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Title: Effect of low zinc formula on zinc status, zinc absorption and immune function in rhesus monkeys

Conference · · FASEB Journal (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology); (United States)
OSTI ID:5146541

Low Zn intake causes decreased growth and impaired immune function during infancy. However, little is known about the events causing these outcomes and the body's capacity to adapt to a low intake. To study this, 3 groups of infant rhesus monkeys were fed from birth to 5 mo of age either a regular infant formula or a low Zn formula. Since the Fe level of formula may affect Zn absorption, the low Zn formula was given without or with Fe supplement. At monthly intervals, Zn absorption was assessed by gavage feeding with {sup 65}Zn and whole body counting immediately after and at 4 to 7 days post-dosing. Before each dosing, blood samples were drawn and hemoglobin, ferritin, cytokines, plasma Zn and Cu, and metallothionein (Mt) were determined. Infants fed low Zn formula had slower weight gain than controls; however, plasma Zn levels were normal. Plasma Mt levels were lower in low Zn infants at 1 mo, but normalized thereafter. Zn retention was higher in both low Zn groups than in controls. Hemoglobin levels were normal in all groups and Fe intake did not affect Zn absorption or status. Neutrophil chemotaxis assessed at the end of the study was impaired in low Zn infants as compared to controls. In conclusion, low Zn intake causes up-regulation of Zn absorption but not enough to fully compensate for the lower Zn intake.

OSTI ID:
5146541
Report Number(s):
CONF-9104107-; CODEN: FAJOE
Journal Information:
FASEB Journal (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology); (United States), Vol. 5:5; Conference: 75. annual meeting of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), Atlanta, GA (United States), 21-25 Apr 1991; ISSN 0892-6638
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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