Association between dietary zinc intake and olfactory dysfunction: a study based on the NHANES database

The primary objective of this study was to find the association between dietary zinc intake and the prevalence of olfactory disorders using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

A cross-sectional study was conducted using the 2013–2014 NHANES data. A linear regression model was constructed with dietary zinc intake as the independent variable and olfactory dysfunction as the dependent variable. Initially, in the unadjusted model, weighted logistic regression analysis was carried out for continuous variables, and stratified analysis was conducted for categorical variables. Subsequently, three models were created to perform subgroup analysis by adjusting for different confounding factors, further investigating the relationship between dietary zinc intake and olfactory dysfunction. Finally, restricted cubic spline (RCS) models adjusting for all confounding factors were utilized to study the nonlinear associations of age and dietary zinc intake with olfactory dysfunction and their relevant thresholds.

A total of 2958 samples were analyzed in this study. Weighted logistic regression analysis displayed a negative relationship between dietary zinc intake and the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in the population of non-Hispanic whites and other Hispanics, as well as in individuals with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m² (OR < 1, P < 0.05). The P values for the multiplicative interaction terms adjusting for all confounding factors were not significant (P for interaction > 0.05). In the three regression models adjusting for different confounding factors, dietary zinc intake was significantly negatively related to olfactory dysfunction in all populations (Crude: OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.44–0.91; Model I: OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.38–0.90; Model II: OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.35–1.00). Subgroup analysis based on BMI showed a remarkable negative relationship between dietary zinc intake and olfactory dysfunction in the group with BMI of 25–30 kg/m² (Crude: OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.28–0.90, P = 0.012; Model I: OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.24–1.00, P = 0.021) and the group with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² (Crude: OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.33–0.92, P = 0.013; Model I: OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.29–0.88, P = 0.005; Model II: OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.29–0.91, P = 0.004). RCS analysis revealed a remarkable nonlinear association of age and dietary zinc intake with olfactory dysfunction (P-non-linear < 0.05). The prevalence of olfactory dysfunction was considerably higher in individuals aged 60 and above compared to those under 60 years old. Daily dietary zinc intake within the range of 9.60–17.45 mg was a protective factor for olfactory dysfunction, while intake outside this range increased the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction.

Daily dietary zinc intake within the range of 9.60–17.45 mg has a protective effect against olfactory dysfunction. Intake outside this range increases the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction. The prevalence of olfactory dysfunction is significantly higher in individuals aged 60 and above compared to those under 60 years old. For individuals with a BMI of 25–30 kg/m² and a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m², dietary zinc intake is negatively correlated with olfactory dysfunction. Therefore, it is recommended that these populations increase their dietary zinc intake to develop healthier lifestyles and maintain olfactory health.