application) Nutritional deficiencies seem common in Crohn's disease patients, but the benefits of correcting specific deficiencies remain largely unclear. This project tests the hypothesis that increased zinc intake, by subjects with active Crohn's disease (N=15), beneficially impacts measurements of general zinc function, Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI), immune function and free radical-mediated oxidant stress. Results will be compared to placebo effects in other Crohn's patients (N=15). Each of the project's patients will show moderate zinc deficiency based on lymphocyte zinc values. Immune function and oxidant stress will be studied because both affect overall health, and both seem to affect bowel inflammation, the primary pathology of Crohn's disease. Increased zinc intake would be accomplished by supplementation at 45 mg/day (3 times the USRDA) for 10 weeks. The supplement will be glycine-chelated zinc, which is better absorbed than zinc oxide, which appears in many multivitamin-mineral tablets. Immune function will be monitored by blood measurements meeting two criteria: abnormal values occur in Crohn's disease patients; and values are known to be affected by zinc status. Oxidant stress will be evaluated in colon biopsy samples. Any improvements in CDAI, or measurements for immune function or oxidant stress, will be compared with changes in blood or colon indicators of general zinc functional status to test for possible correlations. Positive results in this project will lead to expanded versions which examine more subjects, extend the supplementation period, combine zinc supplements with supplements of other nutrients, consider dietary food interventions which increase zinc ,intake, and examine long term assessment of pathology symptoms.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
1R03DK054334-01A2
Application #
6130002
Study Section
Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases B Subcommittee (DDK)
Program Officer
Robuck, Patricia R
Project Start
2000-09-30
Project End
2002-08-31
Budget Start
2000-09-30
Budget End
2001-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$73,500
Indirect Cost
Name
Ohio State University
Department
Nutrition
Type
Other Domestic Higher Education
DUNS #
098987217
City
Columbus
State
OH
Country
United States
Zip Code
43210