Whey‐Based Supplement Added to a Plant‐Based Diet Increases Total Zinc Absorption, but not Total Iron in Mexican Children.

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of a whey‐based nutritional supplement (WPS) on zinc and iron absorption from a plant‐based diet (PBD) in Mexican children. Study 1 evaluated zinc absorption in a cross‐over design. Children (n=16) were randomly assigned to receive the PBD with and without WPS on days 1 and 2 and urine samples were collected on days 1 and 6 to 9 to measure zinc absorption. Study 2 evaluated iron absorption in a parallel study. Children were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups. Group 1 consumed the PBD during 2 days (n=16) and group 2 consumed the PBD + WPS during 2 days (n=16). A reference dose of iron was consumed with 25 mg of ascorbic acid the first day. Blood samples were collected at baseline and 14 d after the last dose was given. Zinc and iron absorption were measured using 70Zn, 68Zn, 58Fe and 57Fe isotopes. Fractional absorption of zinc was similar in both the PBD and the PBD+WPS groups (0.09±0.03 vs 0.09±0.04 mg). Because total dietary zinc was significantly higher when receiving WPS, the total amount of zinc absorbed was higher compared to PBD alone (5.2±1.1 vs2.8±0.9 mg; p<0.05). No differences were observed between groups in fractional absorption of iron, adjusted iron absorption or total absorbed iron between groups. With the simultaneous intake of WPS, fractional absorption of zinc and iron from a PBD is maintained and total absorption of zinc was increased. Partially supported by IAEA.