Showing papers by "Ananda S. Prasad published in 1984"

Discovery and importance of zinc in human nutrition.

Abstract: The present explosion in knowledge of zinc has been the result of several factors, the major ones being the recognition of the important role of zinc in human health and diseases, its vital functions in biochemical reactions, and the technological advances that make it feasible to quantitate this essential trace element in biological fluids. Deficiency of zinc in humans due to nutritional factors and several disease states has now been recognized. The high phytate content of cereal proteins is known to decrease the availability of zinc; thus, the prevalence of zinc deficiency is likely to be high in a population consuming large quantities of proteins. Alcoholism, malabsorption, sickle cell anemia, chronic renal disease, and chronically debilitating diseases are now known to be predisposing factors for zinc deficiency. A severe deficiency of zinc such as that seen in patients with acrodermatitis enteropathica may be life-threatening. A spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from mild to severe degrees has now been recognized in human zinc deficiency states. Zinc appears to be involved in many biological functions including DNA synthesis. Roles for zinc in enzymatic functions, cell membranes, and immunity are now well established.

Zinc Supplementation and Growth in Sickle Cell Disease

Abstract: With the use of flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry, we have devised a technique for measuring zinc in neutrophils. Neutrophil zinc levels in patients with sickle cell anemia cor...

Zinc deficiency in sickle cell disease.

Abstract: Occurrence of zinc deficiency in adult sickle cell anemia subjects has been reported previously Improvement in secondary sexual characteristics, normalization of plasma ammonia and serum testosterone levels, and reversal of dark adaptation abnormality and anergy following zinc supplementation to sickle cell anemia subjects have been observed In this paper we report the results of a controlled trial with zinc supplementation in 14 to 19 year old sickle cell anemia subjects who were retarded in growth Our data show that zinc supplementation significantly improved longitudinal growth and body weight in these subjects

Zinc treatment of Wilson's disease.

Abstract: Excerpt To the editor: We are disturbed by some statements in the editorial by Dr. Deiss (1) in the issue in which our paper on zinc treatment of Wilson's disease (2) appeared. First, Dr. Deiss mis...