Association of Plasmatic and Dietary Zinc with Phase Angle and Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract, associated with structural changes in the intestinal mucosa and a high frequency of nutritional deficiencies. Monitoring of inflammatory activity in the disease is performed through tests, such as endoscopy, and evaluation of inflammatory markers. Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for immune function and intestinal barrier integrity, while phase angle (PA) has been used as an indirect indicator of cell membrane integrity. This study aimed to investigate the association between dietary and plasma Zn, PA, and inflammatory markers in patients with CD. This is an observational, analytical, cross-sectional study conducted with 32 patients treated at a university outpatient clinic. Food consumption was assessed using 24-hour recalls, plasma Zn by optical emission spectrometry, PA by electrical bioimpedance, and inflammatory markers by C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The results showed a positive correlation between dietary Zn and AF, as well as an inverse correlation between AF and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. No significant associations were identified between plasma Zn and inflammatory markers. Inadequate intake of energy, macronutrients, fiber, and zinc was observed, especially among women. It is concluded that dietary Zn consumption is associated with better cell integrity and that there is a prevalence of dietary inadequacies in patients with CD, reinforcing the importance of an integrated nutritional assessment in the clinical follow-up of these patients.