Zinc absorption in alcoholics using zinc-65.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Nutritional Science
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Alcoholism is frequently associated with nutritional deficiencies.
• Zinc deficiency is a known complication of chronic alcohol abuse.
• The underlying mechanisms, particularly malabsorption, require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of zinc malabsorption in alcohol-induced zinc deficiency.
• To quantify zinc absorption in alcoholic patients compared to healthy controls.
• To assess serum zinc levels in alcoholic patients.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a dual isotope absorption technique to measure zinc absorption.
• Recruited 18 alcoholic patients and a control group for absorption studies.
• Measured serum zinc concentrations in 55 alcoholic patients and 36 healthy volunteers.

Main Results:

• Alcoholic patients exhibited significantly reduced zinc absorption (37%) compared to controls (56%).
• Mean serum zinc levels were lower in alcoholic patients (11.6 mumol/l) than in controls (13.6 mumol/l).
• Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences in both absorption and serum levels (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Chronic alcohol abuse impairs the body's ability to absorb zinc.
• Decreased zinc absorption is a likely contributing factor to zinc deficiency in alcoholism.
• Findings highlight the importance of monitoring zinc status in individuals with alcohol use disorder.