Importância do zinco na nutrição humana

Proposal to Screen for Zinc and Selenium in Patients with IgA Deficiency

The increase in life expectancy can be a consequence of the world's socioeconomic, sanitary and nutritional conditions. Some studies have demonstrated that individuals with a satisfactory diet variety score present a lower risk of malnutrition and better health status. Zinc and selenium are important micronutrients that play a role in many biochemical and physiological processes of the immune system. Deficient individuals can present both innate and adaptive immunity abnormalities and increased susceptibility to infections. Primary immunodeficiency diseases, also known as inborn errors of immunity, are genetic disorders classically characterized by an increased susceptibility to infection and/or dysregulation of a specific immunologic pathway. IgA deficiency (IgAD) is the most common primary antibody deficiency. This disease is defined as serum IgA levels lower than 7 mg/dL and normal IgG and IgM levels in individuals older than four years. Although many patients are asymptomatic, selected patients suffer from different clinical complications, such as pulmonary infections, allergies, autoimmune diseases, gastrointestinal disorders and malignancy. Knowing the nutritional status as well as the risk of zinc and selenium deficiency could be helpful for the management of IgAD patients.

OBJECTIVES

to investigate the anthropometric, biochemical, and nutritional profiles and the status of zinc and selenium in patients with IgAD.

METHODS

in this descriptive study, we screened 16 IgAD patients for anthropometric and dietary data, biochemical evaluation and determination of plasma and erythrocyte levels of zinc and selenium.

RESULTS

dietary intake of zinc and selenium was adequate in 75% and 86% of the patients, respectively. These results were consistent with the plasma levels (adequate levels of zinc in all patients and selenium in 50% of children, 25% of adolescents and 100% of adults). However, erythrocyte levels were low for both micronutrients (deficiency for both in 100% of children, 75% of adolescents and 25% of adults).

CONCLUSION

our results highlight the elevated prevalence of erythrocyte zinc and selenium deficiency in patients with IgAD, and the need for investigation of these micronutrients in their follow-up.

Mineral and Trace Elements in Nutritious Flours: Total Contents, In Vitro Bioaccessibility and Contribution to Dietary Intake

The consumption of fruits, vegetables, and cereals in the form of flour has been an alternative for the intake of nutrients, currently seen in a society that seeks a healthier diet. Thus, the assessment of total contents and bioaccessibility is important to better understand the actual intake of nutrients or contaminants present in foods. The objective of this study was to determine the total content and estimate the bioaccessible fraction of Cu, Fe, and Zn in nutritious flours by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) after microwave acid digestion. Bioaccessibility was assessed using the in vitro method, taking into account the entire gastrointestinal tract (Unified Bioaccessibility Method (UBM)). The following concentration ranges, in μg g^-1, were found: Ca (341-6275), K (2984-13,953), P (476-6110), Na (< 0.39-2995), Fe (1.4-167), Cu (< 0.01-59.6), and Zn (< 0.07-30.3). Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) showed a tendency towards the formation of three groups. The bioaccessible fractions for Cu, Fe, and Zn were considered low, ranging from 0.96 to 40% in the gastrointestinal phase and from 4.1 to 100% in the gastric phase.

[Inadequacy of macro and micronutrients on offer in two full-time public schools in Northeastern Brazil]

The National School Food Program guarantees the food of students in public and philanthropic schools by means of the transfer of funds. During adolescence, which is an important period of nutritional vulnerability, a healthy diet is responsible for the rates of physical growth and changes in body composition. The objective was to analyze the adequacy of macro- and micronutrients provided to adolescents in full-time public schools in northeastern Brazil. The menus were evaluated using the parameters to meet 70% of the daily nutritional needs in terms of macronutrients and micronutrients of the students involved. It was found that, for most age groups, energy requirements were not met, attaining the maximum adequacy of 86.2%, and protein ingestion was only sufficient on four days. The average amount of carbohydrates and lipids was below the recommended dose for all age groups. The levels of Vitamin C, zinc and calcium were insufficient in most of the meals on offer, though the iron quota was adequate for all age groups. The conclusion drawn is that enhanced planning needs to be incorporated in the preparation of menus to attempt to attain the requirements stipulated in the Program.

