J Nutr Health.  2022 Aug;55(4):441-449. 10.4163/jnh.2022.55.4.441.

2020 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans: zinc

• Lee MK
• Kim EM
• Kwun IS

• KMID: 2532905
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4163/jnh.2022.55.4.441

Abstract

This review is focused on analyzing the limits and shortage of zinc (Zn) for the 2020 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans (KDRIs), and provides suggestions for the future establishment of the 2025 KDRIs for Zn. The 2020 KDRIs for Zn have been established to estimate the adequate requirement (EAR), recommended nutrient intakes (RNI), adequate intake (for only 0–5 mon) and tolerable upper intake level (UL). EAR was estimated in 2-stages: the first stage was to construct of the frame of analysis for Zn requirement and the second stage involved a factorial approach by considering the various factors which affect Zn requirement, such as intestinal and urine Zn loss, Zn requirement for growth and development, and Zn absorption rate. For a more precise and accurate establishment of the Zn requirement, we suggest for the following to be considered: 1) considering that Zn is present in minuscule amounts as a trace element in our body, the present values for Zn EAR (as 6–9 mg/d) should be expressed as a decimal point for more accurate DRIs; 2) the frame of analysis for Zn requirement has to be more specifically and should includes the factors which affect Zn requirement; 3) both, the factorial approach and extrapolation method need to be well reviewed and thoroughly understood for establishing precise Zn requirement; 4) currently, human clinical study and balance study (Zn intake, excretion and absorption rate) are limited and more human Zn subject studies are required. All these suggestions are provided to better establish the Zn requirement in the 2025 KDRIs.

Keyword

zinc; micro nutrient; dietary reference intakes for Koreans (KDRIs)