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Zinc nutrition in celiac sprue
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|April 1, 1976
Summary
Zinc deficiency is common in adult celiac disease patients, even those on a gluten-free diet. Impaired zinc nutrition and taste acuity indicate this widespread trace metal deficiency.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition
- Gastroenterology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting the small intestine.
- Nutritional deficiencies are common complications in celiac disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess zinc nutritional status in adult patients with celiac disease.
- To investigate the relationship between zinc levels, taste acuity, and clinical status.
Main Methods:
- Examined 10 adult celiac disease patients.
- Measured plasma zinc levels.
- Assessed taste acuity.
- Included patients on gluten-free diets and untreated patients.
Main Results:
- Untreated patients showed depressed plasma zinc and lowered taste discrimination.
- Some patients in clinical remission also had impaired zinc nutrition.
- Confirmed plasma copper depression in celiac sprue patients.
Conclusions:
- Zinc deficiency is a common nutritional complication in adult celiac disease.
- Trace metal deficiencies, including zinc and copper, are prevalent in celiac disease.
- Monitoring zinc status is important for managing adult celiac disease patients.