Vitamins A and D and Zinc Affect the Leshmanicidal Activity of Canine Spleen Leukocytes

Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is a chronic disease caused by Leishmania infantum, and the limitations of the current treatments have encouraged new alternatives, such as the use of immunomodulatory nutrients. The objective of this study was to determine the serum levels of vitamin A (retinol), vitamin D (25(OH)VD3), and zinc (Zn) in dogs with CanL and the effect of in vitro supplementation with the respective active forms ATRA, 1,25(OH)2VD3, and SZn on spleen leukocyte cultures. Serum retinol, 25(OH)VD3, and Zn were determined by HPLC, ELISA, and ICP-MS, respectively. Spleen leukocyte cultures were used for the detection of NO and ROS by flow cytometry; the IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10 levels were determined by ELISA; and the parasite load was determined by microscopy. We detected low serum levels of retinol and Zn and high levels of 25(OH)VD3 in the CanL group. The in vitro supplementation of CanL spleen leukocytes with ATRA, 1,25(OH)2VD3, and SZn, in addition to a soluble leishmania antigen (SLA) treatment, increased the NO and ROS levels, while the treatments with only ATRA and SZn increased the TNF-a levels. Increased IL-10 and IFN-g levels were observed with the addition of SLA to the medium, although the addition of the three nutrients led to a reduction of the IL-10 levels, and the addition of 1,25(OH)2VD3 and SZn led to a reduction of IFN-g. A supplementation with 1,25(OH)2VD3 and SZn reduced the parasite load but only in the absence of SLA. We suggest that the nutrients we tested are involved in the leishmanicidal mechanism, showing a potential for investigation in future studies.

Zinc Plasma Status and Sensory Perception in Nondialysis Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between zinc plasma levels and sensory perception in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study with 21 nondialysis CKD patients (11 men, 51.1 ± 7.1 years, body mass index 27.9 ± 7.1 kg/m², estimated glomerular filtration rate 32.7 ± 19.9 mL/min) and 22 non-CKD volunteers (10 men, 49.8 ± 8.3 years, body mass index 28.5 ± 5.4 kg/m²) was conducted. Blood samples were collected to obtain plasma for zinc analysis. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters, as well as food intake and salivary flow rate, were also evaluated. Taste sensory perception for sweet, acidic, bitter, and salty flavors was determined by the "three-drop method," with 4 concentrations of the 4 basic tastes.

RESULTS

As expected, zinc plasma levels were significantly lower in CKD patients (70.1 ± 19.2ug/dL) when compared with the control group participants (123.2 ± 24.6 μg dL) (P ˂ .0001). The bitter taste perception was lower in the CKD group (p˂0.0001). Our findings showed that sensitivity to sour (P = .047), salty (P = .03), and bitter tastes was significantly lower in participants with lower zinc plasma levels. Also, bitter taste sensitivity was lower in participants with less zinc intake (P = .038). When grouping control subjects and CKD patients, significant correlations were observed between zinc plasma levels and the number of correct answers for bitter taste (r = 0.49, P = .001), number of correct answers for salty taste (r = 0.30, P = .048), and total score of correct answers (r = 0.30, P = .044).

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced zinc plasma levels in nondialysis CKD patients may be associated with lower perception of bitter, sour, and salty tastes and strategies to restore these levels are crucial due many factors, including food preferences and intake.

Heart failure, micronutrient profile, and its connection with thyroid dysfunction and nutritional status

INTRODUCTION

Heart failure (HF) is a growing public health issue; its risk factors include inappropriate dietary intake of microelements such as iodine, selenium, zinc and iron, which may lead to thyroid dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the correlation among the functional class stages of patients with HF, iodine, selenium, iron and zinc levels with the presence of thyroid dysfunction.

