Zinc status in anorexia nervosa.

Area of Science:

• Nutritional biochemistry
• Human physiology
• Clinical nutrition

Background:

• Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder with complex physiological consequences.
• Zinc is an essential trace element crucial for numerous bodily functions.
• Nutritional status, including zinc levels, may be altered in anorexia nervosa.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the zinc nutritive status in patients with anorexia nervosa.
• To assess the impact of altered zinc status on zinc-dependent functions.
• To investigate the relationship between zinc levels and immune response in anorexia nervosa.

Main Methods:

• Measured anthropometric data, serum, urine, and hair zinc levels.
• Assessed serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as indicators of zinc-dependent enzyme activity.
• Evaluated delayed dermal hypersensitivity to assess immune function.

Main Results:

• Patients with anorexia nervosa had significantly higher serum (123%), hair (85%), and urine (215%) zinc levels compared to controls.
• Serum ALP and LDH levels were lower in patients (38% and 21%, respectively).
• Half of the patients exhibited hypoergy, with less than 50% showing a normal immune response.

Conclusions:

• Despite elevated zinc levels, patients with anorexia nervosa show impaired zinc-dependent functions.
• Reduced activity of zinc-dependent enzymes (ALP, LDH) and compromised immune response suggest functional zinc deficiency.
• These findings indicate that zinc unavailability may underlie functional impairments in anorexia nervosa.