Zn depletion & health homeostasis; Zn in pregnancy infection gastro disease

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Several more items from AJCN:

Janet C King, M Shames, Nicola M Lowe, R Woodhouse, Barbara

Sutherland, Steve A Abrams, Judith R Turnlund, and Malcolm J

Effect of acute zinc depletion on zinc homeostasis and plasma zinc kinetics

in men

Am J Clin Nutr 2001 74: 116-124.

http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/reprint/74/1/116.pdf

Janet C King

Determinants of maternal zinc status during pregnancy

Am J Clin Nutr 2000 71: 1334S-1343S.

http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/reprint/71/5/1334S.pdf

Zinc deficiency in pregnant experimental animals limits fetal growth and, if

severe, causes teratogenic anomalies. Although the data from human studies are

not

consistent, similar outcomes have been observed and were associated with poor

maternal zinc status. This paper reviews humans studies of zinc status and

pregnancy outcome, describes the physiologic adjustments in zinc utilization

during pregnancy to meet fetal needs while maintaining maternal status, and

identifies

dietary and environmental conditions that may override those physiologic

adjustments and put the health of the mother and fetus at risk. Adjustments in

intestinal

zinc absorption appear to be the primary means by which zinc retention is

increased to meet fetal demands. However, transfer of sufficient zinc to the

fetus is

dependent on maintenance of normal maternal serum zinc concentrations.

Conditions that could interfere with zinc absorption include intake of

cereal-based diets

that are high in phytate, high intakes of supplemental iron, or any

gastrointestinal disease. Conditions that may alter maternal plasma zinc

concentrations and the transport of zinc to the fetus include smoking, alcohol

abuse, and an acute stress response to infection or trauma. Supplemental zinc

may be prudent for women with poor gastrointestinal function or with any of

these conditions during pregnancy.

Not yet available free online:

Lei Sian, F Krebs, E Westcott, Li Fengliang, Li Tong, Leland V

, Bakary Sonko, and Hambidge

Zinc homeostasis during lactation in a population with a low zinc intake

Am J Clin Nutr 2002 75: 99-103.