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The Role of Zinc in Diabetic Wound Healing: a Review of Laboratory and Clinical Evidence
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Z Bahadoran    , F Ghafouri-Taleghani |
| Micronutrient Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Disorders, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, I.R. Iran. & - , z.bahadoran@sbmu.ac.ir |
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Abstract: (21 Views) |
Diabetic foot ulcers, which are considered a debilitating complication of diabetes, are associated with delayed healing, increased risk of infection, amputation, and reduced quality of life. Disturbances in micronutrient homeostasis, particularly zinc, play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of these wounds. Zinc, the second most abundant trace element in the body, plays a crucial role in key wound-healing processes, including cell proliferation and differentiation, collagen synthesis, extracellular matrix remodeling, immune responses, and inflammation regulation. In patients with diabetes, decreased gastrointestinal absorption, increased urinary excretion, and impaired intracellular zinc transport and metabolism have led to a high prevalence of zinc deficiency, to the extent that approximately one-third of patients with diabetic foot ulcer are deficient in this micronutrient. A significant decrease in serum zinc levels has been reported in patients with diabetic foot ulcers compared to those without ulcers. Zinc deficiency is associated with reduced mechanical strength of wounds, impaired initial scar tissue remodeling, and delayed wound healing. Additionally, various zinc derivatives, particularly zinc sulfate and zinc gluconate, have demonstrated both cell proliferation-enhancing and antimicrobial effects in simulated wound environments. Although the clinical evidence is limited and heterogeneous, it suggests that oral zinc supplementation in patients with diabetic foot ulcers can lead to a significant reduction in wound size, and that topical application of zinc compounds, especially zinc oxide, is associated with accelerated epithelialization and a reduced risk of infection. Overall, identifying and correcting zinc deficiency may represent a complementary therapeutic strategy alongside standard care for improving diabetic wound healing. |
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| Keywords: Zinc, Micronutrients, Diabetes, Diabetic ulcer |
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Full-Text [PDF 840 kb]
(23 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Review |
Subject:
Nutrition
Received: 2026/01/10 | Accepted: 2026/05/9 | Published: 2026/04/30
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