Mild zinc deficiency in humans led to reduced zinc levels in blood and urine. This study offers insights into developing diagnostic criteria for human zinc deficiency.
Area of Science:
Human physiology
Nutritional science
Biochemistry
Background:
Zinc is an essential trace element vital for numerous biological functions.
Understanding the effects of mild zinc deficiency is crucial for public health.
Previous research has focused on severe zinc deficiency, leaving mild states less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
To investigate the physiological and biochemical effects of a mild zinc-deficient state in human volunteers.
To identify potential biomarkers for diagnosing mild zinc deficiency.
To establish a basis for developing diagnostic criteria for human zinc deficiency.
Main Methods:
Four male volunteers underwent a controlled dietary zinc restriction for several weeks.
Metabolic conditions were strictly maintained throughout the study.
Zinc concentrations in plasma, erythrocytes, leukocytes, and urine were measured.
Activities of zinc-dependent enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, ribonuclease, deoxythymidine kinase) were assessed.
Levels of total protein, total collagen, ribonucleic acid, and plasma ammonia were monitored.
Body weight changes were recorded.
Main Results:
Dietary zinc restriction led to decreased zinc concentrations in plasma, erythrocytes, leukocytes, and urine.
Activities of plasma alkaline phosphatase and ribonuclease were affected by zinc status.
Adverse effects on total protein, collagen, RNA, and deoxythymidine kinase activity were observed in connective tissue.
Elevated plasma ammonia levels and weight loss were noted in all subjects.
Conclusions:
Mild zinc deficiency impacts zinc levels in various bodily fluids and tissues.
Changes in specific enzymes and biochemical markers are associated with reduced dietary zinc.
This study provides foundational data for developing diagnostic criteria for mild human zinc deficiency.
