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Topical Area: Global Nutrition

Global Nutrition (Poster Session)

(P17-030-23) Zinc Biofortified Rice Can Be an Effective Measure for Combatting Zinc Deficiency in Young Bangladeshi Children

Sunday, July 23, 2023
12:45 PM – 1:45 PM ET
Location: Poster Board 328
Disclosure(s):
Md Munirul Islam, MBBS, PhD: No relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.


Objectives: To estimate the amount of zinc absorbed (bioavailability) from zinc biofortified rice and compare that with absorption from conventional rice and zinc-fortified conventional rice using the triple stable isotope tracer ratio technique in same children.

Methods: Forty-seven non-malnourished 36-59 months old children were enrolled in 1 of 2 groups. Using a crossover design, after an one-day acclimatization period in the study ward, children in group A (n = 23) received for 2 days (on study days 2 and 4) a mixed diet containing 150 g CR and on study days 3 and 5 a mixed diet containing 150 g ZnBfR. Children in group B (n = 24) received CR+Zn on study days 2 and 4 and ZnBfR on study days 3 and 5. Fractional zinc absorption (FZA) was measured during each of the diet periods using triple-isotope tracer (oral 67-Zn and 70-Zn; intravenous 68-Zn) ratio technique; TAZ was calculated as the product of total dietary zinc intake (TDZ) and FZA.

Results: TDZ measured from all sources (cooked rice, other foods, tracers, and zinc fortificant) was 4.88, 6.14, and 6.70 mg/d when the children were fed CR-, CR+Zn- and ZnBfR- containing diets, respectively. Mean FZA (% of intake) was 23.0 ± 4.1, 16.9 ± 3.5 and 21.2 ± 4.8 for the respective diets (CR vs ZnBfR: p=0.26; CR+Zn vs ZnBfR: p < 0.001; and CR vs. CR+Zn: p < 0.001). Mean TAZ from the respective diets was 1.13 ± 0.23, and 1.04 ± 0.20 and 1.40 ± 0.33mg/d. TAZ was not significantly different between CR and CR+Zn diets (p =0.52), but TAZ was significantly greater in ZnBfR when compared with the other two diets (p < 0.001 for both).

Conclusions: TAZ from ZnBfR could satisfy daily requirement (3 mg/day) by 47% in children 1-3 years when fed 150g of ZnBfR while it is 28% in 4-8 years. The results confirm that ZnBfR can be a prevention and treatment option for zinc deficiency in young children in population where rice is staple.

Funding Sources: HarvestPlus