Probiotic lactobacilli as a promising strategy to ameliorate disorders associated with intestinal inflammation induced by a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

Damage to the small intestine caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) occurs more frequently than in the upper gastrointestinal tract, is more difficult to diagnose and no effective treatments exist. Hence, we investigated whether probiotics can control the onset of this severe condition in a murine model of intestinal inflammation induced by the NSAID, indomethacin. Probiotic supplementation to mice reduce the body weight loss, anemia, shortening of the small intestine, cell infiltration into the intestinal tissue and the loss of Paneth and Goblet cells associated with intestinal inflammation. Furthermore, a high antimicrobial activity in the intestinal fluids of mice fed with probiotics compared to animals on a conventional diet was elicited against several pathogens. Interestingly, probiotics dampened the oxidative stress and several local and systemic markers of an inflammatory process, as well as increased the secretion of IL-10 by regulatory T cells. Even more importantly, probiotics induced important changes in the large intestine microbiota characterized by an increase in anaerobes and lactobacilli, and a significant decrease in total enterobacteria. We conclude that oral probiotic supplementation in NSAID-induced inflammation increases intestinal antimicrobial activity and reinforces the intestinal epithelial barrier in order to avoid pathogens and commensal invasion and maintain intestinal homeostasis.

Oral Administration of Probiotics Increases Paneth Cells and Intestinal Antimicrobial Activity.

The huge amount of intestinal bacteria represents a continuing threat to the intestinal barrier. To meet this challenge, gut epithelial cells produce antimicrobial peptides (AMP) that act at the forefront of innate immunity. We explore whether this antimicrobial activity and Paneth cells, the main intestinal cell responsible of AMP production, are influenced by probiotics administration, to avoid the imbalance of intestinal microbiota and preserve intestinal barrier. Administration of Lactobacillus casei CRL 431 (Lc 431) and L. paracasei CNCM I-1518 (Lp 1518) to 42 days old mice, increases the number of Paneth cells on small intestine, and the antimicrobial activity against the pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella Typhimurium in the intestinal fluids. Specifically, strong damage of the bacterial cell with leakage of cytoplasmic content, and cellular fragmentation were observed in S. Typhimurium and S. aureus. Even more important, probiotics increase the antimicrobial activity of the intestinal fluids at the different ages, from weaning (21 days old) to old age (180 days old). Intestinal antimicrobial activity stimulated by oral probiotics, do not influence significantly the composition of total anaerobic bacteria, lactobacilli and enterobacteria in the large intestine, at any age analyzed. This result, together with the antimicrobial activity observed against the same probiotic bacteria; endorse the regular consumption of probiotics without adverse effect on the intestinal homeostasis in healthy individuals. We demonstrate that oral probiotics increase intestinal antimicrobial activity and Paneth cells in order to strengthen epithelial barrier against pathogens. This effect would be another important mechanism by which probiotics protect the host mainly against infectious diseases.

Prebiotics increase heme iron bioavailability and do not affect non-heme iron bioavailability in humans.

The aim of this study was to establish the effect of a prebiotic mix on heme and non-heme iron (Fe) bioavailability in humans. To this purpose, twenty-four healthy women were randomized into one of two study groups. One group ate one yogurt per day for 12 days with a prebiotic mix (prebiotic group) and the other group received the same yogurt but without the prebiotic mix (control group). Before and after the intake period, the subjects participated in Fe absorption studies. These studies used 55Fe and 59Fe radioactive isotopes as markers of heme Fe and non-heme Fe, respectively, and Fe absorption was measured by the incorporation of radioactive Fe into erythrocytes. The results showed that there were no significant differences in heme and non-heme Fe bioavailability in the control group. Heme Fe bioavailability of the prebiotic group increased significantly by 56% post-prebiotic intake. There were no significant differences in non-heme Fe bioavailability in this group. We concluded that daily consumption of a prebiotic mix increases heme Fe bioavailability and does not affect non-heme iron bioavailability.

Probiotic fermented milk consumption modulates the allergic process induced by ovoalbumin in mice.

