Impact of micronutrient dietary intake and status on intestinal zinc absorption in late middle-aged men: the ZENITH study.

BACKGROUND

Adjustments in intestinal absorption and losses of zinc (Zn) are thought to maintain Zn homeostasis when dietary intake levels are altered. Zn status may also influence efficiency of intestinal Zn absorption.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the impact of dietary intake and status of some micronutrients on Zn absorption in late middle-aged men.

DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS

Dietary intake and status of Zn, Cu, Fe, vitamin A, C and fibre, and absorption of Zn were measured in 48 men, aged 58-68 y, confined to a metabolic unit and consuming a typical French diet. Dietary intake was estimated using 4-day food-intake records (including the weekend) and the GENI program. To assess Zn status, serum, erythrocyte, urine Zn levels and serum alkaline phosphatase activity were determined. Zn absorption was determined using the isotope double-labelling method. Zn stable isotopic ratios were measured in plasma samples collected before and 48 h after isotope administration using ICP/MS.

RESULTS

Zn intake within the group of men varied from 5.7 to 20.5 mg/day and averaged 12.9 mg/day. Serum Zn level varied from 10 to 18 micromol/l and averaged 12.9 micromol/l. Zn absorption varied from 12 to 46% and averaged 29.7%. Zn absorption was not significantly (P > 0.05) correlated with Zn intake or with any of the Zn status parameters. Zn absorption was only slightly negatively correlated with serum and erythrocyte Zn levels and with serum Fe and ferritin levels in this study.

CONCLUSION

Zn dietary intake and Zn absorption were satisfactory and led to an adequate Zn status in this population.