Metabolic syndrome is a complex disorder with high socioeconomic costs and a high global prevalence. The serum concentrations of some trace elements are higher in people with metabolic syndrome compared to normal individuals. Curcumin is derived from turmeric and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin may therefore have a potential role in the management of cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of curcumin on serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and Zn/Cu ratio levels in patients with metabolic syndrome. A double-blind clinical trial was designed in which 120 individuals with metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned to one of three groups: curcumin 1gr/day, phospholipidated curcumin 1gr/day, or a placebo, each taken for 6 weeks. Serum copper and zinc were measured before and after intervention. At baseline, in addition to obtaining the anthropometric characteristics of participants, a fasting blood sample was taken from each participant, and the concentrations of serum Cu and Zn were measured by atomic absorption (Varian AA 240 FS model). Serum Zn concentrations rose significantly in the phospholipidated curcumin and curcumin groups, being significantly higher (p <.001) in the phospholipidated curcumin group than in the curcumin group (p <.05). Serum Zn concentration fell in the control group (p <.05). Changes in serum Zn level from baseline to the levels after six weeks' intervention were significantly different between the groups, but changes in serum Cu from between baseline until after intervention were not significantly different. The serum Zn/Cu level in phospholipidated curcumin and curcumin groups after intervention was higher than for the control group, but it was more significant in the group taking phospholipidated curcumin (p <.001). Curcumin and phospholipidated curcumin complex, given at a dose of 1 g per day for six weeks, were associated with an increase in serum zinc and consequently zinc-to-copper ratio.
Keywords: copper; curcumin; metabolic syndrome; zinc.