Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 19, 2026
13:04
Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells
Published on: May 16, 2019
39.3K
Zinc and infant nutrition.
M Leigh Ackland1, Agnes A Michalczyk1
1Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia.
Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics
|June 19, 2016
Summary
Zinc is vital for infant health, with deficiency posing serious risks. Supplementation can prevent severe outcomes, highlighting the importance of adequate zinc nutrition for development and immunity.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Cellular Biology
- Public Health
Background:
- Zinc is an essential nutrient crucial for cellular processes and early development.
- Breast milk typically provides adequate zinc, but deficiencies can occur, posing risks to infants.
- Zinc transporters are key to maintaining cellular zinc homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the significance of adequate zinc nutrition in infants.
- To discuss factors influencing zinc nutrition and the consequences of deficiency.
- To identify knowledge gaps in zinc biology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on zinc's role in infant nutrition.
- Analysis of factors affecting zinc bioavailability and deficiency.
- Examination of zinc deficiency's impact on health and disease.
Main Results:
- Zinc deficiency impairs immune function and increases susceptibility to infections like diarrhea and pneumonia.
- Inadequate zinc can have intergenerational effects through epigenetic modifications.
- Altered zinc transporters offer insights into cellular zinc regulation.
Conclusions:
- Adequate zinc nutrition is critical for infant health, immunity, and development.
- Zinc deficiency is a significant global health issue, particularly affecting young children.
- Further research is needed to address knowledge gaps in zinc biology and nutrition.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:26Minerals
1.6K
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.
Major...
Major...
1.6K
01:23Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
652
Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
652
01:29Drug Dosing: Infants and Children
698
Pediatric patient dosages diverge from adults due to disparities in body surface area, total body water, and extracellular fluid per kilogram of body weight. The dosing regimen considers the variations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacology across distinct age groups, encompassing preterm newborns, infants, young children, older children, and adolescents. Calculation of pediatric patient doses is predicated on determining body surface area, which exhibits a superior correlation with the child's...
698
01:31Essential Minerals for Bone Health
7.0K
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...
7.0K
01:30Vitamins
2.8K
Vitamins, derived from the Latin word for life, are essential organic substances required in small quantities for optimal growth and overall well-being. Unlike other organic nutrients, vitamins don't act as sources of energy or building materials but rather facilitate these nutrients' utilization by the body. Vitamins are predominantly coenzymes, assisting enzymes in specific chemical actions, like the oxidation of glucose for energy involving B vitamins. Most vitamins are not produced...
2.8K
01:33Introduction to Electrolytes
17.5K
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...
17.5K