Thinking Zinc: a Study of Zinc Supplements on the Navajo Nation

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO · Apr 5, 2019

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The "Thinking Zinc" study is looking at how taking zinc supplements might help reduce harmful effects from metal exposure in certain communities on the Navajo Nation. Researchers want to see if increasing zinc in the diet can improve health markers related to DNA damage and immune system issues. The study is currently recruiting participants who live in or near the Blue Gap-Tachee area in Arizona or the Red Water Pond Road community in New Mexico.

To qualify for the study, participants should be between 21 and 64 years old and willing to provide blood and urine samples at scheduled visits. They’ll also need to take a daily zinc supplement during the study. However, pregnant or nursing women, those with diabetes, or individuals allergic to zinc cannot participate. If you join, you’ll help researchers learn more about the potential benefits of zinc and its role in health for people in your community.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Men or women between the ages of 21 and 64 years of age
• • Lives in or near the participating communities of Blue Gap-Tachee Arizona or Red Water Pond Road Community New Mexico
• • Willing to provide blood and urine samples
• • Willing to attend study visits on scheduled dates
• • Willing to take a daily zinc supplement
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Women who are pregnant or nursing or women who plan to become pregnant during the course of the study.
• • Individuals who have self-reported diabetes, report that they are undergoing treatment for diabetes, or are currently taking medication for diabetes.
• • Known or suspected allergy to zinc.
• • Individuals previously diagnosed with syndromes of copper homeostasis (Menkes disease or Wilsons disease).
• • Individuals consuming zinc supplements or multivitamins and are unwilling to stop for the duration of the study.