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Unusual low plasma levels of zinc in non‐pregnant Congolese women.
Author(s) -
Kuvibidila Solo,
Vuvu Mbele
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.22.2_supplement.735
Subject(s) - zinc , ceruloplasmin , albumin , acute phase protein , medicine , endocrinology , population , inflammation , zinc deficiency (plant disorder) , biomarker , retinol binding protein , chemistry , retinol , vitamin , biochemistry , environmental health , organic chemistry
Plasma zinc is the most commonly used biomarker of zinc status at the population level. Although sub‐optimal zinc levels are thought to be high in Sub‐Saharan Africa, there is a paucity of data in Congolese women. We measured plasma zinc in 77 lactating and 31 non‐lactating women of mean age 28 y and 32 y, respectively. Mean zinc levels (mcg/L) were lower in lactating (455) than in non‐lactating (766) women (p<0.001). About 80% of women had zinc levels < 700 mcg/L. Mean albumin, prealbumin, retinol binding protein, CRP, and ceruloplasmin (CER) were within normal range and not statistically different between groups. However, mean alpha1‐acid glycoprotein (AGP, g/L) was higher in lactating (1.365) than in non‐lactating (1.178) women (p <0.05). Although acute inflammation (CRP > 10 mg/L) was not responsible for low zinc levels, the % of women with zinc <500 mcg/L increased with the number of acute phase proteins with levels suggestive of inflammation (AGP >1.2 g/L, CER >500 mg/L). Multiple regression analysis suggested that parity was the most important factor associated with low zinc levels (p <0.05). Despite lack of data on zinc dietary intake and small sample size, data suggest that sub‐optimal zinc status may be common in this community. Given the role of zinc in immunity, child growth and cognition, further studies are required in the community. Funds: Nestle, LSU Health Sciences Center & Oklahoma State Universities.