Zinc lowers high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels

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Abstract
Zn administration in rats is associated with a rise in serum cholesterol. The effect of Zn administration on serum lipoprotein values was evaluated in man. Twelve healthy adult men ingested 440 mg of zinc sulfate/day for 5 wk. High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentration decreased 25% below baseline values (40.5 to 30.1 mg/dl). Total cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels did not change throughout the study. The sharp fall of the antiatherogenic high-density lipoprotein associated with Zn administration supports the concept that Zn ingestion may be atherogenic in man.