Scientists created a new type of zinc supplement by combining walnut proteins with zinc. In lab tests, this new supplement stayed stable in the stomach and was absorbed better than traditional zinc pills. The walnut peptide-zinc complex worked by using natural proteins from walnuts to carry zinc through the digestive system more effectively. This research suggests that walnut-based supplements could be a better option for people who need more zinc in their diet, though more testing in humans is needed before it becomes widely available.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether combining walnut proteins with zinc creates a better zinc supplement that the body can absorb more easily
  • Who participated: This was laboratory research using cell cultures (Caco-2 cells, which mimic human intestinal cells). No human participants were involved in this study.
  • Key finding: The walnut-zinc combination was more stable in acidic stomach conditions and was absorbed better by intestinal cells compared to regular zinc sulfate supplements
  • What it means for you: This research suggests a potential new supplement option, but it’s still in early stages. More testing in actual people is needed before you could buy this product. If developed, it might help people with zinc deficiencies absorb zinc more effectively.

The Research Details

Researchers created a new supplement by attaching zinc to proteins extracted from walnuts. They then tested this new compound in several ways: first by examining its physical structure and how stable it was under different conditions (heat, acid, digestion), and finally by testing how well it was absorbed using laboratory-grown human intestinal cells.

The study compared their walnut-zinc complex to a common zinc supplement (zinc sulfate) to see which one worked better. They used specialized equipment to analyze the chemical structure and stability of the new supplement under conditions similar to what happens in the human stomach and intestines.

This type of research is called “in vitro” testing, meaning it happens in test tubes and lab dishes rather than in living people. It’s an important first step to see if a new supplement idea is worth testing in humans.

Before testing any new supplement in people, scientists need to understand how it works at the chemical and cellular level. This study provides that foundation by showing that walnut proteins can successfully carry zinc and that the combination is stable enough to survive stomach acid. This information helps researchers decide if human trials are worth pursuing.

This is laboratory research published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, which means other experts reviewed it before publication. However, because it only tested cells in dishes rather than in living people, the results are preliminary. The findings are promising but not yet proven to work in actual human bodies. More research is needed to confirm these results and test safety and effectiveness in people.

What the Results Show

The walnut-zinc complex successfully formed stable particles that were larger than the original walnut proteins. The zinc attached to the walnut proteins through chemical bonds involving specific parts of the protein molecules (carboxyl groups, carbonyl groups, and amino groups).

When tested in conditions mimicking the human stomach and digestive system, the walnut-zinc complex was much more stable than regular zinc sulfate. It didn’t break down as easily in acidic conditions, which is important because the stomach is very acidic.

When tested using laboratory-grown human intestinal cells, the walnut-zinc complex was absorbed effectively. The cells used specific transport systems (called ZIP4 and paracellular pathways) to move the zinc across the cell barrier, similar to how the real intestines would absorb it.

Overall, the walnut-zinc complex showed better stability and absorption potential compared to conventional zinc supplements in these laboratory tests.

The research showed that the walnut proteins and zinc formed complexes through multiple types of interactions—both strong chemical bonds and weaker physical attractions. This multi-layered binding may contribute to the stability of the supplement. The spherical particle shape that formed may also help with absorption and stability.

This research builds on previous studies showing that plant proteins can carry minerals better than simple salt forms. The use of walnut proteins is novel and takes advantage of walnuts’ natural nutritional properties. Traditional zinc supplements like zinc sulfate are well-studied but can cause stomach upset and aren’t always well-absorbed. This walnut-based approach offers a potentially gentler alternative.

This study only tested the supplement in laboratory conditions and cell cultures, not in living people or animals. Results in test tubes don’t always translate to the human body. The study didn’t test how much zinc actually gets into the bloodstream or how the body uses it. Long-term safety, side effects, and optimal dosages haven’t been determined. More research in animals and eventually humans is needed before this supplement could be recommended for regular use.

The Bottom Line

This research is promising but preliminary. It suggests that walnut-based zinc supplements could be developed, but they are not yet available or recommended for use. If such supplements are developed in the future, they may offer benefits over traditional zinc pills, but this needs to be confirmed through human studies. Current recommendation: Continue using established zinc supplements if recommended by your doctor, and wait for further research on walnut-based options.

This research is most relevant to: supplement manufacturers interested in developing new products, people with zinc deficiency who don’t tolerate regular zinc supplements well, nutritionists and doctors looking for alternative supplement options, and researchers studying plant-based mineral carriers. This is NOT yet ready for consumers to use.

This is very early-stage research. If development continues, it would likely take 3-5+ years of additional testing (animal studies, human trials, safety testing) before a walnut-zinc supplement could potentially be available for purchase. Don’t expect to see this product soon.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Once walnut-based zinc supplements become available, users could track daily zinc intake (in milligrams) and monitor symptoms of zinc deficiency like energy levels, immune function, and wound healing speed
  • Users could set reminders to take their zinc supplement at consistent times and log any digestive symptoms or side effects to compare with previous supplements they’ve tried
  • Long-term tracking could include monthly assessments of energy, immune health (frequency of colds/infections), and skin/hair/nail health—areas affected by zinc status. Users could compare these metrics before and after starting a new supplement type.

This research is laboratory-based and has not been tested in humans. The walnut-zinc complex described is not currently available as a consumer product. These findings are preliminary and should not be used to make health decisions. If you have zinc deficiency or are considering zinc supplementation, consult with your healthcare provider about proven options. This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always speak with a doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.