Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells
Published on: May 16, 2019
The relationship of zinc to protein utilization in the preadolescent child
Abstract:
The effects of zinc intake on nitrogen utilization was investigated during a 20-day balance study with 23 preadolescent girls. The children were fed a diet which provided 4.17 g of nitrogen and 5.5 mg of zinc daily; the diet was supplemented with a combination of 5 mg of zinc and/or nitrogen supplied from either amino acids or nonspecific nitrogen. Complete collections of excreta were made throughout the study. Neither the supplementation of amino acids nor zinc improved the retention of nitrogen. Urinary excretion of urea nitrogen, uric acid, and creatinine were not different as a result of zinc supplementation. Subjects consuming the lower level of zinc were in negative zinc balance, but the subjects consuming 10.5 mg of zinc were in positive balance. The supplementation of this low protein diet with amino acids did not improve nitrogen retention.
Related Concept Videos
Introduction to Electrolytes
Role of Sodium
One...
Essential Minerals for 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...
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Proteins: Dietary Sources and Requirements
Overview of Protein Metabolism
Amino acids play various roles in the body once they are absorbed into cells. They are restructured...
Minerals

