Nutritional status of Ribeirinhos in Brazil and the nutrition transition

Anthropometric and household data (size, composition, economic activity) were collected from a population of Ribeirinhos living in a rural setting in the eastern Amazon. Data are compared to international reference standards and to other Amazonian populations with the goals of increasing our understanding of the Amazon's largest ethnic group and identifying the relationship between changes in subsistence strategies and nutritional status. Data on height, weight, skinfolds, and circumferences were collected from 471 adults and subadults. The population showed a high degree of stunting with an average HAZ below -2.0 for all age groups over 3 years, and 60% of adult men and 70% of adult women were stunted. Wasting was rare. Average skinfold thicknesses and upper-arm muscle area were near or below average but within the normal range compared to the reference standard, indicating adequate energy and protein stores. Thirty-one percent of males and 29% of females were overweight/obese, and the highest average BMIs were found among men and women in their 40s. Adult males who participated in wage labor had higher weights, BMIs, and UMA values, and were more likely to be overweight and obese compared with those who did not work in wage-labor jobs. Children of fathers who worked in wage labor had higher BMI and UMA values, but there was no significant effect on the nutritional status of other adults in these same households. Signs of the nutrition transition were most noticeable among adult males involved in wage labor because of changes in their diet and activity patterns.     

Impact of tooth replacement strategies on the nutritional status of partially-dentate elders

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00579.x
Impact of tooth replacement strategies on the nutritional status of partially‐dentate elders Objective: To investigate the impact of tooth replacement on the nutritional status of partially dentate older patients, and, to compare two different tooth replacement strategies; conventional treatment using removable partial dentures and functionally orientated treatment based on the shortened dental arch. Background: Amongst older patients, diet plays a key role in disease prevention, as poor diets have been linked to numerous illnesses. Poor oral health and loss of teeth can have very significant negative effects on dietary intake and nutritional status for elderly patients. There is evidence that good oral health generally, has positive effects on the nutritional intake of older adults. Materials and methods: A randomised, controlled clinical trial was designed to investigate the impact of tooth replacement on the nutritional status of partially dentate elders. Forty‐four patients aged over 65 years completed the trial, with 21 allocated to conventional treatment and 23 allocated to functionally orientated treatment. Nutritional status was accessed at baseline and after treatment using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and a range of haematological markers. Results: At baseline, relationships were observed between the number of occluding tooth contacts and some measures of nutritional status. As the number of contacts increased, MNA scores (R = 0.16), in addition to vitamin B12 (R = 0.21), serum folate (R = 0.32) and total lymphocyte count (R = 0.35), also increased. After treatment intervention, the only measure of nutritional status that showed a statistically significant improvement for both treatment groups was MNA score (p = 0.03). No significant between group differences were observed from analysis of the haematological data. Conclusion: In this study, prosthodontic rehabilitation with both conventional treatment and functionally orientated treatment resulted in an improvement in MNA score. Haematological markers did not illustrate a clear picture of improvement in nutritional status for either treatment group.     

Nutritional Status in Community-Dwelling Elderly in France in Urban and Rural Areas

Malnutrition is a frequent condition in elderly people, especially in nursing homes and geriatric wards. Its frequency is less well known among elderly living at home. The objective of this study was to describe the nutritional status evaluated by the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) of elderly community-dwellers living in rural and urban areas in France and to investigate its associated factors.

Methods

Subjects aged 65 years and over from the Approche Multidisciplinaire Intégrée (AMI) cohort (692 subjects living in a rural area) and the Three-City (3C) cohort (8,691 subjects living in three large urban zones) were included. A proxy version of the MNA was reconstructed using available data from the AMI cohort. Sensitivity and specificity were used to evaluate the agreement between the proxy version and the standard version in AMI. The proxy MNA was computed in both cohorts to evaluate the frequency of poor nutritional status. Factors associated with this state were investigated in each cohort separately.

Results

In the rural sample, 38.0% were females and the mean age was 75.5 years. In the urban sample, 60.3% were females and the mean age was 74.1 years. Among subjects in living in the rural sample, 7.4% were in poor nutritional status while the proportion was 18.5% in the urban sample. Female gender, older age, being widowed, a low educational level, low income, low body mass index, being demented, having a depressive symptomatology, a loss of autonomy and an intake of more than 3 drugs appeared to be independently associated with poor nutritional status.