METHODOLOGY

One hundred nine patients from the HF outpatient clinic of the Clinics Hospital of Ribeirão Preto whose blood and urine were collected for micronutrient analysis and laboratory tests were selected. The subjects' weight and height were also measured to calculate their BMI. First, a descriptive analysis of the data was made into tables, and then statistical analyses were done at a 5% significance level (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Most patients whose data was analysed were elderly and overweight. Excess ioduria, serum selenium and zinc, erythrocyte zinc and deficiency in serum iron and erythrocyte selenium were observed. The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was 8.3%. Multivariate logistic regression verified that thyroid dysfunction increases the chance of classification in functional class III or IV (p = 0.015; OR = 8.72) by 8.7 times; each year of age increases the chance by 4.6% of classification in functional class III or IV (p = 0.008; odds ratio [OR] = 1.05), and each unit of BMI increases the chance of classification in functional class III or IV by 9.2% (p = 0.028; OR = 1.09).

CONCLUSION

Patients with HF were deficient in serum iron and erythrocyte selenium. No connection was found between hypothyroidism and mineral deficiency, which seems to be related more to the severity of the disease than to the micronutrient nutritional profile.

Selenium and Zinc Status in Chronic Myofascial Pain: Serum and Erythrocyte Concentrations and Food Intake

INTRODUCTION

Nutritional disorders have been reported to be important causal factors that can intensify or cause a painful response in individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

AIM

To assess the habitual intake of and the serum and erythrocyte levels of selenium and zinc in patients with chronic myofascial pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A case-control study of 31 patients with chronic myofascial pain (group I) and 31 subjects without pain (group II). Dietary record in five days for assessing food intake were used. The serum and erythrocyte concentrations of selenium and zinc were analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analog scale.

RESULTS

The group of patients with chronic myofascial pain, compared with the control group, showed a lower erythrocyte concentration of selenium (79.46 ± 19.79 μg/L vs. 90.80 ± 23.12 μg/L; p = 0.041) and zinc (30.56 ± 7.74 μgZn/gHb vs. 38.48 ± 14.86 μgZn/gHb, respectively; p = 0.004). In this study, a compromised food intake of zinc was observed in the majority of the subjects in both groups. The selenium intake was considered to be safe in 80% of the subjects in both groups; however, the likelihood of inadequate intake of this mineral was twice as high in group I (49.5% vs. 24.4%, respectively). In the logistic regression analysis, the erythrocyte concentration of zinc was associated with the presence of pain. In each additional 1 mg of Zn2+ per gram of hemoglobin, a reduction of 12.5% was observed in the risk of the individual having chronic myofascial pain (B = -0.133; adjusted OR = 0.875, 95% CI = 0.803 to 0.954, Wald = 9.187, standard error = 0.044, p = 0.002). Physical inactivity and obesity were noted more commonly in group I compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

In this study, patients with chronic myofascial pain showed lower intracellular stores of zinc and selenium and inadequate food intake of these nutrients.

Concurrent Training Decreases Cortisol but Not Zinc Concentrations: Effects of Distinct Exercise Protocols

Objectives. To investigate the effects of distinct concurrent training (CT) protocols on zinc and cortisol concentrations and test the correlation between these blood variables. Methods. Samples of serum zinc and cortisol were assessed from 10 male subjects (27.1 ± 4.8 years old; BMI 25.38 ± 0.09) before and immediately after each study session: control (CS = no exercises), concurrent training 1 (CT1 = indoor cycling + strength training), and concurrent training 2 (CT2 = strength training + indoor cycle) with five days of interval between each. Results. There were no significant changes in zinc concentrations after the CS (Δ% = 8.45; p = 0.07), CT1 (Δ% = 4.77; p = 0.49), and CT2 (Δ% = -2.90; p = 0.12) sessions. Cortisol levels showed significant decrease after CS (Δ% = -6.02; p = 0.00), CT1 (Δ% = -26.32; p = 0.02), and CT2 (Δ% = -33.57; p = 0.05) sessions. There was a significant correlation between the variables only at CS (zinc post versus cortisol pre: r = 0.82 and cortisol post: r = 0.82). Conclusions. CT decreases cortisol concentrations regardless of the sequence performed. No changes were found in zinc concentrations after the study sessions. The reduction in serum cortisol concentrations appear to occur by a mechanism independent of the zinc status.

