Zinc supplementation modifies trace element status in exercised rats

Abstract Purpose Investigation of the effect of exercise and zinc (Zn) supplementation on trace element status in rats. Methods 24 male Wistar were divided into four groups: control, exercised, Zn-supplemented (15 mg/kg weight Zn asparaginate), exercised Zn-supplemented. Zn was supplemented as Zn asparaginate. Serum lactate and creatinine levels, and creatine kinase activity were assessed. Tissue trace elements were estimated using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results Exercise significantly increased lactate, and creatinine levels. Exercise significantly decreased muscle, kidney, and hair Zn; liver, muscle and serum Co; serum Fe; myocardial and hair Cu; liver, heart, skeletal muscle and kidney Se levels. Oppositely, exercise results in elevation of liver Zn; heart and skeletal muscle, kidney and hair Fe; kidney Cu; liver and hair Mn; serum and hair Se content. Zn supplementation reduced exercise-induced increase in lactate and creatinine levels, and elevated liver, kidney, heart, and hair Zn content in exercised rats. Supplementation with Zn reversed exercise-induced decrease in Co levels and increased Fe and Se stores in animals with high physical activity. Conclusions Beneficial effect of zinc supplementation in exercised organism may be associated not only with modulation of zinc status but regulation of other essential trace elements status and their biological effects.