Trace minerals intake: Risks and benefits for cardiovascular health

Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2017 Dec 13:1-13. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2017.1406332. [Epub ahead of print] . Mohammadifard N1,2, Humphries KH3, Gotay C4, Mena-Sánchez G5, Salas-Salvadó J5, Esmaillzadeh A6,7,8, Ignaszewski A9, Sarrafzadegan N10. Author information 1 a Hypertension Research Center , Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences , Isfahan , Iran. 2 b Interventional Cardiology Research Center , Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences , Isfahan , Iran. 3 c Women's Cardiovascular Health , Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia , Vancouver , Canada. 4 d Centre of Excellence in Cancer Prevention, Faculty of Medicine, School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia , Vancouver , Canada. 5 e Human Nutrition Unit , Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology , IISPV, School of Medicine, Rovira i Virgili University, and CIBER Obesity and Nutrition , Reus , Spain. 6 f Obesity and Eating Habits Research Center , Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular, Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran. 7 g Department of Community Nutrition , School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran. 8 h Department of Community Nutrition , School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences , Isfahan , Iran. 9 i Division of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia , Vancouver , Canada. 10 j Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center , Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences , Isfahan , Iran. Abstract 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. KEYWORDS: Trace mineral; cardiovascular disease; copper; iron; selenium; zinc PMID: 29236516 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2017.1406332