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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells

Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells

Published on: May 16, 2019

Zinc deficiency in elderly patients

A S Prasad¹, J T Fitzgerald, J W Hess

¹Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI.

Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)

|May 1, 1993

Summary

Mild zinc deficiency is common in the elderly, impacting immunity and health. Supplementation can correct these deficiencies, improving immune response and taste acuity in older adults.

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Characterizing Mammalian Zinc Transporters Using an In Vitro Zinc Transport Assay

Characterizing Mammalian Zinc Transporters Using an In Vitro Zinc Transport Assay

Published on: June 2, 2023

Area of Science:

Gerontology
Nutritional Immunology
Human Nutrition

Background:

Zinc is vital for immune function, growth, and neurosensory processes.
Reduced zinc intake is common in the elderly, but its impact on immunity is not well-established.
This study investigates zinc status and its effects on cell-mediated immunity in healthy elderly individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

To assess zinc status and its association with cell-mediated immunity in elderly Americans.
To determine the effects of zinc deficiency on immune responses, skin-test reactivity, and taste acuity.
To evaluate the efficacy of zinc supplementation in correcting deficiencies and improving health outcomes in the elderly.

Main Methods:

Assessed nutritional and zinc status in 180 healthy elderly subjects.
Measured plasma zinc, granulocyte/lymphocyte zinc, plasma copper, and interleukin-1 (IL-1) production.
Evaluated immune response via skin-test antigen panels and assessed taste acuity.

Main Results:

Elderly subjects had lower dietary zinc intake (9.06 mg/day) than recommended (15 mg/day).
While plasma zinc was normal, granulocyte and lymphocyte zinc levels were decreased; 36% of subjects showed deficient levels.
Zinc supplementation normalized plasma copper, increased IL-1 production, and improved immune responses and taste acuity.

Conclusions:

Mild zinc deficiency is a significant clinical issue in free-living elderly individuals.
Zinc deficiency negatively affects cell-mediated immunity, immune response, and taste.
Zinc supplementation can effectively correct deficiency, normalize copper levels, and enhance immune function and sensory perception in the elderly.