Mean Plasma Zinc Concentration Research Articles

Association of Sex and Zinc Deficiency with Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency in Filipino Children

In the Philippines, one of every 54 newborns has glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. While most were determined to have a familial origin, at least 15% of cases have unknown etiology. This study investigated sex, regional malaria incidence, and zinc deficiency as factors contributing to the high incidence of G6PD deficiency in Filipinos. The study used both retrospective and experimental approaches. The retrospective study analyzed demographic data reported in 8,158 clean archival records from 2010–2015 of 0–5-yr-old Filipino children with G6PD deficiency; the regional distribution data from DOH of malaria was also included for possible correlation with the regional frequency of malaria in the Philippines. The experimental approach determined plasma zinc concentrations of 138 deficient and 41 normal neonates and children aged 0–11 mo using atomic absorption spectroscopy to determine if the zinc level was associated with G6PD activity. Results showed that the major peak for G6PD activity for the male cluster was at 0.5–3.5 U/g Hb, while there were two major peaks for females – one at 0.5–2.5 U/g Hb and another at 3–9.5 U/g Hb. These results are consistent with G6PD-deficiency being an X-linked disorder and for Filipinos, a sex-based reference standard in the newborn screening for G6PD activity of Filipino children is, therefore, being proposed. The incidence of malaria in the country showed no association with G6PD incidence (ρ = 0.06; p = 0.983). On the other hand, the mean plasma zinc concentration of G6PD-deficient children aged 0.5–3 mo old at 43.11 ± 1.68 μg/dL was significantly different from that of normal controls at 51.89 ± 3.00 ug/dL. These results showed, therefore, that there is a probable association between zinc deficiency and the disorder in 0–3-mo-old children, implying mother’s micronutrient health as a risk factor in the high prevalence of G6PD among Filipino children.

Expression of metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and plasma zinc concentrations in women with fibroadenoma.

This study aims to investigate the association between the immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 and plasma zinc in women with fibroadenoma. This cross-sectional study included 37 premenopausal women with fibroadenoma. Waist circumference and body mass index of the participants were measured. Plasma zinc concentrations were determined using atomic flame absorption spectrophotometry. Fragments of breast tissue were fixed and incubated with primary mouse monoclonal antibodies (monoclonal antibodies matrix metalloproteinase -2 -507 and monoclonal antibodies matrix metalloproteinase -9-439). Semi-quantitative analysis of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 immunoreactivity was performed. Spearman's test and Friedman's test were used for statistical analyses. The p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. The average age of the participants was 32.81±9.51 years. The body mass index and waist circumference values were within the normal range. The mean plasma zinc concentration was 42.73±13.84 µg/dL, with 94.6% inadequacy. A statistically significant difference was found between the positive expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (p=0.0184). There was no significant correlation between the matrix metalloproteinase expression and the plasma zinc levels. Women with fibroadenoma had hypozincemia and positive expression of metalloproteinases.

Effect of zinc supplementation on hemogram parameters and circulating concentrations of homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folate in zinc-deficient children and adolescents

BackgroundZinc deficiency may exacerbate some pathologies and may also explain alterations in circulating concentrations of various molecules. Zinc has previously been reported to affect plasma concentrations of vitamin B12, homocysteine, and folate; however, the current evidence is inconclusive. We aimed to evaluate plasma zinc, hemoglobin, red blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume, ferritin, vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine concentrations during and after zinc supplementation for treatment of zinc deficiency. MethodsThis prospective, open-label, single-arm study included children who presented to outpatient clinics with symptoms of growth retardation, anorexia or frequent infections, and who were considered deficient based on plasma zinc concentrations (<70 mcg/dl). Zinc supplementation of 15 mg per day was administered to all participants, and fasting blood samples collected 3 months later were analyzed for plasma zinc, vitamin B12, homocysteine, and folate concentrations. ResultsEighty-three children (27 males and 26 females) admitted to the outpatient clinics with anorexia, growth retardation, and complaints of frequent infections. The mean age of the children was 9.64 ± 5.05 (min-max, 1–15) years, and the mean plasma zinc concentration before zinc supplementation was 61.7 ± 6.3 mcg/dl. Zinc concentrations were significantly elevated after zinc sulfate supplementation for 3 months, at 107.1 ± 18.8 mcg/dl (p < 0.01). Hemoglobin (p < 0.01), mean corpuscular volume (p < 0.01), and ferritin (p = 0.049) levels were significantly increased after zinc supplementation, but no significant difference was found in red blood cell count (p = 0.83). Vitamin B12 and homocysteine concentrations were significantly decreased after zinc treatment (743.5 ± 498.8 vs 373.3 ± 128 mcg/dl p < 0.01; and 11.2 ± 5.3 vs 6.7 ± 3.4 mcg/dl p < 0.01, respectively). However, the change in folate concentrations was not significant (p = 0.05). ConclusionsAnemia was not detected in patients with zinc deficiency, but ferritin level significantly increased after zinc treatment. Therefore, it can be said that zinc therapy has a positive effect on iron absorption. Elevations in vitamin B12 and homocysteine may be associated with zinc deficiency, and these elevations may in turn influence the prognoses of liver, kidney, cardiorespiratory, and neoplastic conditions. This can be corrected through appropriate zinc supplementation.

Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Risk in Obese Women and their Relationship with Zinc Status

Background: Excessive adipose tissue, in the case of common obesity, has been associated with an endocrine-metabolic alteration that contributes to a manifestation of dyslipidemia. To identify mechanisms which are involved in disorders of lipid metabolism, several nutrients have been studied, especially zinc, which act by regulating transcription factors that are important for synthesis and oxidation of lipids and act as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrient. Thus, the study makes an assessment of the zinc status and biomarkers of cardiovascular risk in obese women. Methods: A case-control study enrolling obese (body mass index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m²) and eutrophic (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m²) Brazilian women was conducted. Dietary zinc intake was assessed by the three-day food registry. Plasma, erythrocyte and urinary zinc concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Cardiovascular risk was assessed by plasma concentrations of lipid fractions, and by anthropometric measures. Results: Both groups showed a dietary zinc intake above the recommendations, with no statistical difference between them (p &gt;0.05). Mean plasma and erythrocyte zinc concentrations were significantly reduced in obese women, compared to the control group (p &lt;0.05). Urinary zinc excretion was significantly higher in obese women (p &lt;0.05), who also had a significantly higher cardiovascular risk when compared to the control group (p &lt;0.05). An inverse correlation between dietary zinc intake and waist-hip ratio was found in obese women. Conclusion: Obese women presented zinc redistribution characterized by reduced concentrations in plasma and erythrocytes, dietary zinc intake above the recommended, and increased zinc excretion in the urine. This study shows dyshomeostasis of zinc in obesity, a possible role in adiposity control and, consequently, its protective role against cardiovascular risk, due to its influence on risk biomarkers, such as waist-hip ratio.

Zinc status (intake and level) of healthy elderly individuals in Riyadh and its relationship to physical health and cognitive impairment

Summary Objective The aim of the current study was to assess the zinc status (intake and level) and its relationship to cognitive impairment among men and women aged 65 years and above in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional single-center study was conducted in 400 participants (200 men and 200 women) aged 65 years and above. They were randomly chosen in the primary care centers in Riyadh. The impaired cognitive functions were measured using the Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS). Plasma zinc concentration was analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results The mean plasma zinc concentration was 70 ± 2.34 μg/dL, 36% of studied participants had zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency was significant more frequent in women than men (45% versus 27%, respectively) (p Conclusion Our study indicates that zinc status may be associated with cognitive impairment measured by AMTS in the Saudi elderly population.

Socio-demographic and lifestyle determinants of the micronutrients status during pregnancy

