A stable-isotope study of zinc, copper, and iron absorption and retention by young women fed vitamin B-6-deficient diets.
A 98-d study was conducted in young women to determine the effect of vitamin B-6-deficient diets on zinc, copper, and iron metabolism. Young women were fed vitamin B-6-deficient formula initially, followed by food diets containing four increasing amounts of vitamin B-6. Zinc, copper, and iron absorption, retention, and status were determined at intervals throughout the study. Zinc absorption and retention were greater during vitamin B-6 depletion but serum zinc declined, suggesting that absorbed zinc was not available for utilization. Copper absorption was lower during vitamin B-6 depletion but serum copper was not affected and balance was positive. Iron absorption was not impaired significantly by vitamin B-6-deficient diets but status may have declined. The results suggest that vitamin B-6 depletion of young women may alter zinc metabolism, inhibit copper absorption, and affect iron status. The effects of vitamin B-6 depletion differ markedly among these elements.
Turnlund
J R
JR
USDA/ARS, Western Human Nutrition Research Center, Presidio of San Francisco, CA 94129.
Keyes
W R
WR
Hudson
C A
CA
Betschart
A A
AA
Kretsch
M J
MJ
Sauberlich
H E
HE
D000042:Absorption; D000328:Adult; D003300:Copper / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D007554:Isotopes; D026681:Vitamin B 6 Deficiency / Q000378:metabolism*; D015032:Zinc / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*
D007554:Isotopes; D003300:Copper; D007501:Iron; D015032:Zinc