Estresse oxidativo e micronutrientes na hanseníase

Objetivo Avaliar o estresse oxidativo, perfil antioxidante e de micronutrientes em pacientes portadores de hanseníase multibacilar e paucibacilar antes do tratamento poliquimioterápico. Métodos Analisaram-se 52 amostras de soro de pacientes portadores de hanseníase - 38 multibacilares e 14 paucibacilares -, usuários do ambulatório de dermatologia de um hospital público universitário, além de 30 amostras controles. Quantificaram-se marcador de peroxidação lipídica malondialdeído pelo método de substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico, antioxidante glutationa reduzida pelo método baseado na quantificação de tiol solúvel em ácido, antioxidante vitamina E por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência, minerais selênio, zinco, cobre, magnésio por espectrometria de massa com fonte plasma acoplado, e sorologia do anticorpo glicolipídio fenólico I pelo método Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Foi utilizado teste não paramétrico de Mann-Whitney para comparar as variáveis quantificadas neste estudo entre os diferentes grupos, e correlação de Pearson para verificar associação dessas variáveis com o anticorpo. O critério de significância adotado foi de p<0,05. Resultados Houve diferença significativa para o malondialdeído (p<0,001) e vitamina E (p<0,001) no grupo controle comparado aos grupos com hanseníase, multibacilar e paucibacilar. No entanto, essas mesmas variáveis não diferiram entre os grupos multibacilar e paucibacilar (p=0,495 e p=0,920 respectivamente). A glutationa reduzida foi superior no grupo controle em relação ao grupo com hanseníase (p=0,012) e multibacilar (p=0,001), no entanto não diferiu do grupo paucibacilar (p=0,920). Quando comparada com os multibacilares e paucibacilares, a glutationa reduzida também não diferiu (p=0,063). Quanto aos minerais, todos se apresentaram dentro da normalidade, exceto o magnésio, cujos níveis foram deficientes em todos os pacientes do estudo. Não foi possível observar correlação do anticorpo glicolipídio fenólico I com as demais variáveis. Conclusão Os pacientes paucibacilares parecem possuir maior defesa antioxidante de glutationa reduzida, semelhante à de indivíduos saudáveis. Baixos níveis de vitamina E nos pacientes com hanseníase são sugestivos dos benefícios de suplementação. As alterações metabólicas observadas não evidenciaram relação com a sorologia do glicolipídio fenólico I.

Effect of zinc supplementation on E-ADA activity, seric zinc, and cytokines levels of Trypanosoma evansi infected Wistar rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of zinc supplementation on the ecto-adenosine deaminase activity (E-ADA), zinc seric levels and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, and IL -10) on rats experimentally infected by Trypanosoma evansi. Four groups with 10 rats each were used as negative controls (groups A and B), while the animals from the groups C and D were infected intraperitoneally with 0.1 mL of cryopreserved blood containing 1.4 × 10(4) of trypanosomes. Animals of groups B and D received two doses of Zinc (Zn) at 5 mg kg(-1), subcutaneously, on the 2nd and 7th day post-infection (PI). Blood samples were collected on days 5 (n = 5) and 15 PI (n = 5). Zn supplementation was able to increase the rat's longevity and to reduce their parasitemia. It was observed that seric Zn levels were increased on infected animals under Zn supplementation. Animals that were infected and supplemented with Zn showed changes in E-ADA activity and in cytokine levels (P < 0.05). Zn supplementation of healthy animals (Group B), increased the E-ADA activity, as well as reduced the concentration of cytokines. Infected animals from groups C and D showed increased levels of cytokines. Finally, we observed that Zn supplementation led to a modulation on cytokine's level in rats infected by T. evansi, as well as in E-ADA activity.

