Effects of Zinc on Thyroid Status in Healthy Individuals and Graves' Disease Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Lubna Farooqi, Glucia M.F.S. Mazeto, Tadao Shuhama, Jos6 Brando-Neto
Primary Institution: Unidade de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Faculdade de Cincias da Sa0de, Universidade de Brasilia
Hypothesis
Does acute zinc administration affect thyroid function in healthy individuals and patients with Graves' disease?
Conclusion
Zinc does not alter thyroid hormone levels in Graves' disease patients but decreases TSH levels in healthy individuals.
Supporting Evidence
- Zinc administration did not change plasma FT3 and FT4 levels in hyperthyroid patients.
- TSH levels were significantly depressed in healthy individuals after zinc administration.
- Statistical analysis showed significant differences in TSH, FT3, and FT4 between control individuals and hyperthyroid patients.
Takeaway
This study found that giving zinc to healthy people lowers a hormone called TSH, but it doesn't change thyroid hormone levels in people with Graves' disease.
Methodology
The study involved administering 25 mg of zinc intravenously to 10 healthy individuals and 12 hyperthyroid patients, measuring TSH, FT3, and FT4 levels at various time points.
Limitations
The study only examined acute effects and did not assess long-term impacts of zinc on thyroid function.
Participant Demographics
10 healthy individuals (5 males, 5 females, average age 24) and 12 hyperthyroid patients (1 male, 11 females, average age 27).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
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