Conclusion

Poor nutritional status was commonly observed among elderly people living at home in both rural and urban areas. The associated factors should be further considered for targeting particularly vulnerable individuals.     

Assessment of Zinc Status in School-Age Children from Rural Areas in China Nutrition and Health Survey 2002 and 2012

Zinc is an essential trace element for growth and development in children, but zinc deficiency is a serious nutritional problem worldwide. Our study aimed to assess the zinc status of school-age children living in rural areas of China and to examine the change of zinc status based on the China Nutrition and Health Survey 2002 and 2012. We used the probability proportional to size sampling method for subject selection, and a total of 3407 school-age children were included in this study. Zinc status was assessed by three items of indicators recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group (IZiNCG). The concentration of serum zinc was 718.2 μg/L, and 44.4% of children being zinc deficiency in 2002, while 846.8 μg/L and 10.4% in 2012. Zinc intake was 7.8 mg/day with a 7.6% inadequate zinc intake in 2002, together with 6.9 mg/day and 38.2% in 2012. Height-for-age Z score was ?1.06 and 19.1% of children being stunting in 2002, as well as ?0.15 and 6.8% in 2012. In conclusion, the zinc status of school-age children living in rural areas of China has been significantly improved in addition to zinc intake over the past 10 years. However, the zinc deficiency still observed in poor rural areas of China in 2012. In addition, we suggested that the zinc bioavailability should be taken into account when assessing zinc status in population.     

Migration,Remittances and Nutrition Outcomes of Left-Behind Children: A National-Level Quantitative Assessment of Guatemala

Historically, Guatemalans have suffered high rates of poverty and malnutrition while nearly ten percent of their population resides abroad. Many Guatemalan parents use economic migration, mainly international migration to the United States, as a means to improve the human capital prospects of their children. However, as this investigation shows, the timing of migration events in relation to left-behind children’s ages has important, often negative and likely permanent, repercussions on the physical development of their children. To illustrate these dynamics, this investigation uses an instrumental variables framework to disentangle the countervailing effects of Guatemalan fathers’ absences due to migration from concomitant remittances on left-behind children’s growth outcomes. Based on national-level data collected in 2000, the investigation reveals that the international migration of a father in the previous year is correlated with a 22.1% lower length/height-for-age z-score for the average left-behind child aged ≤ 3. In contrast, the receipt of remittance income has no influence on the physical stature of a child, which may indicate that migrant fathers with young children are not able to achieve economic success soon enough during their ventures abroad to fully ameliorate the harmful effects caused by their absences.     

Urban–rural disparities of child health and nutritional status in China from 1989 to 2006

This paper analyzes urban–rural disparities of China's child health and nutritional status using the China Health and Nutrition Survey data from 1989 to 2006. We investigate degrees of health and nutritional disparities between urban and rural children in China as well as how such disparities have changed during the period 1989–2006. The results show that on average urban children have 0.29 higher height-for-age z-scores and 0.19 greater weight-for-age z-scores than rural children. Urban children are approximately 40% less likely to be stunted (OR = 0.62; p < 0.01) or underweight (OR = 0.62; p < 0.05) during the period 1989–2006. We also find that the urban–rural health and nutritional disparities have been declining significantly from 1989 to 2006. Both urban and rural children have increased consumption of high protein and fat foods from 1989 to 2006, but the urban–rural difference decreased over time. Moreover, the urban–rural gap in child preventive health care access was also reduced during this period.     

Prey use and nutritional differences between reproductive states and age classes in Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) in the Bahamas

Nutritional quality of prey is a significant driver of predator foraging patterns. In mammals, nutritional needs are known to change across ontogeny and reproductive state; however, little is known about nutrition in marine mammals. For this study, we used observational data of diurnal foraging events, collected annually from 1992 to 2009, to investigate nutrition and prey use in Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) on Little Bahama Bank, Bahamas, between reproductive states (lactating, pregnant, nonreproductively active [NRA]. We also investigated the impact of age class association (various calf age groups [ages 1–6], older “noncalf” juveniles, and adults) on foraging group nutrition and prey use. To obtain representative nutrient values, we measured calories, lipids, proteins, and moisture in common prey. Using nutritional values and observational data, we investigated the influence of nutritional value on prey use. Results indicated that specific nutrients were targeted by different reproductive states and age class groups. Nutritional intake of all nutrients was higher for lactating females than pregnant females, but lower than NRA females. Investigation of age group associations revealed that nutritional intake of all four nutrients was higher for noncalf than calf‐associated groups. This study represents one of the first investigations of intraspecific prey use and nutritional differences in cetaceans.     

