Define Absorption of Zinc - Micro Minerals?
Like iron, zinc also needs to be liberated from food prior to absorption. During digestive process; proteases, nucleases and hydrochloric acid all appear to release zinc bound to proteins and nucleic acids. Zinc is absorbed throughout the small intestine, with absorption being most efficient in the jejunum. Zinc given as aqueous solution to fasting subjects is absorbed to the extent of 60-70%. However, absorption from solid diets is less efficient and varies widely depending upon the content of the zinc in the meal and the composition of the diet. Tentative estimates of absorption from different types of diet have been used for estimating requirements. These are:
a) Highly bioavailable diets (low in inhibitors, high in enhancers) 50 -60%
b) Normal availability-a mixed diet 30%
c) Low availability diet (high in phytate, calcium and other inhibitors) 15%