vascular endothelial function (Journal of Human Hypertension, 2022).
3. Heart Failure
Cardiac Function Improvement
Zinc deficiency is common in heart failure patients, and supplementation may enhance left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and exercise tolerance (Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2021).
III. Application Challenges and Precautions
1. Dosage and Safety
Optimal Dosage
The general recommendation is 20–30 mg/d (organic zinc like zinc gluconate is better tolerated than inorganic zinc). Long-term high doses (>40 mg/d) may interfere with copper metabolism or cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Individualized Supplementation
Dosages should be adjusted based on blood zinc levels (normal range: 70–120 μg/dL) and cardiovascular risk factors.
2. Combination Therapy Strategies
Synergy with Existing Medications
Zinc may enhance the lipid-lowering effect of statins (via antioxidant actions), though further validation is needed (Pharmacological Research, 2023).
3. Potential Risks
Zinc-Copper Imbalance
Long-term high-dose zinc supplementation may inhibit copper absorption, increasing the risk of anemia (serum copper levels should be monitored).
IV. Future Research Directions
Precision Nutritional Intervention
Developing personalized zinc supplementation protocols based on gene polymorphisms (e.g., ZIP/ZnT transporter gene variations).
Mechanistic Deepening
Investigating the role of zinc in the gut microbiota-cardiovascular metabolism axis (Cell Host & Microbe, 2023).
Novel Delivery Systems
Developing nano-zinc formulations (e.g., zinc-polypeptide complexes) to enhance targeting and bioavailability.
V. Conclusion
The benefits of zinc gluconate for cardiovascular health primarily include:
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects: Alleviating vascular endothelial damage and atherosclerosis;
Lipid regulation and vascular function improvement: Enhancing endothelium-dependent vasodilation and reducing hypertension risk;
Myocardial protection: Mitigating ischemic injury and arrhythmias.
Clinical Implications: Zinc supplementation may serve as a potential strategy for primary prevention or adjuvant therapy of cardiovascular diseases, especially for zinc-deficient populations (e.g., the elderly, diabetic patients). However, dosage control and individualized assessment are essential to avoid potential side effects.