Oral health‐related quality of life and nutritional status of institutionalized elderly population aged 60 years and above in Mysore City,India

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00651.x Oral health‐related quality of life and nutritional status of institutionalized elderly population aged 60 years and above in Mysore City, India Objective: To assess whether oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) is associated with nutritional status in the institutionalised elderly population of Mysore. Background: Malnutrition in the elderly has an evident impact on their general health and quality of life. Analysis of data of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and their association with the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) results improves our understanding of the complex relationship between oral health and malnutrition. Materials and methods: The study was conducted among the institutionalised elderly population in Mysore city, Karnataka. Data on socio‐demographic, oral health status were gathered. OHRQoL was evaluated using GOHAI, and malnutrition risk using MNA. Results: Out of 141 elderly, 41.1% were men and 58.9% were women with mean age of 72.2 ± 7.5 years. Mean GOHAI score was 47.03 ± 9.2, with 69.5% had low perception of oral health. Mean MNA score was 9.91 ± 2.4, 15.6% were malnourished, 52.5% were at risk of malnutrition and 31.9% were adequately nourished. A strong association was found between the mean GOHAI and MNA scores. Conclusion: Oral health–related quality of life was associated with nutritional deficit, and it requires a greater integration between dentistry and nutrition in the health promotion of older adults.     

Dual impacts of climate change: forest migration and turnover through life history

Tree species are predicted to track future climate by shifting their geographic distributions, but climate‐mediated migrations are not apparent in a recent continental‐scale analysis. To better understand the mechanisms of a possible migration lag, we analyzed relative recruitment patterns by comparing juvenile and adult tree abundances in climate space. One would expect relative recruitment to be higher in cold and dry climates as a result of tree migration with juveniles located further poleward than adults. Alternatively, relative recruitment could be higher in warm and wet climates as a result of higher tree population turnover with increased temperature and precipitation. Using the USDA Forest Service's Forest Inventory and Analysis data at regional scales, we jointly modeled juvenile and adult abundance distributions for 65 tree species in climate space of the eastern United States. We directly compared the optimal climate conditions for juveniles and adults, identified the climates where each species has high relative recruitment, and synthesized relative recruitment patterns across species. Results suggest that for 77% and 83% of the tree species, juveniles have higher optimal temperature and optimal precipitation, respectively, than adults. Across species, the relative recruitment pattern is dominated by relatively more abundant juveniles than adults in warm and wet climates. These different abundance‐climate responses through life history are consistent with faster population turnover and inconsistent with the geographic trend of large‐scale tree migration. Taken together, this juvenile–adult analysis suggests that tree species might respond to climate change by having faster turnover as dynamics accelerate with longer growing seasons and higher temperatures, before there is evidence of poleward migration at biogeographic scales.     

Relación entre el perfil oxidativo y el índice de diversidad de la dieta en adultos mayores de una zona urbano-marginal de Costa Rica

Background and objectiveThe older we get, the greater the production of reactive oxygen species and therefore the greater the oxidative stress, which is related to the deterioration of the health of older adults. This study analyzed the relationship between the oxidative profile and the dietary diversity index in an urban-marginal population of older adults in Costa Rica.MethodsEighty-eight older adults were studied and various markers of oxidative stress, serum glucose levels, lipid profile, and some micronutrients were determined. In addition, the body mass index (BMI) was calculated and the dietary diversity index (DDI) was determined.ResultsLipid peroxidation and DNA oxidation, a mean plasma antioxidant capacity percentage of 39.54 ± 10.67%, which decreased with age, were evidenced. 67% of the participants had alterations in glycemia, 73% had one or more alterations in blood lipid levels, 55% had insufficient vitamin D levels, and 68.6% were overweight. The average IDD was 4.91 points, indicating that the diet was not very diverse. No relationship was found between IDD and nutritional status, between nutritional status and oxidative stress, nor between biochemical variables and oxidative stress.ConclusionThe adults studied presented high oxidative stress, a high percentage of overweight, and a low IDD. A higher IDD was associated with a lower blood concentration of MDA and a higher % PAC.     

