ZINC INTAKE AND PLASMA ZINC LEVEL ARE MAINTAINED IN MEN CONSUMING CHOLESTEROL-LOWERING DIETS

Objective Reduced zinc intake has been reported when cholesterol-lower ing diets are adopted. This study examined whether such diets compromi se the zinc status of men with hypercholesterolemia. Design Zinc intak e on baseline 4-day food records and baseline plasma zinc levels were compared with intake and levels 12 and 24 months after subjects adopte d a low-fat, increased-fiber diet. Dietary fiber intake, supplement us e, alcohol intake, and exercise were evaluated as possible confounding variables. Subjects Subjects were free-living men (n = 365) with base line cholesterol level above the 75th percentile who were participants in a randomized trial comparing cholesterol-lowering diets with goals of 30%, 26%, 22%, and 18% of energy from fat and 300, 200, 100, and 1 00 mg cholesterol, respectively. Statistical analyses Data were analyz ed using two sample t tests, multiple linear regression, and analysis of variance. Results For all subjects combined, mean fat and cholester ol intakes approached or met the guidelines of the National Cholestero l Education Program step 2 diet, with approximately 30 g fiber per day . Density (mg/1,000 kcal) of zinc intake was unchanged from the baseli ne value. We found a slightly positive relationship between fiber and zinc intakes; no relationship between fiber intake and plasma zinc lev el; no effect of supplement use (category included all types of supple ments), alcohol use, or level of exercise on plasma zinc levels; and n o difference by dietary assignment in zinc intake or plasma zinc level s. Application Zinc status does not appear to be at risk in adult men who adopt cholesterol-lowering diets. These results may not be general ized to higher-risk population groups or situations in which dietary c ounseling is less comprehensive.