Orally administered probiotic micro-organisms are able to regulate the exacerbated immune response during the antigenic sensitisation process. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential efficacy of probiotic fermented milk (PFM) in preventing or treating allergy in an experimental model, and to investigate its underlying mechanisms. Ovoalbumin (OVA)-sensitised BALB/c mice were fed with PFM before the sensitisation procedure or fed continuously with PFM. At 7 and 15 d post-sensitisation, anti-OVA-specific IgE, IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a concentrations were measured in the serum and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Concentrations of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-4, IL-10 and total secretory IgA (S-IgA) were measured in the supernatants of macerated lungs or in the BALF. The levels of IgA+, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and F4/80+ cells were measured in the lungs by immunofluorescence. Inducible CD4+/CD25/Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells were evaluated in the lungs. PFM shifted the T helper (Th)2 profile response towards a Th1 response that led to the production of IgG instead of IgE, with increasing levels of IL-10 and IFN-γ that play an important role in immunomodulation exerted by PFM administration in sensitised mice. Anti-OVA-specific IgE levels were significantly decreased; however, there was no modification in the levels of anti-OVA-specific IgG and total S-IgA. PFM did not influence Treg cells in treated mice. Consumption of PFM could be a promising strategy in the amelioration of airway allergies, considering that the effect is mediated by the production of IgG through the activation of Th1 instead of the direct activation of Th2 cells to produce IgE.

Effect of a probiotic fermented milk on the thymus in Balb/c mice under non-severe protein-energy malnutrition.

Protein­energy malnutrition (PEM) causes a significant impairment of the immune system, the thymus being one of the most affected organs. It has been demonstrated that the administration of probiotic fermented milk (PFM) recovered the intestinal barrier, histological alterations and mucosal and systemic immune functions in a non-severe malnutrition model using BALB/c mice. The aim of the present study was to evaluate, in the same model of malnutrition, the effect of a PFM added to a re-nutrition diet on the recovery of the thymus, analysing histological and functional alterations caused by malnutrition. Mice were undernourished and divided into three groups according to the dietary supplement received during re-nutrition: milk, PFM or its bacterial-free supernatant (BFS). They were compared with well-nourished and malnourished mice. PFM was the most effective re-nutrition supplement to improve the histology of the thymus, decreasing cellular apoptosis in this organ and recovering the percentage of CD4þ/CD82 single-positive thymocytes. Immature doublepositive thymocytes were increased in the malnourished control (MC). The production of different cytokines in the thymus was increased in mice given PFM, compared with the mice that received other dietary supplements and MC. Mice given the BFS presented an improvement in the thymus similar to those that received milk. We demonstrated the importance of the whole PFM supplementation on the histological and functional recovery of the thymus in a non-severe PEM model.

Bioavailability of stabilised ferrous gluconate with glycine in fresh cheese matrix: a novel iron compound for food fortification.

Iron fortification of foods continues to be one of the preferred ways of improving the iron status of the population. Dairy product is a common product in the diet; therefore, it is a plausible vehicle for iron fortification. This study aims to investigate the bioavailability of ferrous gluconate stabilised with glycine (FGSG) in a fresh cheese fortified with zinc. The iron bioavailability of fresh cheese fortified with either FGSG and with or without zinc and FGSG in aqueous solution and a water solution of ferrous ascorbate (reference dose) was studied using double radio iron ((55)Fe and (59)Fe) erythrocyte incorporation in 15 male subjects. All subjects presented with normal values for iron status parameters. The geometric mean of iron bioavailability for the water solution of FGSG was 38.2 %, adjusted to 40 % from reference doses (N.S.). Iron bioavailability in fresh cheese fortified with Ca and Zn was 15.4 % and was 23.1 % without Zn, adjusted to 40 % from reference doses (N.S.). The results of the present study show that the novel iron compound ferrous gluconate stabilised with glycine in a fresh cheese matrix is a good source of iron and can be used in iron fortification programmes.