Avaliação de desempenho das concentrações capilares de zinco como método diagnóstico da deficiência de zinco: um estudo comparativo com as concentrações séricas de zinco

OBJETIVO: Examinar o poder diagnóstico de deficiência de zinco das concentrações capilares desse mineral por meio da comparação com as concentrações séricas. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal desenvolvido com 170 crianças na faixa etária dos 12 aos 72 meses. A análise da Curva Característica de Operação do Receptor foi utilizada para identificar a sensibilidade e a especificidade do melhor ponto de corte para o diagnóstico da deficiência de zinco no cabelo. Verificou-se ainda a significância estatística da área sob a curva. RESULTADOS:O ponto de corte apontado como ótimo para o zinco no cabelo foi de 292,52ppm (sensibilidade de 55,6% e especificidade de 60,8%), com uma área sob a curva de 0,549, sem significância estatística. CONCLUSÃO: O diagnóstico da deficiência de zinco pelas concentrações capilares desse elemento, em comparação às concentrações séricas de zinco, mostra baixa sensibilidade e ponto de corte ideal superior ao sugerido. Permanece, ainda, a necessidade de novos estudos que possibilitem a obtenção de indicadores bioquímicos mais sensíveis e específicos para o diagnóstico da deficiência de zinco na população, sob tudo sem importantes limitações técnicas.

Yacon effects in immune response and nutritional status of iron and zinc in preschool children

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of yacon flour on iron and zinc nutritional status and immune response biomarkers in preschool children.

METHODS

Preschool children ages 2 to 5 y were selected from two nurseries and were placed into a control group (n = 58) or a yacon group (n = 59). The yacon group received yacon flour in preparations for 18 wk at a quantity to provide 0.14 g of fructooligosaccharides/kg of body weight daily. Anthropometric parameters were measured before and after the intervention and dietary intake was measured during the intervention. To assess iron and zinc status, erythrograms, serum iron, ferritin, and plasma, and erythrocyte zinc were evaluated. Systemic immune response was assessed by the biomarkers interleukin IL-4, IL-10, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-α). Intestinal immune response was analyzed by secretory IgA (sIgA) levels before and after the intervention. Statistical significance was evaluated using the paired t test (α = 5%).

RESULTS

Before and after the study, the children presented a high prevalence of overweight and an inadequate dietary intake of zinc and fiber. The yacon group presented with lower hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration at the end of the study (P < 0.05). Erythrocyte zinc was reduced in both groups at the end of the study (P < 0.05). Yacon intake increased the serum levels of IL-4 and fecal sIgA (P < 0.05). The control group had lower serum TNF-α after the study period (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Yacon improved intestinal immune response but demonstrated no effect on the nutritional status of iron and zinc in preschool children.

Identification and analysis of antinutritional factors in possible interactions between medications and food/nutrients in hospitalized patients

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify and analyze the presence of antinutritional factors in possible interactions between medications and foods/ nutrients of the diets prescribed for patients of the Hospital Regional Justino Luz, in the city of Picos (PI) in order to suggest their likely mechanisms. Methods: The sample was made up of 120 medical records of hospitalized patients. The charts were analyzed to verify the presence or absence of interactions between medications and foods/nutrients of the diets prescribed to the patients at the Hospital Regional Justino Luz, emphasizing the action of antinutritional factors in these interactions. Results: Of the 189 medications prescribed, 128 (67.7%) had a possible interaction with food, totaling up 98 possible interactions between nutrients/foods and medications. Therefore, 20 (20.4%), 12 (12.2%) and 11 (11.2%) possible interactions were identified with captopril, acetylsalicylic acid and spironolactone, respectively, representing, in this order, the greatest frequencies of possible interactions among drugs and foods. A total of nine antinutritional factors were found in seven vegetable foods prescribed to inpatients, in which five (55.6%) were capable of interacting with the medications. Phytates and tannins had the largest quantity of possible interactions with drugs, each with 4 (26.7%) in a total of 15 interactions. The medications aluminum hydroxide, digoxin, and paracetamol attained greater probability of interaction with antinutrients, with 5 (33.3%), 3 (20%) and 3 (20%) interactions, respectively. Conclusion: Due to the large quantity of antinutritional factors capable of interacting with drugs prescribed for inpatients, the involvement of a multiprofessional team is indispensable so that these possible interactions between foods, antinutritional factors and drugs might be foreseen, detected, and resolved.