Fatty acid profiles among the Inuit of Nunavik: Current status and temporal change

The Inuit undergo substantial changes in their lifestyle, but few data exist on how these changes occur in biomarkers, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Here, we report data from a cross-sectional survey conducted in 2004 among 861 representative Nunavik Inuit adults, in whom FAs were measured in red blood cells (RBCs). FAs were also measured in plasma phospholipids (n=452) to assess temporal trend by comparing plasma PUFAs measured in 1992. Food intakes were estimated using a validated food frequency questionnaire. In 2004, marine food intake was 84±4 g/d (±SEM). Adjusted-mean of RBC omega-3 was significantly higher, and omega-6 lower, in older age groups (P_trend<0.001). In 2004, plasma omega-3 was 25% lower, while omega-6 was 9% higher, compared to 1992. Our study revealed that Nunavik Inuit adults still have high RBC omega-3, but show signs of nutritional transition – as indicated by lower omega-3 and higher trans-fats in RBCs of young compared to older.     

Dietary Silicon Intake of Korean Young Adult Males and Its Relation to their Bone Status

Accumulated data suggests a positive effect of silicon on bone health; however, limited research exists on the silicon content of foods. To further the understanding of the relationship between dietary silicon intake and bone health, a food composition database of commonly consumed foods in Korea is required. For quantitative data on the intake levels of silicon, we analyzed the silicon content of 365 food items commonly consumed in Korea using inductively coupled plasma—atomic emission spectrometry following microwave-assisted digestion. To investigate the dietary silicon intake status and to examine the potential role of dietary silicon intake in the bone status of men, a total of 400 healthy Korean adult males aged 19–25 were observed for their diet intake and calcaneus bone density using the 24-h recall method and quantitative ultrasound, respectively. Clinical markers reflecting bone metabolism such as serum total alkaline phosphatase, N-mid osteocalcin, and type 1 collagen C-terminal telopeptide concentrations were also analyzed. Silicon intake of the subjects was estimated as 37.5 ± 22.2 mg/day. Major food sources of dietary silicon in the Korean male were cereal and cereal products (25.6 % of total silicon intake), vegetables (22.7 %), beverages and liquors (21.2 %), and milk and milk products (7.0 %). Silicon intake correlated positively with age, weight, energy intake, protein intake, calcium intake, and alcohol intake. After adjusted for age, weight, energy intake, protein intake, calcium intake, alcohol intake, smoking cigarettes, and regular exercise status, daily total silicon intake had no correlation with calcaneus bone density and the bone metabolism markers, but silicon intake from vegetables had a positive correlation with serum total alkaline phosphatase activity, a bone formation maker. These findings show the possible positive relationship between dietary silicon intake from vegetables and the bone formation of young adult males. Further investigation in a larger (Korean) population and correcting for additional nutritional confounders is required to confirm these findings.     

Shrub control by browsing: Targeting adult plants

Reconciling the well known benefits of shrubs for forage with environmental goals, whilst preventing their dominance, is a major challenge in rangeland management. Browsing may be an economical solution for shrubby rangelands as herbivore browsing has been shown to control juvenile shrub growth. Less convincing results have been obtained for adult plants, and long-term experiments are required to investigate the cumulative effects on adult plants. We therefore assessed the impact of different levels of browsing intensity on key demographic parameters for a major dominant shrub species (broom, Cytisus scoparius), focusing on adult plants. We assigned individual broom plants to one of three age classes: 3–5 years (young adults); 5–7 years (adults); and 7–9 years (mature adults). These plants were then left untouched or had 50% or 90% of their total edible stem biomass removed in simulated low-intensity and high-intensity browsing treatments, respectively. Morphological, survival and fecundity data were collected over a period of four years. Browsing affected the morphology of individual plants, promoting changes in subsequent regrowth, and decreasing seed production. The heavily browsed plants were 17% shorter, 32% narrower, and their twigs were 28% shorter. Light browsing seemed to control the growth of young adult plants more effectively than that of older plants. Reproductive output was considerably lower than for control plants after light browsing, and almost 100% lower after heavy browsing. High-intensity browsing had a major effect on survival causing high levels of plant mortality. We conclude that suitable browsing practices could be used to modify adult shrub demography in the management of shrub dominance and forage value.     

