Zinc and Kidney Disease: A Review

Zinc is the second most abundant essential trace element in the human body with important regulatory functions in cellular and subcellular levels in several tissues. Zinc deficiency is associated with the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its complications. With the progression of CKD to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and initiation of dialysis, zinc is further removed from the body, potentiating the zinc deficiency. Dietary intake plays a major role in zinc-deficiency-related risks and progression of CKD. By taking into account the evidence from clinical studies depicting the mutual correlations between zinc and CKD, and the plausibility based on animal studies, it can be deduced that zinc deficiency has a causative role in CKD and its progression. This review highlights the role of zinc deficiency in kidney disease and the possible indication for supplementation of zinc at various stages of CKD.