EFFECT OF ZINC DEFICIENCY ON THE GROWTH AND LEARNING ABILITY IN GROWING RATS / 营养学报

ABSTRACT

Objective: Three experiments were used to evaluate the effects of zinc deficiency on growth, learning and memory ability of rats. [WT5FZ]Methods: In experiment Ⅰ and experiment Ⅱ, the experimental rats were divided into three groups, which were zinc deficiency group (ZD), pair fed group (PF), and zinc deficiency and supplementation group (ZS). Their durations were 35 days and 28 days respectively. In experiment Ⅲ, the experimental rats were divided into ZD, PF and ad libitum (AL) group. Results: Zinc deficiency significantly decreased the growth and learning ability of rats, whereas zinc supplementation reversed the above status. Conclusion: The results suggest that zinc not only influence growth, but also the advanced function like learning and memory ability of brain.