A study of the eff ect of consuming zinc bislycinateenriched marmalade on the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus in individuals with SLC30A8 gene polymorphisms

Objective: To study the consumption of zinc-chelated marmalade on serum zinc levels depending on the genotype of SLC30A8 gene polymorphisms, followed by an assessment of changes in blood glucose levels as the primary indicator of carbohydrate metabolism disorders. Methods: Fifty volunteers were recruited; two were later excluded for valid reasons. Forty-eight participants consumed zinc bisglycinate-enriched marmalade for three months. Zinc and blood glucose levels were measured, body composition was analyzed before and after the experiment, and genetic analysis of SLC30A8 gene polymorphisms (rs13266634, rs11558471) was performed, along with a questionnaire based on the FINDRISC questionnaire for determining the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Statistical analysis included a paired t-test, ANOVA, and correlation analysis. Results: Consumption of fortified marmalade resulted in an increase in serum zinc levels (1.23 μmol/L, p < 0.001), particularly pronounced in individuals with baseline zinc deficiency. Mean glucose levels increased slightly (by 0.18 μmol/L, p = 0.0132), remaining within the reference range. Genetic analysis revealed no significant patterns in changes in zinc and glucose levels depending on the rs13266634 and rs11558471 genotypes, although a trend toward decreased zinc gain was observed in carriers of the rs13266634 С/С genotype. The FINDRISC questionnaire demonstrated an exceptionally low risk of developing T2DM (75% of participants). Conclusions: Fortifying marmalade with chelated zinc effectively increases serum zinc levels, particularly in individuals with zinc deficiency, offering potential for personalized nutrition. The slight increase in glucose levels requires further study, as does the impact of climatic factors on zinc production. Larger, longer-term studies are needed to establish a preventive effect against type 2 diabetes.