Multi-organ ionomics elucidates the disruption of mineral homeostasis induced by zinc deficiency

The impact of zinc deficiency on systemic mineral homeostasis remains unclear. This study investigated the effects of zinc deficiency on mineral homeostasis by quantifying sixteen minerals across nineteen tissues, along with their intake, excretion, and distribution. Principal component analysis revealed distinct differences in the mineral composition profiles of serum, whole blood, heart, spleen, testis, urine, and feces between the low-zinc and normal-zinc diet groups. Specifically, zinc deficiency enhanced intestinal absorption of Ca, Co, V, Ni, and Mo, and decreased their excretion, leading to elevated concentrations in the blood, heart, kidneys, testes, and cecal contents. Conversely, zinc deficiency increased the excretion of As, Mg, Se, and K, resulting in reduced concentrations of these minerals in the kidneys, testes, spleen, and femur. Additionally, zinc deficiency directly influenced the distribution of Mn, Cr, Cu, Na, and Pb, causing significant alterations in their concentrations across multiple tissues. Correlation analysis revealed that changes in mineral concentrations may contribute to a spectrum of adverse health outcomes. Our findings revealed that zinc deficiency disrupts systemic mineral homeostasis through four key pathways: intake, absorption, distribution, and excretion.