Abstract Micronutrients status during pregnancy is recognized as one of the environmental factors that can have an impact on maternal and children’s health. The study aims at evaluating sociodemographic, lifestyle, environmental, and pregnancy-related determinants of maternal micronutrients status during pregnancy. The analysis was based on data from the Polish Mother and Child Cohort (REPRO_PL). During the second trimester of pregnancy, 1306 women filled in a modified version of the validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) based on which the intake of the following micronutrients was estimated: calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, selenium, folate, vitamin D, vitamin A and vitamin E. In addition, copper, zinc and selenium levels were measured in the blood collected during the second trimester of pregnancy. About 95% of the women took dietary supplements during pregnancy. Despite such supplementation in the case of a high proportion of the women the intake of majority of the analyzed micronutrients was below recommendations for the pregnancy period (based on the Estimated Average Requirement). The mean plasma zinc, copper and selenium concentrations were 0.9±0.3 mg/l, 2.0±0.6 mg/l and 48.4±10.5 ug/l, respectively. The chance to reach the recommended intake for vitamin A, vitamin D and selenium was higher among the multiparous women (OR = 1.53 p = 0.007; OR = 1.44 p = 0.02; OR = 1.48 p = 0.009) and for zinc among the women with a higher socio-economic status (SES) (OR = 1.43 p = 0.04). For other variables the results were not statistically significant. A higher selenium level in the plasma was observed among the older women (p = 0.01) and those with a higher SES (p = 0.03). The current study presents evidence on specific factors influencing the micronutrients intake. They need to be accounted for in educational programs and interventions that focus on healthy diet recommendations during pregnancy. Key messages In the case of a high proportion of the women the intake of majority of the analyzed micronutrients was below recommendations for the pregnancy period. More effort should be taken to educational programs and interventions that focus on healthy diet recommendations during pregnancy.

Plasma zinc levels in Ecuadorian mothers of infants with nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate: A case series.

Previous studies have reported an association between maternal zinc deficiency and increased risk of nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) in offspring. A high prevalence of zinc deficiency and a high prevalence of NSCL/P have been reported in Ecuador. We postulated that mothers of infants with NSCL/P may have lower serum zinc levels than women from the general population. A case series study was conducted from November 2013 to July 2016. Thirty-five healthy mothers of infants with NSCL/P were selected during surgical missions conducted by Operación Sonrisa Ecuador. A single blood sample along with pertinent medical history was collected during personal interviews after 3.6 months postpartum. The prevalence of plasma zinc concentration (PZn) deficiency among the participants was determined and analyzed along with the prevalence of PZn deficiency in Ecuadorian women of reproductive age from the general population. The mean PZn was 11.47 µmol/dm3 . The prevalence of PZn deficiency among the participants was 31.4% (95% CI: 17.1-48.6) and differed significantly from the prevalence of zinc deficiency observed among women from the general population (G2 = 8.66; p < .05). The results showed that the prevalence of PZn deficiency is lower in a cohort of healthy mothers of infants with NSCL/P than in women from the general population in Ecuador. More studies are required to confirm these findings and evaluate other factors related to NSCL/P pathophysiology in the Ecuadorian population.

Iron, Zinc, Folate, and Vitamin B-12 Status Increased among Women and Children in Yaoundé and Douala, Cameroon, 1 Year after Introducing Fortified Wheat Flour

Background: Few data are available on the effectiveness of large-scale food fortification programs.Objective: We assessed the impact of mandatory wheat flour fortification on micronutrient status in Yaoundé and Douala, Cameroon.Methods: We conducted representative surveys 2 y before and 1 y after the introduction of fortified wheat flour. In each survey, 10 households were selected within each of the same 30 clusters (n = ∼300 households). Indicators of inflammation, malaria, anemia, and micronutrient status [plasma ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), zinc, folate, and vitamin B-12] were assessed among women aged 15–49 y and children 12–59 mo of age.Results: Wheat flour was consumed in the past 7 d by ≥90% of participants. Postfortification, mean total iron and zinc concentrations of flour samples were 46.2 and 73.6 mg/kg (target added amounts were 60 and 95 mg/kg, respectively). Maternal anemia prevalence was significantly lower postfortification (46.7% compared with 39.1%; adjusted P = 0.01), but mean hemoglobin concentrations and child anemia prevalence did not differ. For both women and children postfortification, mean plasma concentrations were greater for ferritin and lower for sTfR after adjustments for potential confounders. Mean plasma zinc concentrations were greater postfortification and the prevalence of low plasma zinc concentration in women after fortification (21%) was lower than before fortification (39%, P < 0.001); likewise in children, the prevalence postfortification (28%) was lower than prefortification (47%, P < 0.001). Mean plasma total folate concentrations were ∼250% greater postfortification among women (47 compared with 15 nmol/L) and children (56 compared with 20 nmol/L), and the prevalence of low plasma folate values was <1% after fortification in both population subgroups. In a nonrepresentative subset of plasma samples, folic acid was detected in 77% of women (73% of those fasting) and 93% of children. Mean plasma and breast-milk vitamin B-12 concentrations were >50% greater postfortification.Conclusion: Although the pre-post survey design limits causal inference, iron, zinc, folate, and vitamin B-12 status increased among women and children in urban Cameroon after mandatory wheat flour fortification.