Aspectos sobre a relação entre exercício físico, estresse oxidativo e zinco

Este trabalho visa a contribuir com informações sobre a relação entre exercício físico, estresse oxidativo e zinco. A formação de espécies reativas de oxigênio durante o exercício pode contribuir para danos tissulares e celulares, prejudicando o desempenho do atleta. Podem amenizar esses efeitos alguns minerais, como o zinco, que atuam como cofator da enzima superóxido dismutase e na regulação da síntese da metalotioneína, proteínas importantes no sistema de defesa antioxidante. No exercício físico, ocorrem distúrbios na compartimentalização do zinco, com alterações da concentração desse mineral em compartimentos celulares. No entanto, os mecanismos envolvidos no comportamento metabólico do zinco bem como a participação do mineral na melhora do desempenho físico ainda não estão totalmente esclarecidos. Dessa forma, conclui-se que a distribuição do zinco em organismos submetidos ao estresse oxidativo e os efeitos da deficiência desse mineral na capacidade antioxidante durante o exercício ainda devem ser pesquisados mais profundamente.

Consumo alimentar de crianças em municípios de baixo índice de desenvolvimento humano no Nordeste do Brasil

OBJETIVO: Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar o consumo alimentar de crianças em Gameleira, na Zona da Mata Meridional de Pernambuco, e em São João do Tigre, no Semi-Árido da Paraíba, municípios do Nordeste do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo transversal envolvendo crianças menores de dois anos, das quais 238 em Gameleira, e 207 em São João do Tigre. O consumo alimentar foi registrado utilizando o método recordatório de 24 horas. Os nutrientes foram analisados utilizando as Dietary Referency Intakes. RESULTADOS: O consumo médio de energia e da maioria dos nutrientes esteve acima das ingestões de referência, em todas as faixas etárias e em ambos os municípios. A maioria dos valores de prevalência de risco de inadequação dos nutrientes foram elevados, principalmente de ferro e zinco, nas crianças entre 7 e 11 meses. O município de São João do Tigre apresentou prevalência de risco, com inadequação em todas as faixas etárias e nutrientes analisados, com exceção da proteína e do ferro na faixa etária entre 12 e 23 meses, embora sem diferença estatisticamente significante. CONCLUSÃO: A situação nutricional da população estudada ainda preocupa devido às acentuadas prevalências de risco de inadequação dos nutrientes. Portanto, é necessária a elaboração de estratégias que reforcem e promovam a segurança alimentar e nutricional para essas populações, a fim de evitar o risco de instalação de distúrbios nutricionais.

Nutritional Status Driving Infection by Trypanosoma cruzi: Lessons from Experimental Animals

This paper reviews the scientific knowledge about protein-energy and micronutrient malnutrition in the context of Chagas disease, especially in experimental models. The search of articles was conducted using the electronic databases of SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online), PubMed and MEDLINE published between 1960 and March 2010. It was possible to verify that nutritional deficiencies (protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient malnutrition) exert a direct effect on the infection by T. cruzi. However, little is known about the immunological mechanisms involved in the relationship "nutritional deficiencies and infection by T. cruzi". A hundred years after the discovery of Chagas disease many aspects of this illness still require clarification, including the effects of nutritional deficiencies on immune and pathological mechanisms of T. cruzi infection.

[Food consumption of children and adolescents living in an area of invasion in Maceio, Alagoas, Brazil]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the food intake of energy, macronutrients and micronutrients related to growth and development in individuals under 16 years of age living in a consolidated invasion settlement in Maceió, Alagoas.

