Zinc absorption from traditional meals by vitamin A‐depleted Bangladeshi women is greater in those with altered intestinal permeability, while iron absorption is not affected

Background Zinc and iron deficiencies have been associated with altered intestinal mucosal function. Objectives To examine the relationship between intestinal permeability and zinc and iron absorption in non‐pregnant, vitamin A‐depleted Bangladeshi women (plasma retinol < 1.05 umol/L). Methods Zinc absorption from a traditional test meal was assessed using the dual stable isotope tracer ratio method, and iron absorption was assessed by erythrocyte incorporation of a stable iron isotope 10 days after the oral dose. Intestinal permeability was evaluated with the lactulose‐mannitol (L:M) test. Results Fractional zinc absorption (FZA) was greater in women with altered intestinal permeability (urinary L:M recovery ratio >0.07) than in women with L:M ≤0.07 [FZA = 36.1 ± 9.4 % vs. 24.9 ± 10.3 %, respectively, p…