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Pre-breakfast plasma zinc concentrations: the effect of previous meals
K M Hambidge1, J C King, D L Kern
1University of Colorado, Department of Pediatrics, Denver 80262.
Journal of Trace Elements and Electrolytes in Health and Disease
|December 1, 1990
Summary
The timing and size of your last meal significantly impact morning plasma zinc levels. Adjusting meal times and quantity can influence these crucial nutrient concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Plasma zinc concentrations are vital indicators of nutritional status.
- Understanding factors influencing diurnal variations in plasma zinc is important for accurate assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of the timing and size of the last meal on pre-breakfast plasma zinc levels.
- To determine the extent to which meal variables explain variations in morning zinc concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Nine healthy women participated in four separate study conditions.
- Standardized meals were administered at different times (1800h, 2400h) and quantities (single, double) on consecutive days.
- Plasma zinc concentrations were measured at 0700 hours on the subsequent day.
Main Results:
- Later meal times and increased meal size significantly reduced the difference between evening and morning plasma zinc.
- A single meal at 1800h showed the largest drop in plasma zinc by 0700h.
- Meal timing and size accounted for 59% of the variation in 0700h plasma zinc concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Pre-breakfast plasma zinc levels are demonstrably influenced by the timing and size of the previous evening's meal(s).
- Optimizing late-evening meal patterns may help stabilize morning plasma zinc concentrations.
