Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
13:04
Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells
Published on: May 16, 2019
Is zinc deficiency a public health problem?
1Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555-1109, USA.
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Zinc deficiency is a significant public health issue, particularly affecting women and children. Studies show low zinc levels impact pregnancy outcomes, highlighting the need for adequate zinc intake.
Area of Science:
- Human nutrition
- Public health
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Zinc is a vital micronutrient for all living organisms.
- Human zinc deficiency was identified in adolescents in Iran and Egypt over 30 years ago.
- Dietary factors significantly influence zinc absorption and retention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence and impact of zinc deficiency as a public health concern.
- To investigate the relationship between zinc status and pregnancy outcomes.
- To explore the link between iron and zinc nutritional status in women.
Main Methods:
- Factorial calculations and balance studies to determine zinc requirements.
- Tracer studies to assess zinc bioavailability and turnover.
- Epidemiological studies correlating plasma zinc levels with health outcomes.
- Controlled intervention trials to evaluate zinc repletion efficacy.
Main Results:
- Many women and children are identified to be at risk of zinc deficiency based on dietary intake versus requirements.
- Low plasma zinc levels are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Zinc supplementation trials demonstrated improved pregnancy outcomes.
- Low iron status in women frequently coexists with low zinc status.
Conclusions:
- Zinc deficiency is a widespread public health problem.
- Adequate zinc nutrition is crucial for normal pregnancy.
- Co-existing deficiencies of iron and zinc warrant attention in nutritional interventions.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
01:25Immunodeficiency Diseases
Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
01:30Vitamins
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 in our...
01:26Minerals
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.
01:13Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
01:28Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, poses significant public health challenges globally due to its high seroprevalence and varied clinical manifestations. As an obligate intracellular parasite, T. gondii can infect all warm-blooded vertebrates, but felids are its only definitive hosts, shedding unsporulated oocysts into the environment. Humans typically acquire the infection through ingestion of tissue cysts in undercooked meat or oocysts from...