Impact of Zinc Supplementation on the Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Severe Head Trauma: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

ABSTRACTTo determine the effects of zinc supplementation on clinical outcomes of patients with severe head trauma, this double-blind clinical trial randomly allocated 100 patients with severe head trauma, aged between 18 to 65 years, to receive placebo or 120 mg zinc via a nasogastric tube for 15 days. Plasma zinc and copper, 24-hour urinary zinc excretion, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) were assessed on days 1, 7, and 16. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell (WBC) count were measured on days 1 and 16. Glasgow outcome score (GOS), mortality rate on day 28, and length of stay (LOS) were compared between groups. There were no significant differences in baseline data between groups (all p > .05). Mean plasma zinc concentration was significantly higher in the zinc group than the placebo group on day 7 (119.5 vs. 81.7 µg/dl, p < .001) and day 16 (124.1 vs. 101.1 µg/dl, p < .001). The SOFA, GOS, and inflammation factors were significantly better in the zinc-supplemented group by day 16 (all p < .05). The LOS was shorter (52 vs. 65 days, p = .043) and mortality rate on day 28 was borderline lower (17% vs. 22%, p = .507) in zinc versus placebo groups. Zinc supplementation in the study had favorable effects on GOS, SOFA score, and inflammatory markers in patients with severe head injury.

Association of Maternal Zinc Status and Fetal Outcome

Background: Maternal zinc is related to the growth and development of newborn babies. Low birth weight babies leads to higher infant mortality rate &amp; unfortunately the incidence of LBW is higher in Bangladesh.Objective: The present study has been undertaken to evaluate the zinc status in mothers with normal and low birth weight as well as to find-out the association between maternal zinc level and birth weight of babies in a selected hospital in Dhaka city.Methods: This case-control study on 20 non-pregnant and 40 pregnant women was done to find out the relationship between maternal zinc status and fetal outcome. This study was carried out in the department of Biochemistry, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, in collaboration with Bangladesh Atomic Energy Center, Dhaka from the period of July 2003 to June 2004.Result: The mean age (yrs), height (cms) &amp; parity (number) in Group-A found to be 23.7 ± 4.8, 154 ± 7 and 1.82 ± 0.85 respectively &amp; those in Group-B were 24.5 ± 4.3, 153 ± 9 and 1.86 ± 0.89 respectively without any significant difference between the groups. The mean plasma zinc concentrations in Control &amp; Cases were 90.10 ± 13.96 and 64.54 ± 16.22 ?g/dl respectively. The mean plasma zinc concentrations in Subgroup B-I &amp; B-II were 63.85 ± 12.49 and 65.18 ± 18.48 ?g/dl respectively.Conclusion: Maternal zinc status is not associated with fetal outcomes.J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll, June 2014, Vol.6(1); 7-10

Re: Serum Zinc Concentrations in Children with Acute Bloody and Watery Diarrhoea.

