Zinc citrate 50mg capsules

ObjectiveTo evaluate zinc supplementation's efficacy in pregnancy, addressing gaps in previous reviews regarding high-risk subgroups and combination therapies.MethodsSystematic review of six databases through March 27, 2025 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on prenatal zinc supplementation. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2. Stratified analyses was conducted by participant or intervention characteristics, with meta-analysis or qualitative synthesis when appropriate. Sensitivity analyses was conducted by excluding studies with high risk of bias. The systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023440314).Results77 RCTs were included. Compared with no zinc, zinc monotherapy among healthy pregnant women resulted in higher serum zinc level (standard mean difference (SMD) the second trimester = 0.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.20 to 0.44; SMDthe third trimester = 0.51, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.76), lower fetal intrauterine retardation rate (risk ratio = 0.23, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.35), longer neonatal birth length (SMD = 0.66, 95% CI 0.21 to 1.12), bigger birth head circumference (SMD = 0.58, 95% CI 0.08 to 1.09), higher 1-min Apgar score (SMD = 0.28, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.49) and cord blood zinc level (SMD = 0.36, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.56). No additional benefits observed with zinc-iron-folate combinations versus iron-folate alone. Qualitative synthesis of limited evidence suggested potential benefits for high-risk groups (anemia, gestational diabetes, zinc deficiency or impaired intravenous glucose tolerance test).ConclusionsZinc monotherapy may benefit healthy pregnancies and high-risk groups, but combination regimens show no additional advantages. Further research should confirm these findings.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND

Despite the placement of millions of dental implants annually, one-quarter to one-half of cases require concurrent guided bone regeneration (GBR), where a recent meta-analysis of 100 studies reported an approximately 26% complication rate that exposes the structural and biological limits of current barrier membranes. Conventional collagen and PTFE-based membranes function predominantly as passive occlusive barriers, lacking the bioactivity, controllable degradation, and immunomodulatory capacity demanded by the dynamic alveolar microenvironment, in which up to 50% of ridge width can be lost within 12 months post-extraction. Addressing this gap requires reframing GBR membranes as programmable interfaces. This review presents a three-lens framework - alveolar-bone-specific osteoimmune biology, metabolically active and stimuli-responsive material platforms, and translational bottlenecks - to systematically chart the field. We synthesize recent advances across four next-generation material families (polymer composites, biodegradable Mg/Zn alloys, MXene-based systems, and citrate-based polymers), four hierarchical structural strategies (bilayer, Janus, gradient, and 4D-printed architectures), and complementary functionalization strategies that include surface chemistry tailoring, bioactive ion release, and stimuli-responsive triggers, explicitly mapping how each modulates mechanical retention, degradation kinetics, antibacterial activity, and macrophage M1-to-M2 polarization. We further evaluate the clinical performance of these material platforms in alveolar ridge augmentation and identify platform-specific post-market follow-up endpoints required for regulatory translation. Finally, we articulate six open mechanistic questions and a near-term agenda integrating artificial intelligence/machine learning-driven design, microfluidic oral-microenvironment models, and standardized large-animal alveolar protocols. This framework repositions GBR membranes toward programmable, osteoimmune-active regenerative platforms, charting an actionable path from bench to clinic.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of two fluoride-containing (1450 ppm F) toothpastes with or without zinc-citrate (ZCT), hydroxyapatite (HAP) and potassium-citrate (KCit); to assess and compare their clinical effects in terms of tooth sensitivity, plaque accumulation and gingivitis, as well as patients’ satisfaction. Materials and methods Healthy, adult patients were selected and randomly assigned to two groups (n = 50): Experimental: ZCT-, HAP-, KCit- and fluoride-containing toothpaste; Control: fluoride-containing toothpaste. Salivary counts of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), plaque and gingival index, as well as clinically diagnosed sensitivity were recorded at baseline, and after 4 weeks. A custom-made questionnaire was used to assess patients’ self-reported sensitivity (baseline and after 4 weeks) and overall satisfaction with the tested toothpastes. Data were statistically analyzed (α = 0.05). Results After 4 weeks, a statistically significant salivary reduction of S. mutans was observed in both groups (p = 0.001). Furthermore, the percentage of S. mutans decrease was significantly higher in Experimental group (p = 0.014). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of plaque and gingival index (p > 0.05). After 4 weeks, the self-reported tooth sensitivity was lower in Experimental group (p < 0.001). Conclusions Both toothpastes showed good antimicrobial effect after 4 weeks; however, the toothpaste containing ZCT, HAP, KCit and fluoride was found to be more effective in reducing the salivary counts of S. mutans than the product containing fluoride alone. Clinical relevance Toothpaste containing ZCT, HAP, KCit and fluoride can be recommended for patients at risk for developing caries and may also be beneficial for individuals experiencing dental sensitivity.

Abstract licence: CC BY 4.0