Erythrocytes, erythrocyte membranes, neutrophils and platelets as biopsy materials for the assessment of zinc status in humans.

During a controlled zinc depletion-repletion study, fifteen men aged 25.3 (SD 3.3) years were fed on a low-Zn diet with high phytate:Zn and phytate x calcium:Zn molar ratios for 7 weeks, followed by a 2 week repletion period when 30 mg supplemental Zn/d was given. Changes in plasma, urine, and hair Zn concentrations, taste acuity, and cellular immune response confirmed the development of mild Zn deficiency. Zn concentrations in neutrophils, platelets, erythrocytes and erythrocyte membranes, mean platelet volume, and activities of alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1) and alpha-D-mannosidase (EC 3.2.1.24) in neutrophils did not respond to changes in Zn status. In contrast, alkaline phosphatase activity in erythrocyte membranes showed a significant decline which was consistent in all subjects (nmol product formed/min per mg protein; baseline v. 7-week Zn depletion, 0.656 (SD 0.279) v. 0.506 (SD 0.230), at 7 weeks; P < 0.05); neutral phosphatase activity remained unchanged. Alkaline phosphatase activity in erythrocyte membranes may be a potential index of Zn status in humans.