THE USE OF STABLE-ISOTOPE TECHNIQUES TO ASSESS ZINC-METABOLISM

The refinement of techniques that can accurately measure small changes in zinc stable isotope ratios in biological samples provides new oppo rtunities for advancing our understanding of human zinc metabolism. Th e feasibility of utilizing more than one zinc stable isotope label sim ultaneously is invaluable for more complex kinetic studies. These tech niques are especially valuable for investigations of the regulation of Zn homeostasis in infants and in women during the reproductive cycle in whom problems with zinc nutriture may be relatively frequent and of concern for pre- and postnatal growth and development. Initially, the se techniques have been applied to studying the role of the intestine in the maintenance of zinc homeostasis and have served to emphasize th e importance of the modulation of fecal excretion of endogenous zinc. Application of stable isotope techniques to explore zinc metabolism be yond the intestinal tract is still limited but has considerable potent ial for advancing our understanding of zinc metabolism in health and d isease.