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Updated: May 15, 2026
13:04
Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells
Published on: May 16, 2019
Human zinc deficiency: discovery to initial translation.
1The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA. hsandste@mac.com
Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.)
|January 16, 2013
Summary
Zinc deficiency was identified as a cause of severe growth stunting and hypopituitarism. Dietary factors, particularly phytate in unleavened bread, were found to inhibit zinc absorption, impacting growth.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Endocrinology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Ananda S Prasad observed severe growth stunting and hypopituitarism in a patient with iron deficiency in 1958.
- The condition, characterized by dwarfism, prepubertal features, hepatosplenomegaly, and geophagia, was noted in 11 reported cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of growth stunting and hypopituitarism observed in patients.
- To determine the role of zinc deficiency and dietary factors in the observed condition.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated patients with severe iron deficiency and growth stunting.
- Conducted zinc kinetics studies and endocrine assessments.
- Assessed the efficacy of zinc supplementation and dietary interventions on growth.
Main Results:
- Zinc deficiency was confirmed as a contributing factor to growth stunting and hypopituitarism.
- Treatment with zinc and an omnivorous diet significantly improved growth compared to other interventions.
- Dietary phytate and zinc-binding ligands were identified as inhibitors of zinc absorption.
Conclusions:
- Zinc deficiency plays a critical role in severe growth stunting and hypopituitarism.
- Dietary modifications, including reducing phytate intake, are crucial for improving zinc absorption and growth.
- Early identification and intervention for zinc deficiency are essential for addressing growth impairments.
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