METHODS

The assessment of food intake was carried out by the 24-hour recall method, using a food picture album. Nutritional composition of diets was analysed using the Virtual Nutri-1.0 software. The estimated prevalence of inadequate intake was based on the Dietary Reference (DRIs), adjusted to account for intra-individual variability. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 11.5 was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

5.6% of the subjects studied presented excessive energy intake and for 3.7% it was inadequate. The frequency of excessive energy intake was higher in the 1 to 3 year-old age group (p <0.05), which also showed higher rates of inadequate intake of vitamin A, vitamin E and zinc, and it was the only group in which average consumption of calcium was higher than the adequate intake.

CONCLUSION

Data show that dietary patterns of the individuals studied need adjustments.

Efeitos da deficiência de cobre, zinco e magnésio sobre o sistema imune de crianças com desnutrição grave

OBJETIVO: Esclarecer as repercussões da deficiência de cobre, zinco e magnésio sobre o sistema imune de crianças desnutridas graves. FONTES DE DADOS: Foi realizada revisão bibliográfica mediante consulta às bases de dados Pubmed Medline, Lilacs e SciELO, selecionando-se publicações científicas recentes, da última década, e representativas do tema por meio dos descritores: desnutrição infantil, cobre, zinco, magnésio e sistema imune. SÍNTESE DE DADOS: Os micronutrientes são compostos orgânicos essenciais. Além de sua função regulatória, atuam de maneira decisiva na modulação da resposta imune. Sua deficiência pode ocorrer devido à ingestão inadequada ou associada a doenças específicas. Quando associada à desnutrição, a multideficiência de minerais pode acarretar disfunções imunológicas e aumento na suscetibilidade a infecções, afetando gravemente a eficácia de intervenções terapêuticas. Cobre, zinco e magnésio atuam como cofatores de enzimas responsáveis tanto por diversas atividades metabólicas como na resposta imune inata e adquirida, além do papel importante na maturação dos tecidos e células linfoides. Sua deficiência acarreta neutropenia e linfopenia, comprometendo a imunocompetência. CONCLUSÕES: As alterações ocasionadas pelos déficits séricos dos minerais cobre, zinco e magnésio comprometem o funcionamento do sistema imune, levando à imunossupressão. A reposição desses elementos no manejo da desnutrição grave, como preconizada pela Organização Mundial da Saúde, é essencial, uma vez que tais alterações podem ser reversíveis.

Deficiência de zinco em crianças e adolescentes com doenças hepáticas crônicas

OBJETIVO: Revisar as principais pesquisas referentes ao zinco e ao estado desse mineral em crianças e adolescentes com doenças hepáticas crônicas. FONTES DE DADOS: As palavras-chave "zinco", "hepatopatias", "criança" e "adolescente" foram inseridas nas bases de dados PubMed, SciELO e Web of Science. O critério de seleção compreendeu os artigos de origem nacional e internacional, preferindo-se aqueles publicados de 1998 a 2008, além de estudos mais antigos considerados clássicos. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: O zinco é um mineral essencial para a saúde das crianças devido às suas inúmeras funções no organismo, dentre elas a atuação no sistema imune, o favorecimento do crescimento estatural e do desenvolvimento sexual e cognitivo. As crianças hepatopatas parecem estar mais suscetíveis à deficiência de zinco do que as saudáveis pelo fato de a doença no fígado alterar o metabolismo desse mineral, principalmente a sua distribuição aos tecidos e sua excreção. O nível de zinco no plasma parece ser baixo nesses pacientes, mas esse biomarcador não reflete o real estado de zinco no organismo e, além disso, a excreção urinária de zinco parece estar aumentada. CONCLUSÕES: É necessário um número maior de estudos sobre o estado de zinco em crianças e adolescentes com doenças hepáticas crônicas.