Impact of a probiotic fermented milk in the gut ecosystem and in the systemic immunity using a non-severe protein-energy-malnutrition model in mice.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition affects the immune response, causing a decrease of defence mechanisms and making the host more susceptible to infections. Probiotics can reconstitute the intestinal mucosa and stimulate local and systemic immunity. The aim of this work was evaluate the effects of a probiotic fermented milk as a complement of a re-nutrition diet, on the recovery of the intestinal barrier, and mucosal and systemic immune functions in a murine model of non-severe protein-energy-malnutrition. Its potential protection against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) infection was also analyzed. METHODS: Mice were undernourished and divided into 3 groups according to the dietary supplement received during re-nutrition (milk, probiotic fermented milk or its bacterial free supernatant) and compared to well-nourished and malnourished mice. They were sacrificed previous to the re-nutrition and 5 days post re-nutrition. The phagocytic activity of macrophages from spleen and peritoneum and the changes in the intestinal histology and microbiota were evaluated. Different immune cell populations and cytokine productions were analyzed in the small intestine tissues. The effect of the re-nutrition supplements on the systemic immunity using OVA antigen and against an infection with S. Typhimurium was also studied. RESULTS: Probiotic fermented milk was the most effective re-nutrition diet that improved the intestinal microbiota. Its administration also increased the number of IgA+ cells, macrophages and dendritic cells. The production of different cytokine (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-12) by these cells and the phagocytic activity in peritoneum and spleen was also increased. This re-nutrition diet also stimulated the systemic immune response against OVA antigen which was diminished after the malnutrition period and also improved the host response against S. Typhimurium, decreasing the spread of pathogenic bacteria to the liver and the spleen. The importance of the metabolites released during milk fermentation was also demonstrated through the analysis of the bacterial free supernatant obtained from the probiotic fermented milk, but the whole product showed the best effects in the parameters evaluated in this study. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of probiotic fermented milk as a dietary supplement during the re-nutrition process in a murine immunodeficiency model by malnutrition could be a good adjuvant diet to improve the gut and systemic immune response for the protection against Salmonella infection.

Mechanisms involved in the immunostimulation by probiotic fermented milk.

The intestinal ecosystem contains a normal microbiota, non-immune cells and immune cells associated with the intestinal mucosa. The mechanisms involved in the modulation of the gut immune system by probiotics are not yet completely understood. The present work studies the effect of a fermented milk containing probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus (Lb.) casei DN114001 on different parameters of the gut immune system involved with the nonspecific, innate and adaptive response. BALB/c mice received the probiotic bacterium Lb. casei DN114001 or the probiotic fermented milk (PFM). The interaction of the probiotic bacteria with the intestine was studied by electron and fluorescence microscopy. The immunological parameters were studied in the intestinal tissue and in the supernatant of intestinal cells (IC). Results showed that the probiotic bacterium interact with the IC. The whole bacterium or its fragments make contact with the gut associated immune cells. The PFM stimulated the IC with IL-6 release, as well as cells related to the nonspecific barrier and with the immune cells associated with the gut. This last activity was observed through the increase in the population of different immune cells: T lymphocytes and IgA+ B lymphocytes, and by the expression of cell markers related to both innate and adaptive response (macrophages). PFM was also able to activate the enzyme calcineurine responsible for the activation of the transcriptional factor NFAT. PFM induced mucosal immune stimulation reinforcing the non-specific barrier and modulating the innate immune response in the gut, maintaining the intestinal homeostasis.

Effect of the ingestion of a symbiotic yogurt on the bowel habits of women with functional constipation.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: functional constipation is a prevalent problem within the western population. There is evidence supporting the fact that the inclusion of pre and probiotics in the diet can favorably modify the intestinal function. The present study evaluates the effect of the consumption of Activia, a yogurt containing 10(8) UFC/g of Bifidobacterium animalis (DN-173 010) and fructoligosaccharide, in women between the ages of 18 and 55 with and without functional constipation (Rome II criteria). METHODS: after a stabilization and a basal period, women were randomized to receive 2 units/day of Activia or a lacteous dessert without probiotics (control) for a period of 14 days. Afterwards the groups were intercrossed for another 14 days. RESULTS: of the 399 women who started the study, 378 were eligible for study participation. In the group of women with functional constipation (n=266), the consumption of the symbiotic was associated with a higher bowel evacuation rate (6.1+/-2.7 depositions/week with Activia vs. 5.0+/-2.6 dep./week in the control group; P<0.01), an improvement in the quality of the stools according to the Bristol scale (3.6+/-1.0 vs. 3.4+/-1.0; P<0.01), a reduced perception of straining effort (1.9+/-0.8 vs. 2.2+/-0.9; P<0.01) and a reduced perception of pain associated with defecation (0.1+/-0.2 vs. 0.2+/-0.3; P<0.01). In the group of women without constipation (n=112) there were statistically significant variations in equal sense but of smaller magnitude, with the exception of pain which, having a very low value in the basal period, did not experience changes. CONCLUSION: the consumption of a symbiotic yogurt by women with functional constipation showed a significant improvement in the parameters related with bowel evacuation. The use of this symbiotic food can result in a useful and safe tool for managing constipation.

Effect of the administration of a fermented milk containing Lactobacillus casei DN-114001 on intestinal microbiota and gut associated immune cells of nursing mice and after weaning until immune maturity.

