Development of a dietary model for the study of mild zinc deficiency In humans and evaluation of some biochemical and functional Indices of zinc status

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Abstract
After a 1-wk baseline period, a dietary regimen was developed to induce mild zinc deficiency in 15 males (aged 25.3 ± 3.3 y, x̄ ± SD). The regimen consisted of 1 wk on a liquid diet containing 0.6 mg Zn/d and molar ratios of phytate to zinc (phy:Zn) and of phytate × calcium to zinc [(phy × Ca): Zn] of 209 and 4116, respectively, followed by 6 wk on a diet based on soy protein and egg albumin containing 4 mg Zn/d and with phy:Zn and (Ca × phy):Zn of 70 and 2000, respectively. Subjects were then repleted with 30 mg Zn/d for 2 wk. Fasting blood and urine samples were taken weekly. Changes were observed in mean plasma (µmol/L) and urinary zinc (µmol/d): baseline 97.0 ± 10.9 and 8.0 ± 2.7, depletion 80.1 ± 13.4 and 4.3 ± 2.3, and repletion 100.8 ± 13.6 and 8.2 ± 3.1, respectively (P < 0.05); taste acuity (0.05 < P < 0.10); and cellular immune responses (P < 0.05). Activities of plasma angiotensin-1-converting enzyme and acidic α-D-mannosidase were unchanged. Mild zinc deficiency was induced by the dietary regimen.