Biomarkers of Nutrition for Development (BOND)-Zinc Review
King JC, Brown KH, Gibson RS, Krebs NF, Lowe NM, Siekmann JH, et al.
Published in J Nutr, Vol. 146 (4), pp. 858S-885S
Methodology
Expert-panel review (Biomarkers of Nutrition for Development) of biomarkers for assessing zinc status in individuals and populations.
Key Findings
Recommends three measures: dietary zinc (with phytate), plasma zinc concentration and height-for-age in children. Plasma zinc cutoffs exist, but plasma zinc is influenced by recent meals, time of day, inflammation, certain drugs and hormones, and varies a lot between individuals. Hair, urine and nail zinc are not recommended; a growth response to zinc is read as pre-existing deficiency.
Conclusions
Plasma zinc is useful but limited; combine it with diet and growth data.
Limitations
A narrative expert review, not a quantitative pooled analysis; conclusions depend on the panel's reading of the literature.
Supplements Studied
PZC cutoffs are available to identify individuals and populations at risk of zinc deficiency.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
Access Study
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.