Food and Nutrient Intake and Nutritional Status of Finnish Vegans and Non-Vegetarians

BackgroundVegetarian and vegan diets have become more popular among adolescents and young adults. However, few studies have investigated the nutritional status of vegans, who may be at risk of nutritional deficiencies.ObjectiveTo compare dietary intake and nutritional status of Finnish long-term vegans and non-vegetarians.MethodsDietary intake and supplement use were estimated using three-day dietary records. Nutritional status was assessed by measuring biomarkers in plasma, serum, and urine samples. Vegans’ (n = 22) data was compared with those of sex- and age-matched non-vegetarians (n = 19).ResultsAll vegans adhered strictly to their diet; however, individual variability was marked in food consumption and supplementation habits. Dietary intakes of key nutrients, vitamins B12 and D, were lower (P < 0.001) in vegans than in non-vegetarians. Nutritional biomarker measurements showed lower concentrations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3), iodine and selenium (corrected for multiple comparisons, P < 0.001), Vegans showed more favorable fatty acid profiles (P < 0.001) as well as much higher concentrations of polyphenols such as genistein and daidzein (P < 0.001). Eicosapentaenoic acid proportions in vegans were higher than expected. The median concentration of iodine in urine was below the recommended levels in both groups.ConclusionsLong-term consumption of a vegan diet was associated with some favorable laboratory measures but also with lowered concentrations of key nutrients compared to reference values. This study highlights the need for nutritional guidance to vegans.     

Nutritional composition of the diet of the western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla): Interspecific variation in diet quality

To meet nutritional needs, primates adjust their diets in response to local habitat differences, though whether these dietary modifications translate to changes in dietary nutrient intake is unknown. A previous study of two populations of the mountain gorilla (MG: Gorilla beringei) found no evidence for intraspecific variation in the nutrient composition of their diets, despite ecological and dietary differences between sites. One potential explanation is that nutritional variability in primate diets requires greater ecological divergence than what was captured between MG sites, underpinning environmental differences in the nutrient quality of plant foods. To test whether Gorilla exhibits interspecific variation in dietary composition and nutrient intake, we studied the composition and macronutrients of the western gorilla (WG: Gorilla gorilla) staple diets and compared them with published data from the two MG populations. We recorded feeding time and food intake of four adult female WGs from one habituated group over a period of 11 months (December 2004–October 2005) at the Mondika Research Center, Republic of Congo, allowing for assessment of seasonal patterns of nutrient intake. Staple diets of WGs and MGs diverged in their dietary and macronutrient composition. Compared to MGs, the staple diet of WGs (by intake) contained higher proportions of fruit (43%) and leaf (12%) and a lower proportion of herb (39%), resulting in a higher intake of total nonstructural carbohydrate and fiber and a lower intake of crude protein. Staple gorilla fruits and herbs differed in nutrient quality between sites. Gorillas exhibit nutritional flexibility that reflects ecological variation in the nutrient quality of plant foods. Since dietary quality typically affects rates of growth and reproduction in primates, our results suggest that interspecific differences in nutrient intake and food quality may shape differences in gorilla nutrient balancing and female life history strategies.     

Determinantes sociales,clínicos y psicosociales asociados a hipertensión arterial no controlada en adultos mayores. Encuesta SABE Colombia 2016

ObjectiveTo evaluate sociodemographic, clinical and psychosocial characteristics that are associated with uncontrolled arterial hypertension (HANC) in older adults in Colombia.MethodsSecondary analysis of data from the National Survey of Health, Welfare and Aging (SABE Colombia 2016), in which men and women aged 60 years or older in the country who were not institutionalized were interviewed. The dependent variable was uncontrolled hypertension (HANC) (≥140/90 mm Hg). The SABE survey surveyed 23694 older adults; 11264 had a diagnosis of arterial hypertension (HTA) and were taking antihypertensive medication. On the other hand, 5106 older adults, randomly selected, had their blood pressure taken. Participants previously diagnosed with HTA under medical management with antihypertensives and who had had their blood pressure taken at the same time were included, resulting in a sample of 2656 participants. Sociodemographic, clinical and psychosocial characteristics were evaluated. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyzes with logistic regression were performed.ResultsOne thousand one hundred eighty-eight (44.7%) participants presented HANC. A higher prevalence of HANC was observed in adults older than 74 years (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.09-1.57) and lower prevalence in residents of urban areas (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.42–0.71).ConclusionsAge over 74 years and living in a rural area were identified as variables associated with inadequate blood pressure control in non-institutionalized older adults in Colombia.     

