Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026
13:04
Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells
Published on: May 16, 2019
Zinc: an essential trace element for parenteral nutrition
1Department of Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. khushjeejeebhoy@compuserve.com
Gastroenterology
|October 31, 2009
Summary
Zinc is vital for enzymes and growth. Deficiency causes stunting and acrodermatitis enteropathica, especially in children and patients on total parenteral nutrition (TPN), requiring specific zinc intake.
Area of Science:
- Human Nutrition and Metabolism
- Trace Element Biochemistry
Background:
- Zinc is an essential trace element crucial for numerous enzyme systems, including DNA polymerase.
- Zinc deficiency is linked to impaired growth, sexual immaturity, and a severe condition known as acrodermatitis enteropathica in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical role of zinc in human health and nutrition.
- To address zinc requirements in patients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN), particularly those with gastrointestinal issues.
Main Methods:
- Review of established knowledge on zinc's biological functions and deficiency symptoms.
- Analysis of balance studies to estimate zinc requirements in TPN patients.
Main Results:
- Zinc deficiency manifests as growth stunting and sexual immaturity.
- Acrodermatitis enteropathica, a fatal condition, occurs in children with zinc deficiency and in TPN patients lacking zinc supplementation.
- Estimated daily zinc requirements in TPN are 3 mg for patients without GI losses and 12 mg for those with diarrhea or fistula.
Conclusions:
- Adequate zinc intake is essential for preventing deficiency-related health issues.
- Specific zinc supplementation protocols are necessary for patients on TPN, adjusted for gastrointestinal losses.
Related Concept Videos
02:35Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
Like all living organisms, plants require organic and inorganic nutrients to survive, reproduce, grow and maintain homeostasis. To identify nutrients that are essential for plant functioning, researchers have leveraged a technique called hydroponics. In hydroponic culture systems, plants are grown—without soil—in water-based solutions containing nutrients. At least 17 nutrients have been identified as essential elements required by plants. Plants acquire these elements from the atmosphere, the...
01:33Introduction to Electrolytes
In humans, electrolytes play a vital role in various physiological processes. Balancing electrolyte levels is essential for normal body functions; their imbalance can be life-threatening. The major electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonate. They are primarily involved in physiological processes, such as nerve signal transmission, membrane trafficking, muscle contraction, buffering body fluids, and balancing water levels in the body.
Role of Sodium
One...
Role of Sodium
One...
01:31Essential Minerals for Bone Health
The minerals contained in all of the food we consume are essential for our organ systems. However, certain essential minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and fluoride, largely affect bone health.
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
01:26Enteral Nutrition I: Orogastric and Nasogastric Feeding
Enteral nutrition delivers nutrients directly to the stomach or small intestine through a tube. This method is appropriate for patients who cannot eat but still have a functioning digestive system. It is also beneficial for individuals with swallowing difficulties, anorexia, malabsorption, or those who have undergone gastrointestinal (GI) surgery.
Orogastric (OG) and nasogastric (NG) feeding are two standard methods used for enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition is often preferred over...
Orogastric (OG) and nasogastric (NG) feeding are two standard methods used for enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition is often preferred over...
01:27Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
Parenteral Nutrition (PN) delivers essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. It is commonly used for individuals with severe digestive disorders or conditions that prevent normal nutrient absorption.
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
01:26Minerals
Minerals are essential nutrients that the human body needs in small amounts to work properly. They play a vital role in many bodily functions, such as building strong bones and transmitting nerve impulses. Some minerals are needed for hormone production or to maintain a normal heartbeat. Major minerals include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium, while trace minerals include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium.