A new study has found Zinc supplementation may provide a protective effect against DNA strand breaks. Cause by reactive oxygen species this type of genetic damage may to lead to further damage if not repaired.
40 Ethiopian women who were believed to have low zinc status due to high dietary phytic acid levels which are caused by diets low in meat and high in grains which may inhibit mineral absorption, participated in this study. Plasma zinc levels were taken through blood samples at the start of the study. Individuals were given zinc supplements (20 MG) or a placebo daily for 17 days.
A comet assay of intracellular DNA strand breaks, both before and after the study were performed. DNA strand breaks decreased from the average of 39.7 to 30.00 in the zinc supplemented group.
While plasma zinc levels were not significantly changed by the end of the study, comet tail measurement of DNA strand breaks decreased from an average of 39.7 to 30.0 in the supplemented group.
Zinc deficiency is associated with increased DNA damage as well as an increase in oxidative stress.
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