Dietary selenium intake of chinese adult women in the 1990s

To assess the levels of daily dietary intake of selenium (Se) among the general Chinese population, a series of field surveys were conducted in the 1990s. Samples of 24-h duplicates of foods were collected from 500 participants (300 in 6 cites and 200 from 4 villages). Se levels were determined by microwave digestion followed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and the measurements were compared with FCT (Food Composition Tables)-based estimates. The average daily intake of Se was 69.2 μg/d (79.9 and 53.1 μg/d in urban and rural areas, respectively) by instrumental determination and 35.1 μg/d (36.7 and 32.7 μg/d) by FCT-based estimation. As the distribution of Se should be uneven within China, the FCT-based estimation is of a limited value and the ICP-MS determination of Se is more accurate and reliable when evaluating the nutritional status of local people. Taking ICP-MS-based values, Se intakes were lower in rural areas than in urban areas, and the intakes of about half of the people in rural areas were less than the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) in China of 50 μg/d. The low intake might be resulted from difference in the types of food consumed. Thus, the dietary intake of Se basically meets the recommended RDA in most of urban areas, but insufficiency may be still a nutritional and public health problem in some rural areas.     

Age structure and age‐related differences in molt status and fuel deposition of Dunlins during the nonbreeding season at Chongming Dongtan in east China

ABSTRACT Although most shorebirds exhibit deferred migration and deferred breeding during their first summer, Dunlins (Calidris alpina) migrate to breeding areas and breed during their first summer. First‐year and adult Dunlins should, therefore, have similar fueling and molt patterns if energetic and physiological constraints are responsible for deferred migration. From 2006 to 2008, we examined the age structure of Dunlins during the nonbreeding season at Chongming Dongtan, an estuarine wetland in the Yangtze River estuary in east China, and examined the effects of date, age, and molt status on fuel deposition during migration and during the winter. The Dunlin population at Chongming Dongtan was composed primarily of first‐year birds. Most adults and first‐year birds arrived together in late August. Regression analyses indicated that age, date, and molt status affected fuel deposition (as indicated by body mass) of Dunlins. Adults had significantly greater fuel deposits than first‐year Dunlins near the end of northward migration (May: adults 70.8 ± 6.4 g, first‐year 63.8 ± 8.0 g) and at the start of southward migration (September: adults 50.2 ± 6.1 g, first‐year 47.2 ± 4.9 g). Adults also had significantly higher fuel deposition rates than first‐year Dunlins during northward migration. Nonetheless, first‐year Dunlins migrate and breed in their first summer. Thus, other factors, such as migration distance and body size, may be more important in determining if first‐year shorebirds defer migration during their first spring and summer. During boreal spring and autumn, first‐year Dunlins in active body molt had greater body mass than those that had not initiated body molt or those in suspended molt, and premigratory fuel deposits for northward migration were greatest after prealternate molt was completed. These results suggest that body molt requires additional fuel deposits and imposes a constraint on fuel deposition for migratory flights.     

Effects of Actinomycin D and Cycloheximide on Zinc Status in Marginally Zinc-Deficient Rats

During deficient zinc intake, rats are liable to suffer zinc deficiency under the following conditions: higher protein diet, diet containing higher quality (higher nutritive value) protein, and higher dietary intake. This suggests that a higher protein nutritional status (rapid increase in body protein) in rats leads to a lower zinc nutritional status (higher zinc requirement). In contrast, it is expected that a lower protein nutritional status (lowered body protein biosynthesis) is not liable to result in a lower zinc nutritional status. Therefore, the effects of protein biosynthesis inhibitors on zinc status were studied. Actinomycin D and cycloheximide were administered to rats under a marginally zinc-deficient condition. The growth of rats was depressed and serum and femur zinc concentrations were increased by administration of protein biosynthesis inhibitors. The carcasses of rats administered protein synthesis inhibitors had a higher zinc/protein ratio than those of the respective pair-fed (calorically equivalent to the zinc-deficient group) rats. Results suggest that zinc deficiency in rats is mainly alleviated by decreased food intake with administration of protein synthesis inhibitors. Furthermore, protein biosynthesis inhibition alone alleviated zinc deficiency.