Scientists propose a new method of health assessment: human zinc index

In order to accurately calculate the physiological state of the subject from the biomarkers, food scientists at Cornell University have developed a new evaluation method: the zinc state index

The human body needs zinc to enhance immunity, regulate metabolism and help heal wounds, but more than 1 billion people (about 17% of the global population) lack zinc in their diets

"With global food insecurity and rising domestic obesity rates, malnutrition is hitting disadvantaged and low-income people

This paper, "Zinc Status Index (ZSI) for the Quantification of the Physiological State of Zinc", was published in the September 27th issue of "Nutrition"

"This research has made significant progress in the field of zinc nutrition and related physiological states," Cheng said

The Zinc Condition Index contains a statistical model and is based on three pillars:

• The ratio of linolenic acid (a fatty acid) to diiso gamma-linolenic acid (another fatty acid)-called the LA:DGLA ratio, is a biomarker developed by Cornell University, by the Tako laboratory team (Spenser Reed, 2014, first author) reported in 2014-indicating the physiological state of the subject;

• Gene expression of zinc-dependent proteins affected by zinc status; and

• The gut microbiome is used as an additional tool to reflect the physiological state of zinc

  
  

In addition, Tako's research team showed that mild zinc deficiency can alter gene expression in the body, and the microbial environment of the intestine is critical to zinc metabolism

Tako said it is possible to detect severe zinc deficiency

Tako is worried about malnutrition around the world and overnutrition in the United States

Journal Reference :

1. Jacquelyn Cheng, Haim Bar, Elad Tako.