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Objective: To assess the effects of zinc supplementation on vitamin status in middle-aged and older volunteers. Subjects/Methods: Three hundred and eighty-seven healthy middle-aged (55-70 years) and older (70-85 years) men and women, randomly allocated to three groups to receive 15 or 30 mg Zn/day or placebo for 6 months. Dietary intake was assessed by means of a validated 4-day recall record. Fasting blood samples were simultaneously analysed for levels of plasma retinol and [alpha]-tocopherol by high-performance liquid chromatography. Erythrocyte folates were measured by a competitive immunoassay with direct chemiluminescence detection on an automatized immunoanalyser. Biochemical measurements were performed at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of zinc supplementation. Results: Plasma vitamin A levels were significantly increased proportionally with zinc dose and period of treatment, particularly at 6 months (for 15 mg Zn/day, P Conclusions: Our results show that a long-term zinc supplementation increases plasma vitamin A levels in middle-aged and older people of similar characteristics to those involved in this study. Moreover, supplementation influences serum zinc levels but does not affect erythrocyte zinc concentration and both plasma vitamin E and erythrocyte folate status. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602844; published online 11 July 2007 Keywords: elderly; zinc supplementation; vitamin A; vitamin E; folates, Introduction Zinc is an essential component of a large number of enzymes participating in the synthesis and degradation of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids as well as in the [...]

Absolute values of basal metabolic rate (BMR) are higher in taller people while lower in shorter ones. However, tall people have lower BMR values than shorter individuals when BMR is expressed per kg body weight of fat-free mass (FFM). Stature does not affect the energy cost of walking when expressed as net cost per kg FFM. These were gleaned from a study of the influence of stature on the BMR and the energy cost of standardized walking.

The article presents the synthesis of a novel porous metal-organic replica of [alpha]-Pb[O.sub.2]. The compound is shown to be extremely beneficial for the capturing of a nerve agent surrogate.

Objective: Inadequate intakes of micronutrients in elderly negatively affect the nutritional status. Zinc is an essential micronutrient in the elderly, especially in relation to its impact on immune function, bone mass, cognitive function and oxidative stress. However, data are lacking on zinc intake and status during normal ageing. In this study, we evaluate the intake and status of zinc in late middle-aged and older free-living subjects. Design: Dietary zinc intake and zinc status in 188 middle-aged subjects from Clermont-Ferrand (Fr) and Coleraine (UK), and in 199 older subjects from Grenoble (Fr) and Roma (It) were assessed at the entry in the ZENITH study. Results: In relation to the zinc RDA for people older than 55 y, zinc intakes in most of the middle-aged and older subjects (more than 96%) in the present study were adequate. Older people had significantly lower (P [less than] 0.01) energy intakes as compared to middle-aged. Zinc intake expressed per MJ was also significantly (P [less than] 0.01) higher in older people compared to middle-aged. Erythrocyte and urinary zinc concentrations were significantly (P [less than] 0.001) higher in middle-aged subjects compared to older ones. The prevalence of biological Zn deficiency in free-living ageing European people was low ( [less than] 5%). Conclusion: The results of the present study showed a relatively low prevalence of zinc deficiencies in healthy free-living late middle-age and older subjects. These results should be useful for health professionals to have reference data on zinc intake and status for a healthy ageing. Sponsorship: The ZENITH study is supported by the European Commission 'Quality of Life and Management of Living Resources' Fifth Framework Programme, Contract No: QLK1-CT-2001-00168. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005) 59, Suppl 2, S37-S41. doi: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602296 Keywords: zinc, intake, status, elderly, Author(s): M Andriollo-Sanchez [1]; I Hininger-Favier [1]; N Meunier [2]; E Toti [3]; M Zaccaria [3]; M Brandolini-Bunlon [2]; A Polito [3]; J M O'Connor [4]; M Ferry [5]; C [...]

Objective: To describe health and lifestyle factors of participants in the ZENITH study. Design: A prospective multicentre intervention study employing a randomised double-blind design. Participants: Community dwelling older adults (n=387), aged 55-87 y were recruited from regions in France, Italy and the UK. Intervention: A self-report questionnaire comprising socio-demographic variables, dietary habits, physical activity in the home, at work and recreation. Results: Participants differed with regards dietary habits and physical activity for each region. Recreational activity was higher in France and women generally tend to perform less hours of recreational activity per week than men. Conclusions: The differences found for these regions of Europe in relation to lifestyle factors will affect health and well-being within these countries and may mediate the impact of zinc supplementation on various biological and psychological parameters. Sponsorship: The ZENITH study is supported by the European Commission 'Quality of Life and Management of Living Resources' Fifth Framework Programme, Contract No: QLK1-CT-2001-00168. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005) 59, Suppl 2, S13-S21. doi: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602292 Keywords: healthy lifestyle, ageing, physical activity, dietary habits, Author(s): E E A Simpson [1]; J M O'Connor [1]; M B E Livingstone [1]; G Rae [1]; B J Stewart-Knox [1]; M Andriollo-Sanchez [2]; E Toti [2]; N Meunier [...]