Effect of Moderate Increase in Dietary Protein on Bio-Availability of Zinc from Different Diets of Pre-Adolescent Girls

Zinc is essential for the growth and development of living organisms. The major function of zinc in human and animal metabolism appears to be as cofactor in enzymatic reactions. Zinc is required in very small amounts and diets may provide sufficient amount of the mineral in food which is absorbed and utilized i.e. converted to biologically active form. Along with many other factors the level and the source of dietary protein are reported to be important determinants of zinc bioavailability.