Zinc Resistant Starch Project

Children will have an assessment of zinc homeostasis; each child is given 2 zinc stable isotopes, one by mouth and one intravenously, followed by a stool and urine collection (4 days.) Zinc isotopes are quantified in the feces and urine, values are used to calculate the primary outcome, net zinc balance. An assessment of EE quantitatively measured using the non-invasive site specific sugar absorption test, each child drinks 100 mL of a sugar solution and a urine collection follows. The quantities of non-metabolizable sugars are measured, and the ratio of two of the sugars, lactulose and mannitol, is a measure of environmental enteropathy. Children will receive a dietary supplement, corn starch, modified to reduce its absorption, for 5 weeks, which they will add to their phala. The RS is a standard food and has been used safely in millions of people for years. After taking this RS for 4 weeks both the zinc stable isotope test and the dual sugar absorption test will be repeated.