Is the Mediterranean diet adequate to satisfy zinc requirements during adolescence?
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate Zn utilization and status among a sample of Spanish boys consuming a diet based on Mediterranean patterns.


METHODS
Dietary Zn balance was assessed by means of Zn intake in food and Zn output in faeces and urine as measured by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. In addition, biomarkers of Zn status were analysed.


METHODS
Province of Granada, Spain.


METHODS
Twenty healthy male adolescents aged 11-14 years, selected based on medical questionnaire, physical examination and nutritional survey of food habits and lifestyle.


RESULTS
Mean Zn intake was 11·36 (se 0·31) mg/d, 76% of the recommended value for Spanish adolescents. Zn absorption (2·53 (se 0·55) mg/d) was close to the value of 3·0 mg/d required for the growth spurt. Zn status biomarkers and growth parameters were within the normal values for this age group.


CONCLUSIONS
Although a diet based on Mediterranean patterns is associated with factors which can affect Zn absorption, such as high consumption of phytate, its consumption in adequate amounts allows Zn status to be maintained during adolescence. Due to the importance of Zn in preventing growth and behavioural disorders among adolescents, long-term intervention trials to investigate the suitability of the Mediterranean diet with respect to Zn requirements at this time of life are needed.
Instituto de Nutrición Animal, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Camino del Jueves, 18100 Armilla, Granada, Spain. mmesias@ugr.es
Marta
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Mesías
Isabel
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Seiquer
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Navarro
D000293:Adolescent; D001682:Biological Availability; D002648:Child; D038441:Diet, Mediterranean; D002149:Energy Intake; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D009752:Nutritional Status; D010833:Phytic Acid; D013030:Spain; D015032:Zinc / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000172:deficiency / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*
D010833:Phytic Acid; D015032:Zinc