What is the effect of gastrointestinal losses on zinc in long-term PN?

• A. GI losses increase zinc losses and zinc requirements
• B. GI losses do not affect zinc status
• C. Zinc losses are negligible in PN
• D. GI losses decrease zinc requirements

Answer: (A)

GI tract losses remove zinc from the body, so when there is substantial GI output or drainage during long-term PN, more zinc is lost than usual. Since PN provides zinc but cannot fully compensate for these extra losses, daily zinc needs must be increased to maintain normal serum zinc and tissue stores. This is why GI losses raise zinc losses and zinc requirements.