Lois D. McBean

Serum zinc and alpha2-macroglobulin concentration in myocardial infarction, decubitus ulcer, multiple myeloma, prostatic carcinoma, down's syndrome and nephrotic syndrome

Abstract α2-Macroglobulin has been suggested as a transport protein for zinc and other trace metals. To elucidate the implications of this relationship, serum zinc and α2-macroglobulin levels were measured in 20 control people and in 75 patients with various conditions that frequently alter serum zinc levels. Serum α2-macroglobulin was found elevated in myocardial infarction (P Although there was no significant correlation between zinc and α2-macroglobulin levels in most states studied, very high α2-macroglobulin levels in the nephrotic syndrome were accompanied by very low serum zinc levels. Thus, certain extreme elevations in α2-macroglobulin levels may be associated with changes in metal metabolism that are not apparent when lesser protein alterations occur. A rapid technique of radial immunodiffusion, employing cellulose acetate proved reliable in the measurement of α2-macroglobulin. Equivalence was attained and precipitation zone migration ceased within 48 h of sample application.

Nutritive Value of Dairy Foods

The significant contributions of dairy foods in general and milk in particular to the nutrient intake and health of the American population are well recognized (Speckmann et al. 1981; Rechcigl 1983; Speckmann 1984). As estimated for 1984, dairy foods (excluding butter) contributed 76% of the calcium in the U.S. food supply, 36% of the phosphorus, 35% of the riboflavin, 21% of the protein, 20% of the vitamin B12, 19% of the magnesium, 12% of the vitamin A, 11% of the vitamin B6, and 10% of the energy (Table 7.1; Marston and Raper 1986). In addition, dairy foods provide a significant source of the vitamin niacin due to their content of the amino acid tryptophan, and, through fortification, fluid milk provides the majority of vitamin D in our diets.

Zinc Deficiency in Guinea Pigs

Summary This study has demonstrated that the guinea pig does require zinc. The animals fed a zinc deficient diet (1.2 ± 0.4 ppm) had a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in the plasma and femur zinc concentration compared with those guinea pigs fed a diet containing 104 ± 8.4 ppm zinc. The quantitative requirement of zinc for the guinea pig has not been determined in this study. A possible use of the guinea pig in a study to investigate the relationship between zinc and ascorbic acid is discussed.

Effect of oral contraceptive hormones on zinc metabolism in the rat.

Summary The effects of an estrogen (mestranol), a progestational agent (norethindrone), and a combination of the two hormones on plasma zinc concentration, growth, and zinc-65 uptake in selected tissues were investigated in female rats fed a zinc-sufficient diet. Mestranol significantly (p<0.02) lowered plasma zinc concentration whereas norethindrone had no effect. Mestranol caused a significant increase in the uptake of a single injected dose of zinc-65 in the liver, spleen, adrenals, and uterus. Mestranol also caused a significant decrease in the growth.

