Botulinum Toxins and Zinc: From Theory to Practice—A Systematic Review

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to determine whether zinc supplementation affects botulinum toxin's effect and longevity and to establish a transition from the molecular to the clinical aspect.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review in which we included all published studies on PubMed and Embase using the combination of the following terms: “zinc” AND (botox OR botulinum OR onabotulinumtoxinA OR abobotulinumtoxinA OR incobotulinumtoxinA).ResultsFrom the 260 yielded articles, 3 randomized control trials and 1 case report were retained. Three of them found a significant improvement with zinc supplementation in the toxin's effect and longevity. This was observed in neurological conditions and cosmetic uses.ConclusionsZinc supplementation could be an interesting asset in the potentialization of botulinum neurotoxin effect and longevity. Larger clinical trials and objective measurement tools should be used to further defining the role of zinc in maximizing botulinum neurotoxin effect.