Factors that affect zinc bioavailability and losses in adult and elderly populations

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#aging #biological-availability #diet #humans #intestinal-absorption

Factors that affect zinc bioavailability and losses in adult and elderly populations

Bel-Serrat et al., 2014 | Nutr Rev | Systematic Review

Citation

Bel-Serrat Silvia, Stammers Anna-Louise, ... Lowe Nicola M. Factors that affect zinc bioavailability and losses in adult and elderly populations. Nutr Rev. 2014-May;72(5):334-52. doi:10.1111/nure.12105

Abstract

The most widely used method for estimating dietary zinc requirements is the factorial approach, in which it is assumed, in adults, that the physiological zinc requirement is the lowest intake that replaces endogenous zinc losses. Presented here are the results of two reviews: a narrative review of zinc losses from the human body and a systematic review of factors affecting zinc bioavailability in adult and elderly populations. The narrative review presents data on losses from integumental and excretory routes, obtained from 29 papers published up to April 2013. The systematic review includes a total of 87 publications describing dietary factors that impact zinc bioavailability, 30 of which examined phytate. A meta-analysis revealed an overall lowering of fractional zinc absorption by 0.14 (45% of control values) when the phytate : zinc molar ratio of the test meal or diet was greater than 15. These reviews provide a comprehensive resource for use in the setting of human dietary zinc requirements and emphasize the need for more high-quality data to improve estimates of zinc losses and gains.

Key Findings

These reviews provide a comprehensive resource for use in the setting of human dietary zinc requirements and emphasize the need for more high-quality data to improve estimates of zinc losses and gains.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population adult and
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Aging
  • Biological Availability
  • Diet
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Absorption
  • Nutritional Requirements
  • Phytic Acid
  • Zinc

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: zinc

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09