Food faddism: a challenge to nutritionists and dietitians

The increase in the “health” food movement has rendered it necessary for nutritionists and dietitians to become cognizant of some of the current forms of food faddism. These dietary regimes advocate the use of “health” foods, “organically grown” foods, “natural” foods, Zen Macrobiotic diets,and vegetarianism. Some forms of food misinformation are very subtle but nevertheless can be classified as faddism. Claims for the nutritional superiority of such diets have not been substantiated and while there is concern about the safety of our food supply, the use of additives and pesticides is regulated by law. Many of the organic, health, and natural foods cost twice as much as their conventional counterparts without a concomitant nutritional benefit. There isconcern about the mislabeling of organic, health, and natural foods as these terms are not legallydefined. The Zen Macrobiotic Diet isthe most dangerous form of food faddism. There are many forms of vegetarianism with a wide spectrum of food avoidances. With the exception of vitamin B1 2’ vegetarian diets can be nutritionally adequate depending on the dietary composition. Unfortunately, some types of vegetarianism can be extremely restrictive in nutrient concentration. Subtle sources of nutrition misinformation can be the most rampant and difficult to combat. The most serious problem with food faddism is the advocation that the individual be his own diagnostician and physician. As a result of several studies, advice is offered to health professionals to more effectively communicate with food faddists. It is necessary to listen to the followers of the above dietary regimes, understand their attitudes and beliefs, and avoid interference with the integrity of their culture. The involvement of the nutritionist and dietitian in counteracting food faddism is imperative. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 27: 1071-1078, 1974. It is the purpose of this review to present a broad picture of some of the current forms of food faddism or cultism and the resulting problems due to adherence to these dietary regimes. An understanding of food faddism should facilitate nutritionists and dietitians in educating food faddists. The increased receptiveness and consciousness of the public in regard to nutrition and health have provided an opportunity for food faddism to flourish. The number of converts to “health” foods, “organically grown” and “natural” foods, Zen Macrobiotic diets, and vegetarianism is increasing daily. This is demonstrated by the proliferation of health food outlets and the number of publications dealing with health foods. Table 1 presents a general definition of the above types of food faddism (1-13). The allure of food cults is certainly not new as food faddism has never been without its advocates during any period of our history (14). However, due to many factors, one of which is increased communication, especially through the mass media, the acceleration of popular fashions in food consumption is creating a public health problem (14, 15). Nutrition, a relatively new science, is particularly susceptible to distortions into fads or cults. In teaching nutrition, emphasis has traditionally been placed on the close association of good nutrition with health and poor nutrition with disease (16, 17). The ‘From the National Dairy Council, Division of Nutrition Research, Chicago, Illinois 60606. D ow naded rom http/academ ic.p.com /ajcn/article-at/27/10/1071/4911817 by gest on 20 N ovem er 2018 1072 MCBEAN AND SPECKMANN TABLE 1 Some current forms of food faddism Form Description References Health foods Foods reported to possess health-giving curative properties beyond the expected nutritive qualities. Regulatory agencies have deemed this term misleading as itimplies that conventional foods are not as healthful. (1) Organically grown Foods grown without the use of any manufactured agricultural chemicals (2) foods and fertilizers (insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, hormones), and processed without the use of food chemicals or additives (synthetic sweeteners, preservatives, dyes, emulsifiers, stabilizers). These foods from both animal and vegetable sources are raised with the use of fertilizers and pesticides of animal and vegetable origin only. Natural foods Foods which are in their original state or have minimal refinement and minimal processing. (3-5) Zen ‘acrobiotic Zen means medication and macrobiotic suggests longevity. There are 10 (6-11) diet stages of the diet in which natural foods are advocated and emphasis is placed on whole-grain cereals and avoidance of sugars and fluid. Vegetarianism Abstinence from the consumption of meat, fowl, and fish as food with or without eggs and/or dairy foods. Some of the forms are: a) lactoovovegetarian diets (all vegetable diet supplemented with milk, cheese, and eggs), b) lactovegetarian diet (all vegetable ciet supplemented with milk and cheese), and c) pure vegetarian or vegan diet (all vegetable diet without any animal foods, dairy products, or eggs). (11 -13) entire industry of health foods has capitalized on this concept. Food fads or cults are viewed as favored or popular pursuits, diversions, or fashions in food consumption, prevailing for a short period of time (15-17). Certainly all deviations from a conventional American diet do not constitute food faddism. Some foods have a better nutritional profile than others. Basically, there are three categories of food fads, namely: 1) those in which special virtues of a particular food are exaggerated and purported to cure specific diseases, 2) those in which certain foods are eliminated from the diet due to the belief that harmful constituents are present (an example would be the belief that food enriched with nutrients and preserved with chemical stabilizers is harmful), and 3) those in which individuals place emphasis on eating health foods as an expression of a life style. Nutritionists and dietitians are aware that no single food pattern must be adhered to for the purpose of ensuring good nutrition. Man requires specific nutrients, not specific food items. It is possible worldwide to obtain satisfactory nutrition by the proper selection of indigenous foods. As simple as the above concept may be, individuals are still susceptible to the lure of food faddism. The emotional appeal of food faddism is not confined to the superstitious, the uninformed, or the economically deprived. Attempts have been made to categorize individuals and their motivation leading to the use of special food products (3). Some examples of recipients of nutrition misinformation are: miracle seekers or those who adhere to an uncritical belief in bizarre and unrealistic promises, the alienated or antiestablishment, ritual or authority seekers, those pursuing “super” health such as athletes (18), the paranoiacs or extremists who have deepseated mistrust of the medical profession, “truth” seekers, fashion followers, and the “afraid” who are anxious about the uncertainties and threats of living. However, most people who believe that certain foods will bring super health are either convinced of this due to religious beliefs or are ordinary citizens who are genuinely concerned about diet yet lack access to reliable, simply presented information (19). One of the most serious hazards of food faddism is that the false promises of superior health and freedom from disease that are believed to accrue from the use of health foods delay individuals from obtaining necessary competent medical attention (3, 16, 17, 20). Claims have been made that a particular food or combination of foods will prevent or cure diseases, or both, such as arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. The economic extravagance is another consequence of food faddism. The appeal of food cultism to a significant D ow naded rom http/academ ic.p.com /ajcn/article-at/27/10/1071/4911817 by gest on 20 N ovem er 2018