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Bioavailability of Zinc and Iron From a Whey-based Protein Supplement Consumed With a Habitual Plant-based Diet

Bioavailability of Zinc and Iron From a Whey-based Protein Supplement Consumed With a Habitual Plant-based Diet

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT02208622
Enrollment
50
Registered
2014-08-05
Start date
2013-08-31
Completion date
2018-04-30
Last updated
2019-07-05

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Nutritional Deficiency

Keywords

Zinc absorption, Iron Absorption, Whey Protein, Mexico, Stable isotopes

Brief summary

Bioavailability of iron and zinc from habitual plant-based diets consumed by young children in Mexico is low due to the high phytate content. Whey protein has been found to increase zinc absorption, thus, providing a whey based supplement with micronutrients may be an effective strategy to increase iron and zinc bioavailability from plant-based foods and alleviate iron and zinc deficiencies. The investigators compared absorption of zinc and iron in children receiving diets with and without whey protein supplements (WPS).

Detailed description

Study 1: Zinc absorption studies The zinc study employed a 2-day cross-over design, labeling the WPS diet with a different zinc stable isotope (67Zn) than the control diet (70Zn). All meals during the 2-day period were labeled with tracer. The dual isotope ratio technique was used with a 3rd Zn stable isotope (68Zn) given intravenously and urine enrichment of all isotopes measured on Study Days 6-9 to measure fractional absorption of Zn (FAZ). The amount of Zn absorbed for the day was determined by multiplying the Zn intake for the day (determined from lab analyses of duplicate test meals) by the FAZ. Children (n=16) were randomized as to the order in which they consume the test and control meals on Study Day 1 and 2. Study 2: Iron absorption studies The iron study was a cross sectional study with one group receiving control meals and the second group receiving the same control meal plus WPS. Iron absorption was measured using the erythrocyte iron incorporation technique with labeling of all meals over 2 days (58Fe). This was preceded by a reference dose of Fe57 and ascorbate on the previous day. Children (n=32) were randomized to receive the control diet or intervention diet (control diet + WPS).

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTStudy 1: Whey Supplement Day 1

Whey supplement was given on day 1, control diet on day 2

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTStudy 1: Whey Supplement Day 2

Control diet was given day 1, whey supplement was given day 2

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTStudy 2: Whey Supplement

Whey supplement was given as part of diet for both day 1 and 2 of study

Sponsors

Universidad Autonoma de Queretaro
CollaboratorOTHER
International Atomic Energy Agency
CollaboratorOTHER_GOV
University of Colorado, Denver
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
QUADRUPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
2 Years to 3 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* 2-3 years of age * Live in poor, rural communities * Healthy * Parents had provided informed consent

Exclusion criteria

* An acute or chronic illness which affects gut function, or * They are breast feeding.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Zinc Absorption2 daysAbsorption of zinc was compared in young children when given a habitual diet with and without a whey protein supplement. Fractional absorption of zinc for a day was measured by extrinsic labeling with stable isotopes of zinc. Fractional absorption of zinc was measured by a dual isotope tracer ratio technique. Measurement of total zinc in duplicate diets on test day will allow determination of quantity of this micronutrient absorbed (mg/d).
Iron Absorption2 daysAbsorption of iron was compared in young children when given a habitual diet with and without a whey protein supplement. Fractional absorption of iron for two days was measured by extrinsic labeling with stable isotopes of iron and measuring erythrocyte enrichment. Measurement of total iron in duplicate diets on test days will allow determination of quantity of this micronutrient absorbed (mg/d).

Countries

Mexico, United States

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026