Dietary model for production of experimental zinc deficiency in man

Abstract

A semipurified diet based on soy protein was developed to induce mild zinc deficiency in five male volunteers. Each of seven daily menus provided (mean +/- SD) 2248 +/- 128 kcal, 56.6 +/- 5.7 protein, 261 +/- 30 g carbohydrate, 110 +/- 21 g fat, 8.5 +/- 1.4 g fiber, and 4.8 +/- 1.3 mg zinc. The analytical value for phytate:zinc molar ratio was 21 +/- 9. One subject, who received five of the menus for 28 wk, lost approximately 200 mg body zinc and 7% weight; zinc concentration declined 25% in plasma, 30% in lymphocytes, and 55% in neutrophils. This dietary model allowed simple formulation of new menus for subjects in diverse states of health. It caused no ill effects after prolonged consumption, and all deficiency symptoms were reversed by zinc supplementation of 30 mg/d for 20 wk. With simple manipulation, this dietary model may be used safely for gradual induction of zinc and/or other micronutrient deficiencies in humans.

Effects of Zinc Deficiency on Th1 and Th2 Cytokine Shifts

“…We developed an experimental model that allowed us to study specific effects of mild zinc deficiency on human immune functions [9]. A semipurified diet based on texturized soy protein was developed for consumption by human volunteers.…”

“…After that they received a semipurified soy protein-based experimental diet that supplied 3.0-5.0 mg of zinc/day. The details for preparation of the experimental diet have been published [9]. This regime was continued for 28 weeks, after which the subjects received 27 mg of zinc supplement/day for 12 weeks while still consuming the experimental diet.…”

A Case of Acrodermatitis Enteropathica

“…Zinc in hair and erythrocytes does not reflect the active or recent status of body zinc, inasmuch as these tissues are turn over only slowly. Furthermore, in cases of mild zinc deficiency in humans, the plasma levels of zinc may remain normal, and there may not be any clinically overt evidence of zinc deficiency, thus creating a difficult diagnostic problem (10).…”

Effects of zinc deficiency on immune functions

“…We have developed an experimental model which allowed us to study specific effects of mild zinc deficiency in humans on immune functions [9]. A semi-purified diet based on texturized soy protein was prepared for consumption by human volunteers.…”

“…After that they received a semi-purified soy-protein-based experimental diet that supplied 3.0-5.0 mg Zn/d. The details for preparation of the experimental diet have been published earlier elsewhere [9]. This regime was continued for 28 weeks, after which the subjects received 27 mg Zn/d supplement for 12 weeks while still consuming experimental diet.…”