BACKGROUND: Microbial colonization of the intestine after birth is an important step for the development of the gut immune system. The acquisition of passive immunity through breast-feeding may influence the pattern of bacterial colonization in the newborn. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of the administration of a probiotic fermented milk (PFM) containing yogurt starter cultures and the probiotic bacteria strain Lactobacillus casei DN-114001 to mothers during nursing or their offspring, on the intestinal bacterial population and on parameters of the gut immune system. RESULTS: Fifteen mice of each group were sacrificed at ages 12, 21, 28 and 45 days. Large intestines were taken for determination of intestinal microbiota, and small intestines for the study of secretory-IgA (S-IgA) in fluid and the study of IgA+ cells, macrophages, dendritic cells and goblet cells on tissue samples. The consumption of the PFM either by the mother during nursing or by the offspring after weaning modified the development of bifidobacteria population in the large intestine of the mice. These modifications were accompanied with a decrease of enterobacteria population. The administration of this PFM to the mothers improved their own immune system and this also affected their offspring. Offspring from mice that received PFM increased S-IgA in intestinal fluids, which mainly originated from their mother's immune system. A decrease in the number of macrophages, dendritic cells and IgA+ cells during the suckling period in offspring fed with PFM was observed; this could be related with the improvement of the immunity of the mothers, which passively protect their babies. At day 45, the mice reach maturity of their own immune system and the effects of the PFM was the stimulation of their mucosal immunity. CONCLUSION: The present work shows the beneficial effect of the administration of a PFM not only to the mothers during the suckling period but also to their offspring after weaning and until adulthood. This effect positively improved the intestinal microbiota that are related with a modulation of the gut immune response, which was demonstrated with the stimulation of the IgA + cells, macrophages and dendritic cells.

Effect of the ingestion of a symbiotic yogurt on the bowel habits of women with functional constipation / Efecto de la ingesta de un alimento simbiótico sobre el hábito evacuatorio en mujeres con constipación funcional

Background/aims: functional constipation is a prevalent problem within the western population. There is evidence supporting the fact that the inclusion of pre and probiotics in the diet can favorably modify the intestinal function. The present study evaluates the effect of the consumption of Activia®, a yogurt containing 108 UFC/g of Bifidobacterium animalis (DN-173 010) and fructoligosaccharide, in women between the ages of 18 and 55 with and without functional constipation (Rome II criteria). Methods: after a stabilization and a basal period, women were randomized to receive 2 units/day of Activia or a lacteous dessert without probiotics (control) for a period of 14 days. Afterwards the groups were intercrossed for another 14 days. Results: of the 399 women who started the study, 378 were eligible for study participation. In the group of women with functional constipation (n= 266), the consumption of the symbiotic was associated with a higher bowel evacuation rate (6.1±2.7 depositions/week with Activia vs. 5.0±2.6 dep./week in the control group; P<0.01), an improvement in the quality of the stools according to the Bristol scale (3.6±1.0 vs. 3.4±1.0; P<0.01), a reduced perception of straining effort (1.9±0.8 vs. 2.2±0.9; P<0.01) and a reduced perception of pain associated with defecation (0.1±0.2 vs. 0.2±0.3; P<0.01). In the group of women without constipation (n=112) there were statistically significant variations in equal sense but of smaller magnitude, with the exception of pain which, having a very low vavaluein the basal period, did not experience changes. Conclusion: the consumption of a symbiotic yogurt by women with functional constipation showed a significant improvement in the parameters related with bowel evacuation. The use of this symbiotic food can result in a useful and safe tool for managing constipation.

Introducción/objetivos: la constipación funcional es un problema prevalente en la población occidental. Existen evidencias de que la toma de alimentos pre y probióticos puede modificar favorablemente el hábito evacuatorio intestinal. En este trabajo se estudió el efecto de la ingesta de Activia®, un yogur conteniendo 10 8 UFC/g de Bifidobacterium animalis (DN-173 010) y un fructoligosacárido en mujeres de 18 a 55 años con y sin constipación funcional (criterios de Roma II). Métodos: luego de sendos períodos de estabilización y basal fueron aleatorizadas a recibir durante 14 días 2 unidades/día de Activia o de un postre lácteo sin probiótico ni prebiótico (control). Luego los grupos fueron entrecruzados durante otros 14 días. Resultados: de las 399 mujeres que iniciaron el estudio, 378 fueron evaluables. En el grupo de constipadas (n= 266) la toma del simbiótico se asoció con una mayor frecuencia evacuatoria (6,1±2,7 dep./semana con Activia vs. 5,0±2,6 dep./semana en controles; P<0,01), mejoría en la escala de Bristol de calidad de las heces (3,6±1,0 vs. 3,4±1,0; P<0,01), menor esfuerzo evacuatorio (1,9±0,8 vs. 2,2±0,9; P<0,01) y menor proporción de dolor evacuatorio (0,1±0,2 vs. 0,2±0,3 ; P<0,01). En el grupo sin constipación se observaron variaciones estadísticamente significativas en igual sentido pero de menor magnitud, con excepción del dolor que mostró un valor basal muy bajo. Conclusión: la ingesta del yogurt prebiótico en mujeres con constipación funcional mostró una mejoría significativa de los parámetros relacionados con la evacuación intestinal. La utilización de este alimento simbiótico puede resultar una herramienta útil y segura en el manejo de la constipación.