Sir, I have two comments regarding the interesting study by Mahyar et al. published in the SQUMJ November 2015 issue.1 Firstly, apart from the two limitations addressed by the authors—failure to estimate serum zinc concentrations after patients had completed their course of treatment and the small sample size—I believe that there is another important limitation to this study. Giardiasis is highly prevalent in developing countries.2 It is commonly linked to chronic diarrhoea and malabsorption; available data indicate that giardiasis is the aetiological agent in 7.0% of childhood cases of acute diarrhoea.3 In Iran, paediatric giardiasis still represents a substantial health threat, with an estimated prevalence of 10.6%.4 Moreover, giardiasis has been shown to be markedly associated with hypozincaemia in the Iranian population.5 In Mahyar et al.’s study, stool cultures were used to determine the causative pathogens in their studied population.1 No growth was seen in 32 (53.3%) patients while 28 (46.7%) patients were found to have bacterial diarrhoea caused by pathogenic Escherichia coli (n = 15), Shigella (n = 10) and Salmonella (n = 3).1 General stool examinations were not carried out prior to the cultures; this could have resulted in the exclusion of a significant number of patients with giardiasis-associated acute diarrhoea.1 Accordingly, this might affect the accuracy of Mahyar et al.’s results. Secondly, Mahyar et al. studied the correlation between serum zinc levels and various inflammatory and non-inflammatory variables.1 The study showed a non-significant correlation between these variables and serum zinc levels; thus, these variables could not be considered predictors of zinc deficiency in Iranian children with acute diarrhoea.1 This is an interesting observation as it contrasts with previously reported observations; Strand et al. studied the association between plasma zinc concentration and several clinical and biochemical variables in a cohort of Nepalese children with acute diarrhoea.6 The study revealed an association between axillary temperature and plasma zinc concentrations. As such, a reduction was seen in the mean plasma zinc concentration per degree of increased axillary temperature (0.59 µmol/L per °C). Reduced plasma zinc levels were also associated with elevated levels of C-reactive protein, dysentery and decreased plasma albumin levels. The study also found that there were increased levels of plasma zinc in children who were dehydrated compared to those who were not.6

Mineral status of non-anemic Peruvian infants taking an iron and copper syrup with or without zinc from 6 to 18 months of age: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesWe evaluated changes in the status of iron, zinc, and copper in non-anemic Peruvian infants who were receiving daily supplements of 10 mg of iron and 0.5 mg of copper with or without 10 mg of zinc from 6 to 18 mo of age. MethodsOverall, 251 infants were randomized to receive one of two daily supplements. Venous blood draws at 6, 12, and 18 mo of age were taken to characterize hemoglobin, plasma ferritin, zinc, and copper concentrations. The urinary excretion of zinc was also measured at each time point. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to evaluate changes over time and by supplement type. ResultsBoth hemoglobin and copper concentrations increased significantly and plasma ferritin decreased from 6 to 12 mo of age (P < 0.05). Mean plasma zinc concentrations in the zinc treatment group were maintained over time, whereas zinc concentrations in the control group declined; differences by treatment were found at 12 and 18 mo of age (P < 0.05). Urinary zinc concentration was increased in the zinc group at 12 mo only. There was evidence that zinc treatment improved the hemoglobin level at 18 mo of age (P = 0.09). Compliance with supplementation was high, with 81% of the intended dose consumed over the 12-mo period. ConclusionsDaily mineral supplementation over the course of 1 y appears to be feasible and acceptable in this population. A combined supplement can improve the status of iron, zinc, and copper in infants at the same time.

Plasma zinc response to supplementation in apparently healthy women from rural Sidama in southern Ethiopia

This placebo‐controlled trial in apparently healthy, reproductive age women evaluated effects of supplementation of 20 mg Zn as zinc sulfate for 23 days on plasma zinc concentrations. The study was conducted in June/July, 2012. Participants were randomly selected from the list of non‐pregnant, non‐lactating women residing in the village. Additional exclusion criteria were body mass index (BMI) outside of the 18.5 to 24.9 range and selfreported recent illness. Thirty‐five women were included for this analysis. Demographic as well as household dietary diversity data were collected. Anthropometric measurements were taken, women were randomized to placebo or treatment groups and blood samples were collected by venipuncture at baseline, midpoint and the end of the 23‐day supplementation period. Plasma zinc was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). Mean ± SD age of participants was 32.7 ± 5 and family size was 6.8 ± 2.7. Education of the participants ranged from 0 to 6 yr of school. Household dietary diversity score was 4.5. None of the participants reported consuming meat, fish or egg in the 24 hr prior to the survey. The mean plasma zinc concentration at base line was 651 ± 80 μg/L for the zinc group and 721 ± 86 μg/L for the placebo group. At endpoint plasma zinc for placebo (713 ± 112 μg/L) did not change significantly from baseline. However, in the zinc‐supplemented group, plasma zinc at 735 ± 84 μg/L was significantly higher than baseline (p&lt;0.002). [This study was supported by the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station].

