Zinc Flashcards
What was found when studying the hair and nails of Chinese subjects with Beriberi?
- low zinc deficiency
- concomitant of thiamin deficiency
What compounds act as Zn antagonists?
phytates
Zn supplementation helped heal those with geophagia of:
- hypogonadism
- dwarfism
Why don’t we see severe clinical deficiency?
Those with it adapt or die
Risk factors?
- high fiber/phytate content
- parasitosis
- tropical climate (sweat)
- lactation
- growth periods
- pregnancy
5 Main functions
- cofactor
- zinc fingers
- immune function
- cell membrane integrity
- growth and reproduction
Best sources?
- Meat (red) is the best
- whole grains, dairy, eggs are okay
Is leavened or unleavened bread a better source?
Leavened, bc the process breaks down the phytates bound to Zn
Other inhibitors of Zn
- phytates
- fiber
- oxalate
- tannins
- lignin
What foods inhibit Zn
whole grains, leafy greens, legumes
What processes increase bioavailability?
soaking and fermentation
What are the general requirement patterns?
Highest during periods of growth (infancy, adolescence, pregnancy) and if you have more mass you’ll need more
What are the clinical manifestations?
NONSPECIFIC
- stunting, delayed maturation
- delayed healing, more infections, poor immunity
- alopecia
- night blindness
- anorexia
- hypogeusia
How do we assess Zn status?
- Plasma concentrations
- dietary assessment
- hair (esp with children)
- taste acuity
Where is most of our Zn?
sequestered in muscle and liver
