Zinc tolerance tests in chronic uremia

L. D. Antoniou, R. J. Shalhoub, S. Elliot

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

The intestinal absorption of zinc was investigated in 12 control subjects and in 20 patients on maintenance hemodialysis by means of a zinc tolerance test during fasting. Ten patients (Group I) were on long-term vitamin D therapy and 10 (Group II) were not receiving vitamin D. After baseline plasma zinc measurements, a single dose of 50 mg zinc was ingested and plasma zinc levels were measured at hourly intervals for 4 hours thereafter. Peak plasma zinc levels were significantly lower in Group II patients than in controls or patients in Group I suggesting impaired absorption. No significant difference was found between controls and Group I patients. Two patients had normal zinc tolerance tests while on vitamin D therapy, but abnormal tests while off vitamin D. We conclude that the intestinal absorption of zinc may be impaired in chronic uremia, probably secondary to abnormal metabolism of vitamin D.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)181-187
Number of pages7
JournalClinical Nephrology
Volume16
Issue number4
StatePublished - 1981
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Nephrology

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