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Complementary food (CF) choices are critical to meet physiologic requirements for zinc (Zn)
Author(s) -
Westcott Jamie English,
Culbertson Diana,
Lei Sian,
Hambidge K Michael,
Post Kathryn,
Krebs Nancy F
Publication year - 2011
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.25.1_supplement.211.3
Subject(s) - zinc , chemistry , zoology , urine , food science , biology , biochemistry , organic chemistry
Background Breastfed infants are dependent on CF to meet Zn physiologic requirements (PR) after 6 mo of age. Objective Compare Zn homeostasis in exclusively breastfed infants (EBFI) randomized to different CF regimens emphasizing meat or fortified infant cereals. Methods 42 EBFI were randomized to 1 of 3 CF regimens to start at ~6 mo: Fe‐fortified cereal (IFC), Fe/Zn‐fortified cereal (IZFC), or meat (M); all infants were allowed fruits/vegetables ad lib. Between 9–10 mo, Zn stable isotopes were administered orally with human milk (HM) and CF; a 3 rd isotope was administered IV. Total dietary Zn intake (TDZ) was determined from duplicate diets and 3‐d test weighing. Fractional absorption of Zn (FAZ) was measured by dual isotope ratios in urine. Total absorbed Zn (TAZ) = FAZ x TDZ. Percent of infants with TAZ ≥ PR was also determined for each group. Results *:IFC (n=13) IZFC (n=14) M (n=12)Diet Zn (HM) † 0.31 ± 0.04 0.26 ± 0.04 0.24 ± 0.05 Diet Zn (CF) † 1.42 ± 0.14 a 3.12 ± 0.19 b 3.31 ± 0.31 bAZ (HM) † 0.16 ± 0.03 0.11 ± 0.02 0.09 ± 0.03 AZ (CF) † 0.36 ± 0.05 a 0.60 ± 0.09 a,b 0.71 ± 0.08 bTAZ † 0.52 ± 0.05 a 0.71 ± 0.09 a,b 0.80 ± 0.08 b% meeting PR 0 29 46* Mean ± SE, different superscripts within row indicate sig diff (ANOVA, P<0.05); † mg/dConclusions These data confirm that HM provides modest contribution to meeting Zn requirements at this age. Absorption efficiency does not compensate for low Zn intake of unfortified cereal to meet PR. Older breastfed infants are thus vulnerable to Zn deficiency unless consuming fortified or naturally rich complementary foods. Support: The Beef Checkoff, NCBA and NIH K24DK083772.