Factors associated with H. pylori epidemiology in symptomatic children in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

AIM: To determine prevalence of H pylori infection in symptomatic children in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and to investigate factors associated with H pylori positivity. METHODS: A total of 395 children with upper gastrointestinal symptoms referred to the Gastroenterology Unit of the Children Hospital "Sor Maria Ludovica" were evaluated for the presence of H pylori by the (13)C-Urea Breath Test ((13)C-UBT). A questionnaire was applied to the recruited population. RESULTS: Prevalence of H pylori infection was 40.0% in this population (mean age 9.97 +/- 3.1 years). The factors associated with H pylori positivity were number of siblings (P < 0.001), presence of pet cats (P = 0.03) and birds (P = 0.04) in the household, and antecedents of gastritis among family members (P = 0.01). After multivariate analysis, number of siblings [Odds ratio (OR) = 1.39; 95% CI, 1.20-1.61] and contact with pet cats (OR = 1.76; 95% CI, 1.00-3.09) remained as variables associated with H pylori infection. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of H pylori infection in children with upper gastrointestinal symptoms in Argentina was similar to that reported in developed countries. Children from families with a higher crowding index and presence of pet cats have a higher risk of being colonized with H pylori.

Effect of a probiotic food as an adjuvant to triple therapy for eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection in children.

OBJECTIVE: Current recommendations for treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection include a proton pump inhibitor in combination with two antibiotics. We evaluated the potential activity of a probiotic food as an adjuvant to antibiotic triple therapy for eradication of H. pylori infection in children from Buenos Aires, Argentina. METHODS: Sixty-five children who tested positive for H. pylori, as diagnosed by (13)C-urea breath test and endoscopy, were included in this study. Patients were randomized to receive 1-wk triple therapy plus probiotic food (treated group) or milk placebo (control) that was administered for 3 mo. Probiotic food consisted of 250 mL of a commercial yogurt containing Bifidobacterium animalis and Lactobacillus casei (10(7) colony-forming units/mL). Post-treatment urea breath test controls were performed 1 and 3 mo after the end of triple therapy. RESULTS: We found no significant differences in H. pylori eradication rates (ERs) at 1 and 3 mo between the treated group (ER = 45.5% and 42.4%) and the control group (ER = 37.5% and 40.6%). Relative risks between groups were 0.87 (95% confidence interval 0.58-1.32, P = 0.345) in the first month and 0.97 (95% confidence interval 0.64-1.46, P = 0.542) in the third month. CONCLUSIONS: We could not demonstrate an adjuvant effect of the studied probiotic food to triple therapy in the eradication of H. pylori infection in children in Buenos Aires, Argentina. However, we found lower ERs than those reported for the same therapeutic scheme in developed countries, indicating that bacterial resistance and alternative therapeutic strategies should be studied.

Effect of fermented milk containing probiotic bacteria in the prevention of an enteroinvasive Escherichia coli infection in mice.

This study investigated the protective capacity of the oral administration of fermented milk containing the probiotic strains; Lactobacillus casei, Lb. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, against enteroinvasive Escherichia coli infection in a murine (BALB/ c mice) model. Mice were fed for 2, 5 or 7 consecutive days with fermented milk diluted to a concentration of viable Lb. casei, Lb. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Strep. thermophilus of 10(7) cfu/ml. Phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages and the number of IgA+ cells in small and large intestine were determined at the end of the feeding periods. For the preventive effect against Esch. coli, animals were fed for 5 days (selected dose). Mice were challenged with an infective dose of enteroinvasive Esch. coli of 10(8) cfu/mouse. The colonization of liver and spleen and the secretory IgA specific for the pathogen in the intestinal fluid were determined (ELISA test). Results showed that the unspecific immune response enhanced itself after 5 consecutive days of the administration of this fermented milk (increase in the percentage of phagocytosis and number of IgA+ cells in the small intestine). Treated animals showed less Esch. coli colonization of liver than control mice and a higher secretory anti-Esch. coli IgA in the intestinal fluids. These results suggest that the protection against enteroinvasive Esch. coli infection observed for the fermented milk containing probiotic bacteria may be associated with an enhance of the intestinal mucosa immunity.

