Zinc deficiency in elderly patients.

Prasad AS, Fitzgerald JT, Hess JW, Kaplan J, Pelen F, Dardenne M.

Source Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI.

Abstract
Zinc is needed for growth and development, DNA synthesis, neurosensory functions, and cell-mediated immunity. Although zinc intake is reduced in elderly people, its deficiency and effects on cell-mediated immunity of the elderly have not been established. Subjects enrolled in "A Model Health Promotion and Intervention Program for Urban Middle Aged and Elderly Americans" were assessed for nutrition and zinc status. One hundred eighty healthy subjects were randomly selected for the study. Their mean dietary zinc intake was 9.06 mg/day, whereas the recommended dietary allowance is 15 mg/day. Plasma zinc was normal, but zinc in granulocytes and lymphocytes were decreased compared with younger control subjects. Of 118 elderly subjects in whom zinc levels in both granulocytes and lymphocytes were available, 36 had deficient levels. Plasma copper was increased, and interleukin 1 (IL-1) production was significantly decreased. Reduced response to the skin-test antigen panel and decreased taste acuity were observed. Thirteen elderly zinc-deficient subjects were supplemented with zinc, and various variables were assessed before and after zinc supplementation. Zinc supplementation corrected zinc deficiency and normalized plasma copper levels. Serum thymulin activity, IL-1 production, and lymphocyte ecto-5'nucleotidase increased significantly after supplementation. Improvement in response to skin-test antigens and taste acuity was observed after zinc supplementation. A mild zinc deficiency appears to be a significant clinical problem in free-living elderly people. PMID:

8353362

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Zinc for the elderly

12-Aug-2002 Related topics: Science & Nutrition
Zinc intake among the elderly in Europe is generally low - but European researchers are currently trying to discover the role of zinc in preventing the chronic and degenerative diseases associated with ageing. In a recently started EU-project, scientists will try to determine the variances in zinc dietary intake among different European countries, as well as the response to nutritional supplementation of zinc in late middle-aged and elderly people from these countries. Volunteers will receive a placebo or two levels of zinc supplement for 6 months. The effects on nutrient status and intestinal absorption of zinc will be evaluated at the beginning, and after three and six months of zinc supplementation. Scientists in this project expect to provide reliable scientific data about the beneficial effects of optimal zinc status to older consumers. Zinc is important for the body's defence mechanisms against inflammation diseases. Enrichment of the diet with this essential nutrient may be beneficial for health, but excess zinc may negatively interact with the metabolism of other minerals. A balanced diet is the best way to ensure adequate intake of zinc, write the scientists. The main dietary sources of zinc are cereals, dairy and meat products.

Practical applications from this research work in the future may be the formulation of public health recommendations on dietary zinc intake in aged Europeans, and the development of zinc-enriched products specially designed for late middleaged and older men and women. Further information about project no: QLK1-2001-00168 can be obtained from the project co-ordinator ,Dr Charles Coudray, at INRA, Saint-Gens-Champanelle, France.