Mudanças no estilo de vida e fatores de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e sistema imune de mulheres sedentárias

OBJETIVO: Observar os efeitos de dois meses de um programa de reeducação de hábitos sobre variáveis do sistema imunológico e de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e as associações destas entre si e com a composição corporal. MÉTODOS: Cinqüenta mulheres sedentárias, com idade de 36 anos (DP=10), e índice de massa corporal de 31kg/m² (DP=12) participaram do estudo. Foram avaliados a composição corporal (antropometria e bioimpedância), o hemograma, o perfil lipídico, as concentrações plasmáticas das vitaminas A, C, betacaroteno, do zinco, do ácido úrico e da glicemia. O treinamento consistia de circuito de peso ou caminhada por 1h, três vezes por semana no primeiro mês e 1h, quatro vezes por semana no segundo mês, mais reeducação alimentar. RESULTADOS: A gordura corporal, as concentrações plasmáticas do ácido úrico, do colesterol total e da lipoproteína de alta densidade foram significativamente reduzidas. Os triglicérides, a lipoproteína de baixa densidade e as variáveis do sistema imunológico não foram alterados. O zinco não foi associado a qualquer variável. Os glóbulos brancos, os linfócitos, as plaquetas e a vitamina C foram positivamente associados à gordura corporal e negativamente, quando divididos pela massa corporal (kg). O colesterol total e a lipoproteína de baixa densidade divididos pela concentração de vitamina A e do betacaroteno foram negativamente correlacionados à gordura corporal. A vitamina C teve a maior correlação com outros fatores bioquímicos de risco. CONCLUSÃO: Houve redução dos fatores de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, mas não nos marcadores do sistema imunológico. O aumento da gordura corporal foi associado negativamente aos marcadores do sistema imunológico e das vitaminas.

Consumo alimentar de macro e micronutrientes de crianças menores de cinco anos no Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

OBJETIVO: analisar o consumo alimentar de macro e micronutrientes, com base na Dietary Reference Intakes, das crianças menores de cinco anos do Estado de Pernambuco, considerando três áreas geográficas: Região Metropolitana do Recife, Interior Urbano e Interior Rural. MÉTODOS: a amostra constitui-se de 948 crianças menores de cinco anos de idade, com representatividade para o Estado de Pernambuco e suas três áreas geográficas. O consumo alimentar foi registrado mediante o recordatório de 24 horas e foram analisadas as medianas e prevalências de inadequação dos macro e micronutrientes de acordo com as Dietary Reference Intakes. RESULTADOS: o déficit de energia e micronutrientes mostrou-se prevalente nas crianças, em todas as faixas etárias e áreas geográficas; entretanto, o consumo de proteínas apresentou-se acima dos valores de referência. A prevalência de inadequação dos micronutrientes foi elevada, principalmente de ferro e zinco, nas crianças acima de 12 meses de idade. Os resultados no Interior Rural foram os mais baixos para todos os nutrientes analisados. CONCLUSÕES: o consumo alimentar das crianças do Estado de Pernambuco demonstrou déficit de energia, de macro e micronutrientes. Espera-se que estes resultados possam servir como subsídios para implementação de políticas de nutrição e alimentação no Estado, visando prevenir os principais distúrbios nutricionais em menores de cinco anos.

Zinco no plasma e eritrócito de atletas profissionais de uma equipe feminina brasileira de voleibol

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o estado nutricional relativo ao zinco de 12 atletas profissionais do voleibol feminino. MÉTODOS: Determinou-se a concentração de zinco plasmático e eritrocitário por espectrofotometria de absorção atômica, e avaliou-se a ingestão dietética por meio de registro alimentar de três dias, de 12 atletas profissionais do sexo feminino, integrantes de uma equipe de voleibol de Curitiba, PR, na faixa etária de 18 a 24 anos, no ano de 2003. RESULTADOS: Todas as atletas apresentaram valores normais de zinco plasmático. Quanto ao zinco eritrocitário, 100,00% apresentaram valores abaixo da normalidade. Em relação à ingestão dietética de zinco, 83,33% apresentaram adequação. Decréscimos no conteúdo de zinco eritrocitário podem representar o efeito agudo de exercícios prolongados pela utilização enzimática da superóxido dismutase ou anidrase carbônica. CONCLUSÃO: O estado nutricional das atletas relativo ao zinco parece estar inadequado, pois, apesar dos valores normais para a concentração de zinco plasmático, a concentração eritrocitária esteve abaixo da faixa de normalidade para todas as atletas.