Trace minerals intake: Risks and benefits for cardiovascular health.

2017-12-13
Critical reviews in food science and nutrition 59(8)
- Noushin Mohammadifard
- Karin H Humphries
- Carolyn Gotay
- Guillermo Mena-Sánchez
- Jordi Salas-Salvadó
- Ahmad Esmaillzadeh
- Andrew Ignaszewski
- Nizal Sarrafzadegan

PubMed: 29236516
DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2017.1406332

Study Design

Type: Review
Methods: Narrative review

Highly Cited

Minerals play a major role in regulating cardiovascular function. Imbalances in electrolyte minerals are frequent and potentially hazardous occurrences that may lead to the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Transition metals, such as iron, zinc, copper and selenium, play a major role in cell metabolism. However, there is controversy over the effects of dietary and supplemental intake of these metals on cardiovascular risk factors and events. Since their pro-oxidant or antioxidant functions can have different effects on cardiovascular health. While deficiency of these trace elements can cause cardiovascular dysfunction, several studies have also shown a positive association between metal serum levels and cardiovascular risk factors and events. Thus, a J- or U-shaped relationship between the transition minerals and cardiovascular events has been proposed. Given the existing controversies, large, well-designed, long-term, randomized clinical trials are required to better examine the effects of trace mineral intake on cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in the general population. In this review, we discuss the role of dietary and/or supplemental iron, copper, zinc, and selenium on cardiovascular health. We will also clarify their clinical applications, benefits, and harms in CVDs prevention.

Research Insights

Copper→Reduced Cardiovascular Event Risk
While deficiency of these trace elements can cause cardiovascular dysfunction, several studies have also shown a positive association between metal serum levels and cardiovascular risk factors and events. Thus, a J- or U-shaped relationship between the transition minerals and cardiovascular events has been proposed.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Iron→Reduced Cardiovascular Event Risk
While deficiency of these trace elements can cause cardiovascular dysfunction, several studies have also shown a positive association between metal serum levels and cardiovascular risk factors and events. Thus, a J- or U-shaped relationship between the transition minerals and cardiovascular events has been proposed.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Selenium→Reduced Cardiovascular Event Risk
While deficiency of these trace elements can cause cardiovascular dysfunction, several studies have also shown a positive association between metal serum levels and cardiovascular risk factors and events. Thus, a J- or U-shaped relationship between the transition minerals and cardiovascular events has been proposed.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Zinc→Reduced Cardiovascular Event Risk
While deficiency of these trace elements can cause cardiovascular dysfunction, several studies have also shown a positive association between metal serum levels and cardiovascular risk factors and events. Thus, a J- or U-shaped relationship between the transition minerals and cardiovascular events has been proposed.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small

Adverse Events Reported

Iron→Overall tolerability
While deficiency of these trace elements can cause cardiovascular dysfunction, several studies have also shown a positive association between metal serum levels and cardiovascular risk factors and events.
Finding
Reported
Copper→Overall tolerability
While deficiency of these trace elements can cause cardiovascular dysfunction, several studies have also shown a positive association between metal serum levels and cardiovascular risk factors and events.
Finding
Reported
Zinc→Overall tolerability
While deficiency of these trace elements can cause cardiovascular dysfunction, several studies have also shown a positive association between metal serum levels and cardiovascular risk factors and events.
Finding
Reported
Selenium→Overall tolerability
While deficiency of these trace elements can cause cardiovascular dysfunction, several studies have also shown a positive association between metal serum levels and cardiovascular risk factors and events.
Finding
Reported