Parameters of glycemic control and their relationship with zinc concentrations in blood and with superoxide dismutase enzyme activity in type 2 diabetes patients

This study assessed the relationship between the parameters of glycemic control, and zinc concentrations in blood and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity in type 2 diabetes patients. Seventy-three individuals, aged between 25 and 59 years, were divided into the experimental group (type 2 diabetes patients, n = 36) and control group (n = 37). Plasma and erythrocyte zinc concentrations, superoxide dismutase activity, and parameters of glycemic control were analyzed. Mean plasma zinc concentration was 74.1 ± 10.7 µg/dL and 68.8 ± 9.6 µg/dL, erythrocyte zinc concentration was 48.1 ± 9.5 µg/gHb and 41.2 ± 8.0 µg/gHb, and superoxide dismutase activity was 2248.9 ± 300.0 U/gHb and 2059.6 ± 285.4 U/gHb, in the experimental group and the control group, respectively (p < 0.05). Type 2 diabetes patients showed a positive response to oxidative stress due to adequate zinc concentration in blood and increased activity of superoxide dismutase, and the enzyme was influenced by serum insulin.

Plasma zinc concentration responds to short-term zinc supplementation, but not zinc fortification, in young children in Senegal

Simple, low-cost methods are needed to evaluate the effect of zinc-fortification programs. Plasma zinc concentration is a useful biomarker of zinc intake from supplementation, but responses to zinc fortification are inconsistent. The objective was to compare the change in plasma zinc concentrations in young children who received zinc from either a liquid supplement or a zinc-fortified complementary food. A double-blind intervention trial was conducted in 137 young Senegalese children aged 9-17 mo who were randomly assigned to receive one of the following treatments for 15 d: 1) 30 g dry weight of an iron-fortified cereal porridge and a liquid multivitamin supplement without zinc (control group), 2) the same porridge and multivitamin supplement with 6 mg Zn added to the supplement dose (ZnSuppl group), or 3) the same porridge with added zinc to provide 6 mg Zn per 25 g dry weight of porridge and multivitamin without zinc (ZnFort group). Mean (±SD) plasma zinc concentration (μg/dL) increased by 4.7 ± 1.6 (P = 0.004) in the ZnSuppl group, which was significantly greater (P = 0.009) than the mean change in the control group (-1.0 ± 1.6; P = 0.51) and in the ZnFort group (-1.8 ± 1.7; P = 0.29). The latter 2 groups did not differ from each other (P = 0.99). Plasma zinc concentration increased in children who received daily zinc supplementation for 15 d but not in those who received a zinc-fortified complementary food containing a similar amount of zinc. Additional longer-term studies are needed to assess the effect of zinc-fortification programs on zinc-related functional outcomes and the usefulness of plasma zinc as a biomarker of program effect. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as study NCT0094398.

Health and Nutritional Status of Wild Australian Psittacine Birds: An Evaluation of Plasma and Hepatic Mineral Levels, Plasma Biochemical Values, and Fecal Microflora

To evaluate the health and nutritional status of 3 wild Australian psittacine species, plasma and hepatic mineral concentrations and plasma biochemical values were measured in wild-caught galahs (Eolophus roseicapilla), long-billed corellas (Cacatua tenuirostris), and sulphur-crested cockatoos (Cacatua galerita). No correlations were found between hepatic and plasma mineral levels. Mean plasma calcium (1.79 mmol/L [7.16 mg/dL]) and sodium (103 mmol/ L [103 mEq/L]) concentrations were lower, whereas mean total phosphorus (6.53 mmol/L [20.22 mg/dL]) and potassium (8.87 mmol/L [8.87 mEq/L]) concentrations were higher than values for captive counterparts. Plasma iron levels were higher than those reported for captive counterparts, with evidence of interspecific (sulphur-crested cockatoos, 109 micromol/L [609 microg/dL]; corellas, 57 micromol/L [318 microg/dL]; galahs, 90 micromol/L [503 microg/dL]) and temporal variation (galahs: May, 107 micromol/L [598 microg/dL]; July, 59 micromol/L [330 microg/dL]). Hepatic iron concentrations were as high as 1030 mg/kg. Interspecific variation was minimal in mean plasma selenium (11.8 micromol/L [929 microg/L]) and zinc (31.2 micromol/L [204 microg/dL]) concentrations. Plasma biochemical values varied significantly from reported reference ranges. Ranges for total protein, albumin, and bile acid concentrations were lower, whereas uric acid, glutamate dehydrogenase, amylase, and cholesterol concentrations were higher than those previously reported for these species, and interspecific variation was evident. Variation in measures of mineral status or plasma biochemical values between males and females were negligible. An evaluation of fecal microflora showed a distinct absence of gram-negative bacteria or budding yeast. Results of this study show that analyte values used to determine health and nutritional status of wild birds differ from those published for captive counterparts. Although analyte values appear to vary minimally by sex, distinct taxonomic and some temporal differences exist in values from wild birds of these 3 species.

