Abstract
Background. Iron and zinc deficiencies are the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide. Supplementation is one of the strategies utilized to prevent these deficiencies. Because divalent cations share the same enterocyte transporter, there is an increasing concern about potential negative interactions between these two microminerals.
Objective. To measure the effects of physiological and pharmacological doses of zinc, given in a solution, on iron absorption.
Methods. Fourteen healthy subjects were selected to participate in one iron absorption studies. Subjects received a solution with 0.5 mg of elemental iron, as ferrous sulfate, given alone and with zinc (0.59 mg), as zinc sulfate, in a molar ratio Zn:Fe 1:1; 14 day after they received a solution with 10 mg of iron given alone and with zinc (11,71 mg) in a molar ratio Zn:Fe 1:1. The double radioisotopic technique was used to measure iron absorption. Iron absorption values were referred to the iron absorption of the solution without zinc.
Results. No significant effect of zinc on iron absorption occurred at a physiological dose. An inhibitory effect on iron absorption was observed at a pharmacological dose (Student t test paired, p <0.001)
Conclusion. A pharmacological dose of Zn (11.7 mg), given in a molar ratio Zn:Fe 1:1, negative impacts on iron absorption. Supported by Fondecyt grant 1040879
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Manuel, O., Fernando, P. & Manuel, R. Inhibition of Iron Absorption by Zinc: Effect of Physiological and Pharmacological Doses: TL015. Pediatr Res 60, 636 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-200611000-00027
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-200611000-00027