Metabolic balance studies for zinc and nitrogen in healthy elderly subjects
Bunker, V.W.; Lawson, M.S.; Delves, H.T.; Clayton, B.E.
Human Nutrition. Clinical Nutrition 36(3): 213-221
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0263-8290 PMID: 7118578 Document Number: 185176
Metabolic balance studies for zinc (Zn) and nitrogen (N) were performed on 10 healthy, elderly people (5 females, mean age 75.5; 5 males, eman age 78.4) in their homes to determine their actual intakes, overall excretion, and retention of Zn and N. Aliquots of diet homogenates, urine, fecal homogenates, and blood were taken for analysis. Mean retentions of Zn and N were 4 micromoles/day and 29 mmoles/day, respectively. Mean blood concentrations of Zn were 11.9 micromoles/liter plasma (less for younger adults) and 89.8 micromoles/liter whole blood (similar to younger adults). No significant correlation was found between these values or with the overall retention of Zn. The balance data developed in this study represent control data which may be used to assess results in sick and/or malnourished elderly people in order that suitable dietary intervention may be instituted. (wz)