Serum trace minerals during yeast feeding

• Published in: Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.) Vol. 1; no. 4; pp. 327 - 338
• Main Authors: Saleh, Ali, Udall, John N., Scrimshaw, Nevin S., Solomons, Noel W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 1981
• Subjects: copper; serum proteins; Yeast; zinc; copper; Yeast; serum proteins; zinc
• ISSN: 0271-5317; 1879-0739
• DOI: 10.1016/S0271-5317(81)80034-6

We have consistently noted cutaneous reactions in subjects ingesting large quantities of yeast. Since depression of plasma zinc has been noted in a number of cutaneous disorders we prospectively measured serum zinc and zinc-binding proteins in six adult male subjects on yeast protein as their sole source of protein for eight days. Serum zinc, albumin, alpha 2-macroglobulin, copper, iron and serum amyloid A (SAA) protein were measured before and at the end of the eight day interval. Five of the six individuals developed the characteristic erythematous, papular rash of the palmar surface of the hands. Mean serum zinc in the six subjects decreased from 117.0 to 99.0 μg/dl (p<0.05), and mean serum albumin decreased from 4.9 to 4.7 g/dl (p<0.01). There was no significant change in alpha 2-macroglobulin, serum minerals or SAA protein. This study indicates that high intakes of yeast can be added to the list of conditions which are accompanied by depression of circulating zinc.