Simultaneous
zinc and
vitamin A deficiency are common health problems in developing countries. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of
vitamin A- and
zinc-deficient diet on
immunoglobulin A (
IgA) response. Six-week-old mice were assigned into two groups receiving a normal
vitamin A and
zinc or low
vitamin A and
zinc diet for five months. Serum and intestinal mucosa
IgA levels were determined by the
enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay method. The concentration of
zinc in serum was determined using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer.
Vitamin A measurement in serum was carried out by high performance liquid chromatography. Mice maintained on a low
vitamin A and
zinc diet showed significantly greater food intake but lower production of
IgA both in serum and mucosa. A mucosa
IgA level was significantly higher in both control and deficient groups than the serum
IgA level. Results indicated that
zinc and
vitamin A deficiency is associated with a lower production of
IgA.
Micronutrient intervention strategies addressing
IgA-related gastrointestinal
infections are needed.