Low plasma zinc concentrations in pediatric patients with cirrhosis

To determine plasma zinc concentrations in children and adolescents with cirrhosis and to investigate the association between these results and dietary zinc intake, anthropometric data, and severity of liver disease. Plasma zinc concentration was assessed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 30 children and adolescents with cirrhosis (105.0+/-60.0 months; 22 girls) and 27 without liver disease (122.3+/-47.3 months, 14 girls). Dietary zinc data were evaluated by 3-day food intake records. Anthropometry measures included height, weight, skinfold thickness, brachial circumference, and upper arm muscle size. Severity of liver disease was classified according to the Child-Pugh, MELD, and PELD criteria. The mean (+/- standard deviation) plasma zinc concentrations in control subjects and patients were 105.69+/-19.46 and 75.44+/-24.45 microg/dL, respectively (p < 0.001). No associations were found between anthropometric measures, dietary zinc intake, and plasma zinc concentration. There was statistical difference related to plasma zinc concentrations between Child-Pugh B + C patients and control subjects (p < 0.001), and concerning PELD, between patients below the cutoff score of 15 and those above (p = 0.002). The prevalence of hypozincemia was 43% for patients with cirrhosis. Although low plasma zinc concentration was associated with more severe liver disease, it was present even in some Child-Pugh A patients. Therefore, zinc supplementation should be considered for cirrhotic children.

Duration of Exclusive Breast-Feeding and Infant Iron and Zinc Status in Rural Bangladesh ,

There is a concern that exclusive breast-feeding (EBF) for 6 mo may lead to iron and zinc deficiency in low-birth weight (LBW) infants. We assessed the association between duration of EBF and infant iron and zinc status in the Maternal and Infant Nutrition Interventions in Matlab trial, Bangladesh, stratified for normal birth weigh (NBW) and LBW. Duration of EBF was classified into EBF <4 mo and EBF 4–6 mo based on monthly recalls of foods introduced to the infant. Blood samples collected at 6 mo were analyzed for plasma zinc (n = 1032), plasma ferritin (n = 1040), and hemoglobin (Hb) (n = 791). Infants EBF 4–6 mo had a higher mean plasma zinc concentration (9.9 ± 2.3 μmol/L) than infants EBF <4mo (9.5 ± 2.0 μmol/L) (P < 0.01). This association was apparent in only the NBW strata and was not reflected in a lower prevalence of zinc deficiency. Duration of EBF was not associated with concentration of plasma ferritin, Hb concentration, or prevalence of iron deficiency or anemia in any strata. Regardless of EBF duration, the prevalence of zinc deficiency, iron deficiency, and anemia was high in infants in this population and strategies to prevent deficiency are needed.

Systematic review of the efficacy and effectiveness of complementary feeding interventions in developing countries

Systematic review of the efficacy and effectiveness of complementary feeding interventions in developing countries

Effect of high dose oral zinc in mice with severe infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae

Zinc is important for normal function of the immune system and inflammation increases the demand for zinc. We hypothesized that high doses of zinc given during acute pneumococcal illness would alter the severity of infection. 24 six-week-old BALB/c mice were anaesthetized and infected intranasally with Streptococcus pneumoniae. Zinc intake was controlled by administering zinc through an intragastric tube. One group was given normal doses (5 microg/d) and the other group high doses of zinc (225 microg/d). We counted the number of bacteria from venous blood at 24 and 48 h, and from heart puncture and nasal wash at 72 h after intranasal challenge. Mice given excess zinc had 2.65 micromol/l, i.e. 25% higher (p= 0.05) mean plasma zinc concentration compared to those given normal amounts. 75% of mice in both groups developed pneumococcal bacteraemia. There were no differences in the numbers of S. pneumoniae colony forming units (CFUs) in blood or nasal wash between the groups. Thus, high doses of zinc did not alter the severity of systemic pneumococcal infection in mice.