J Nutr Health.  2024 Aug;57(4):365-375. 10.4163/jnh.2024.57.4.365.

Zinc dietary reference intakes and factorial analysis

• Cho YE
• Lee MK
• Kwon JH
• Kwun IS

• KMID: 2559309
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4163/jnh.2024.57.4.365

Abstract

Purpose
Zinc is involved in regulating homeostasis and metabolism in the body, and understanding these processes is important for estimating intake requirements. This review aimed to assist in setting the standards for Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans (KDRIs, 2025) for zinc by examining specific factors associated with role of zinc in the body and using the factorial analysis method.
Methods
We reviewed the zinc-specific factors that should be considered when setting the required zinc intake to maintain zinc homeostasis in the body and used the factorial analysis method for estimating zinc requirements for different population groups.
Results
Factorial analysis involves estimating the required intake based on various factors that affect zinc metabolism and requirements. The key components and steps involved in determining the zinc dietary reference intake (DRI), particularly the estimated average requirement (EAR), include: 1) Estimating basal requirements, which involves calculating the amount of zinc needed to replace natural losses through the intestinal (feces) and nonintestinal (urine, skin and other body secretions) routes, 2) Accounting for the various biomarkers related to metabolic functions of zinc, 3) Considering physiological requirements for zinc, such as those for growth, development, pregnancy, and lactation since zinc is essential for DNA and protein synthesis, and 4) Estimating the dietary absorption rate of zinc. Conclusion: The factorial analysis for zinc requirement is based on scientific evidence and is tailored to meet the requirements of different population groups, ensuring optimal health and preventing deficiency. It includes considerations of physiological needs, dietary absorption, and population-specific characteristics.

Keyword

Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans (KDRIs); estimated adequate requirement (EAR); extrapolation; factorial analysis; zinc