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Zinc nutritional status in obese children and adolescents

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Abstract

Studies in animals and humans have corroborated that zinc (Zn) metabolism is altered in obesity. The present work intends to evaluate the Zn nutritional status in obese children and adolescents by the determination of some biochemical parameters and analyses of the diets. The investigation was carried out in a group of obese children and adolescents (n=23) and compared to a control group (n=21), both between 7 and 14 yr of age. A software analyzed diet information from 3-d food records. Body composition was evaluated by body mass index, bioelectrical impedance, and skinfold measurements. Zinc nutritional status was evaluated by Zn determination in plasma, erythrocyte, and 24-h urine, by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (γ=213.9 nm). Diets consumed by both groups had marginal concentrations of zinc. Zinc concentrations in plasma and erythrocytes were significantly lower in the obese group. Urinary zinc excretion was significantly higher in the same group. The results allowed one to conclude that zinc nutritional status in obese individuals is altered.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Food Science and Experimental Nutrition, School of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

    Dilina Do Nascimento Marreiro & Silvia Maria Franciscato Cozzolino

  2. Adolescent Center, Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil

    Mauro Fisberg

  3. Nutrition Center, São Marcos University, São Paulo, Brazil

    Mauro Fisberg

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  1. Dilina Do Nascimento Marreiro
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  2. Mauro Fisberg
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  3. Silvia Maria Franciscato Cozzolino
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Marreiro, D.D.N., Fisberg, M. & Cozzolino, S.M.F. Zinc nutritional status in obese children and adolescents. Biol Trace Elem Res 86, 107–122 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1385/BTER:86:2:107

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/BTER:86:2:107

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