A Suggestion to Improve Zinc Status of Type 2 Diabetic Women: Relationship among Zn, Protein and Phytate intake

Yoon, Jin Sook; Lee, Jung Hee

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationships among zinc status, protein and phytate intake, and diabetic control indices of type 2 diabetic women. The mean age and the duration of diabetes were respectively 57.9+/-6.9 years old and 8.0+/-6.5 years. The mean daily energy intake of diabetic subjects was 1562 kcal. Both the zinc intake (6.2mg/day) and the zinc %RI (% of The Recommended Intake for zinc: 79.5%) of the diabetic participants were significantly lower than those of the control group (respectively p<0.01). As for the diabetic group, the higher the energy intake (kcal/day), the higher were the zinc intake (p<0.001) and %RI for zinc (p<0.001). Zinc intake was positively correlated with the protein (p<0.001), animal protein (p<0.001), and fat intake (p<0.001), but negatively correlated with the carbohydrate intake (p<0.001). Foods with high amount of phytate were the major source of zinc (p<0.01), but did not contribute to high zinc densities. The urinary zinc excretion was twice as high as in the diabetic group compared to the control group (p<0.001). In addition, the urinary zinc loss was positively correlated with the duration of diabetes (p<0.05), hyperglycemia (p<0.001) and insulin resistance (p<0.05). %RI for zinc was negatively correlated with the HbA1C (p<0.05). These results lead us to conclude that the appropriate intake of energy controlled by diet therapy could improve the total zinc intake and %RI for zinc in diabetic women. Also, normal blood glucose level controlled by diet therapy could improve the hyperzincuria. Dietetic practitioners should encourage consumption patterns that provide zinc-rich foods in the form of animal protein to improve the bioavailability as well as the total daily intake of zinc.