Zinc deficiency is one of the most common micronutrient deficiencies worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Through its effect on the immune system, zinc deficiency is contributing to the global burden of pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria. Zinc deficiency also leads to stunting. Only a small fraction of zinc in foods is absorbed and utilized, especially in plant-based diets.
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Zinc Bioavailability
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The most common technique to determine fractional zinc absorption and the amount of zinc absorbed is the dual isotope method, which is based on the administration of two stable isotope sources orally and intravenously. Test meals are labelled with various zinc isotopes including 70Zn, 68Zn and ?67Zn.?
Stable isotope techniques to assess zinc absorption and bioavailability, endogenous faecal zinc excretion and zinc kinetics can be used to better understand zinc metabolism in humans and design effective interventions to optimize utilisation of zinc from foods.