[Causes and consequences of iron deficiency on human health]. / Causas y consecuencias de la deficiencia de hierro sobre la salud humana.

Anaemia and nutritional iron deficiency significantly affect the world population. In this article we discuss the main causes and consequences that this nutritional deficiency produces on human health.

Causas y consecuencias de la deficiencia de hierro sobre la salud humana / Causes and consequences of iron deficiency on human health

La anemia y la deficiencia nutricional de hierro afectan a gran parte de la población mundial. En este artículo se discute las principales causas y consecuencias que produce esta deficiencia nutricional sobre la salud humana

[Iron metabolism: current concepts of an essential micronutrient]. / Metabolismo del hierro: conceptos actuales sobre un micronutriente esencial.

Iron is an essential micronutrient involved in multiple biochemical and physiological process. In this review we discuss the most relevant aspect of its metabolism in order to reach a better comprehension of the relevant roll that this micronutrient plays in human health.

Current knowledge of iron metabolism.

Iron plays many roles in human physiology. In this article, we summarize the basic and current knowledge of this essential micronutrient on human metabolism.

Zinc and iron interactions evaluated between different mineral sources in different nutritional matrixes.

We compared the absorption of BioZn, SFE-171, SO4Fe (reference standard) and SO4Zn (reference standard) alone or in combination in water and in an infant dessert. When mineral interactions were evaluated, zinc and iron were administered in a 1:1 molar relation. There 160 rats divided in 16 groups of 10 animals each which received: SO(4)65Zn, Bio65Zn, SO(4)65Zn + SO4Fe, Bio65Zn + SFE-171, SO(4)59Fe, 59SFE-171, SO(4)59Fe + SO4Zn and 59SFE-171 + BioZn either in water or an infant dessert. The results showed that BioZn has bioavailability similar to SO4Zn both in water (23.36 +/- 3.14% vs. 21.48 +/- 6.03%. respectively) and in an infant dessert (19.89 +/- 3.27% vs. 18.31 +/- 4.76%, respectively). When these zinc compounds were administered with iron no statistical difference of zinc absorption was found (Bio65Zn + SFE-171 in water 22.70 +/- 6.30%, Bio65Zn + SFE-171 in the infant dessert 18.07 +/- 5.89%, SO(4)65Zn + SO4Fe in water 24.67 +/- 5.70% and SO(4)65Zn + SO4Fe in the infant desert 20.56 +/- 5.20%). For iron, the absorption of 59SFE-171 in water was higher (p < .01) than SO(4)59Fe in water and 59SFE-171 + BioZn in water (32.35 +/- 8.32% vs. 26.27 +/- 8.83% vs. 23.69 +/- 8.37%, respectively). Iron absorption from SO(4)59Fe in water was higher (p < .01) than SO(4)59Fe + SO4Zn in water (26.27 +/- 8.83% vs. 20.21 +/- 8.72%, respectively). Iron absorption in the infant dessert was higher (p < .01) for 59SFE-171 + BioZn than SO(4)59Fe, 59SFE-171 and SO(4)59Fe + SO4Zn (22.81 +/- 6.97% vs. 16.12 +/- 6.14% vs. 16.90 +/- 6.23% vs. 15.04 +/- 6.25%, respectively). Statistical differences (p < .01) were found between iron absorption from 59SFE-171 in water and the infant dessert (32.35 +/- 8.32% vs. 16.90 +/- 6.23%, respectively) and for SO(4)59Fe (26.27 +/- 8.83% vs. 16.12 +/- 6.14% respectively). Zinc and iron interactions evaluated in a 1:1 molar relation of the minerals were observed only for iron absorption in water but not in infant dessert. No negative effect was found for zinc absorption neither in water nor in infant dessert.

The role of zinc in the growth and development of children.

This review concerns the importance of zinc in growth, development, and cognitive function in children and the deleterious consequences of its deficiency on children's health. Possible strategies to overcome zinc deficiency and the results of some supplementation trials are discussed.