Plasma zinc uptake from a supplement during submaximal running

The uptake of zinc (Zn) into the plasma after the ingestion of 25 mg of Zn from multivitamin-mineral supplement was studied in 10 men during running (R) and control (C) conditions; the R was for 2 h at 60-65% of their maximal oxygen uptake. Subjects took the supplement with 200 ml of deionized water before the R or C (0-time). Blood was drawn before the Zn load and every 30 min for 3 h. By 2 h, plasma Zn concentrations had risen to values that were 151 +/- 7% and 149 +/- 5% of (0-time) R and C concentrations, respectively. Furthermore, the average rates of Zn uptake into the plasma did not differ between the R and C (4.4 vs 3.8 mumol.l-1.h-1) conditions. Finally, areas under the curve were not different (R: 13.2 +/- 1.8 mumol.l-1.3h-1; C: 11.5 +/- 1.5 mumol.l-1.3h-1). In summary, submaximal endurance running did not affect plasma Zn uptake and therefore absorption of Zn from a supplement taken just prior to exercise. The effect of chronic exercise on Zn absorption remains to be determined.