Acrodermatitis Enteropathica

Zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) deficiencies are common in Guatemala, and maize is a staple food throughout the country. The primary aim of this study is to demonstrate if utilizing nixtamalized biofortified maize has the potential to increase dietary Zn and Fe intake and improve the amount of Zn and Fe absorbed when compared to diets incorporating traditional maize (control). This is a randomized, double blinded, comparison study of biofortified vs control maize prepared as tortillas from nixtamalized masa. This study will enroll up to 56 school aged children (10-14 yrs old) living in agricultural communities in the Western Highlands of Guatemala (28/group x 2 groups). Researchers will utilize Zn and Fe stable isotopes to measure total absorbed Zn and Fe. Participants will be active in the study for 27 days. During this time, they will have anthropometric measurements taken and collect 2 blood samples, 1 stool sample, and 9 urine samples.

Fifteen female study participants will be enrolled in a randomized crossover study to measure fractional and total zinc and iron absorption from four common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) varieties with varying phytate and polyphenolic contents. Phytate, the storage form of phosphorus in plants, and polyphenols, which contribute to the varied colors of common beans, are natural components of the beans and can reduce zinc and iron bioavailability from these foods.

The aim of this project is to investigate whether the increased zinc bio-accessibility values in sprouted or hydrothermally processed wheat is reflected in an increased zinc absorption in human subjects after consuming breakfast flakes derived from such processed wheats.