Copper to zinc intake ratio and risk of irritable bowel syndrome in a large UK study

During a median follow-up of 13.3 years, 2240 individuals were newly diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) among 175,421 participants.

• Dietary intake of copper, zinc, and the copper to zinc (Cu/Zn) ratio showed U-shaped relationships with IBS incidence.
• Lower copper (<1.5 mg/day) and zinc (<10 mg/day) intakes were associated with a significantly decreased risk of IBS as intake increased.
• No significant association was found between dietary copper and zinc intake and IBS when intakes were ≥1.5 mg/day and ≥10 mg/day, respectively.
• In participants younger than 60 years, a moderate increase in zinc intake may be particularly beneficial for preventing IBS.
• Maintaining dietary copper and Cu/Zn ratio within reasonable limits could help reduce the incidence of IBS.

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