STUDY ON BIOAVAILABILITY OF DIETARY IRON, ZINC AND CALCIUM IN MALE ADULTS OF YI NATIONALITY / 营养学报

ABSTRACT

Objective: To study the absorption and utilization of dietary iron, zinc and calcium of male adults of Yi nationality, for basic information to prevent and cure diseases related to mineral deficiencies. Method: Twelve young men aged between 20 and 22 from the region lived by Yi nationality were studied in 14 d period with metabolic balance technique. At the beginning of study, their fasting blood hemoglobin and hematocrit, serum ferritin, plasma zinc and calcium concentration were deteimined. During the 4-12 d of the study, experimental diet, subsequent feces and urine samples were also collected for determining the contents of iron, zinc and calcium by flame atom absorption spectrum method, and then apparent absorption rate, apparent utilization rate and metabolic balance of these minerals were calculated. Results: The apparent absorption rate of iron, zinc and calcium was (15.8?6.2)%, (24.5?4.1)% and (32.3?9.7) % and the apparent utilization rate was (1.9?5.7)%, (12.8?4.3)% and (5.5?15.9)% respectively. The metabolic study showed iron balance, and zinc balance, but calcium balance was variable. Conclusion: The intakes of iron and zinc from the diet can meet the requirements, but calcium cannot. More intakes of foods rich in calcium are recommended for Yi nationality.