Trace element loss in urine and effluent following traumatic injury.

Background: Few data are available to establish recommendations for trace element supplementation during critical illness. This study quantified the loss of several elements and assessed the adequacy of manganese and selenium in parenteral nutrition (PN).

Methods: Men with traumatic injuries were grouped by renal status: adequate (POLY; n = 6), acute failure with continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH; n = 2), or continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHD; n = 4).

A single 60-mg iron dose decreases zinc absorption in lactating women.

This study determined whether a single 60-mg dose of ferrous sulfate interferes with fractional zinc absorption (FZA) at 7-9 wk of lactation. In a crossover design, 5 exclusively breast-feeding women were given either a single 60-mg iron supplement or no supplement. FZA was measured by analyzing zinc stable isotope tracers ((70)Zn and (67)Zn) in urine samples collected for 7 d after isotope dosing.

Carotenoid composition of human milk during the first month postpartum and the response to beta-carotene supplementation.

Background: Information is lacking regarding normal changes in milk carotenoid concentrations in healthy, well-nourished women during the first month of lactation.

Objectives: This study investigated milk carotenoid concentrations during days 4-32 postpartum and assessed the effects of maternal beta-carotene supplementation.

Design: Subjects (n = 21; aged 19-39 y) were randomly assigned to receive beta-carotene (30 mg/d) or placebo from days 4 to 32 postpartum.

Magnesium, calcium, zinc, and nitrogen loss in trauma patients during continuous renal replacement therapy.

Background: Whether standard nutrition support is sufficient to compensate for mineral loss during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is not known.

Methods: Adult men with traumatic injuries were recruited; one-half of recruits required CRRT for acute renal failure. All urine and effluent (from CRRT) were collected for 72 hours.

Calcium fractional absorption and metabolism assessed using stable isotopes differ between postpartum and never pregnant women.

Determining the fractional absorption (FA) of calcium using the incorporation into urine of stable isotopes given intravenously (IV) and orally has become a routine procedure. We investigated the FA of calcium in two groups of (2-3 mo) postpartum women lactating (LACT) (n = 6) and nonlactating (PPNL) (n = 6), and in never pregnant (NP) women (n = 7). The women consumed a controlled diet containing 30-33 mmol/d calcium (Ca) for 21 d.