Dual-Isotope Method for Determination of Human Zinc Absorption: The Use of a Test Meal of Turkey Meat

Abstract

The percentage of 65Zn taken up (absorbed) from extrinsically labeled turkey meat was calculated from the amounts of 65Zn and a nonabsorbed 51Cr marker present in the body or in a single stool specimen after 1–2 d. 51CrCl3 proved to be a suitable marker for unabsorbed 65Zn and so the early determination of 65Zn absorption was possible. With stool counting, 65Zn absorption data from first stool samples after 1–2 d were accurate as judged by correlation with the amount of 65Zn in the body 7–10 d later (retention); results from subsequent stools gave lower absorption values due to the early excretion of some absorbed 65Zn. The dual-isotope method gave reproducible results when four successive tests of zinc absorption were carried out in a group of six subjects. The average (mean ± SD) 65Zn absorption from turkey meals containing 31 μmol (2 mg) and 46 μmol (3 mg) of zinc was 39 ± 8% and 29 ± 6%, respectively, measured by stool counting; 65Zn absorption and retention correlated well in both studies. A series of different beverages was given in place of water with the turkey meal. Orange juice significantly reduced 65Zn absorption and milk also showed this tendency, but tea, whiskey, wine or beer had no significant effect on the absorption of 65Zn from the turkey meal. In groups of subjects the mean ratio of 65Zn absorption from extrinsically labeled turkey meat on two occasions (1.06) was not significantly different from that of the absorption of extrinsic to intrinsic 65Zn labels (1.16). The dual-isotope technique with either stool or body counting is suitable for the rapid determination of 65Zn absorption from extrinsically labeled turkey within 2 d.