title: Zinc tolerance tests in chronic uremia.
abstract: The intestinal absorption of zinc was investigated in 12 control subjects and in 20 patients or maintenance hemodialysis by means of a zinc tolerance test during fasting. Ten patients (Group I) were on long-term vitamin D therapy and 10 (Group II) were not receiving vitamin D. After baseline plasma zinc measurements, a single dose of 50 mg zinc was ingested and plasma zinc levels were measured at hourly intervals for 4 hours thereafter. Peak plasma zinc levels were significantly lower in Group II patients than in controls or patients in Group I suggesting impaired absorption. No significant difference was found between controls and Group I patients. Two patients had normal zinc tolerance tests while on vitamin D therapy, but abnormal tests while off vitamin D. We conclude that the intestinal absorption of zinc may be impaired in chronic uremia, probably secondary to abnormal metabolism of vitamin D.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D014511:Uremia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015032:Zinc / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D014807:Vitamin D; D015032:Zinc