Research Article
Study of Iron, Zinc as Functional Components in Immunorestorative Food Mixtures in the Treatment and Prevention of Malnutrition in Cochabamba, Bolivia
Luz Mirian Vargas Coca*
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 6, December 2026
Pages:
309-323
Received:
9 September 2026
Accepted:
24 September 2026
Published:
6 November 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261506.11
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Abstract: Proper nutrition is essential for good health, requiring a balanced diet and adequate micronutrient intake to ensure the immune system functions efficiently. Micronutrient deficiency weakens immunity and increases susceptibility to infections, morbidity, and mortality. Understanding the therapeutic potential of vegetables—specifically regarding bioactive phytochemicals (often classified as functional foods) and their nutritional value—reveals beneficial health effects that can be either preventive or therapeutic; key functional components include minerals such as iron, zinc, fluoride, calcium, and copper. This project focuses specifically on the minerals iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), which are indispensable for life and play vital roles in various biological processes necessary for the organism's proper functioning. The research is justified by the study titled "Study of iron and zinc as functional components in immune-restoring food mixtures as an alternative for the treatment and prevention of malnutrition in Cochabamba, Bolivia." Methodologically, the objectives included: selecting raw materials., formulating immune-restoring food mixtures for experimental and control diets; and biologically evaluating these mixtures using experimental animals (Wistar rats). Mineral analysis of the immune-restoring food mixtures, as well as analysis of the experimental animals' organs (liver, thymus) and femurs, was conducted using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (FAAS). Mineral analysis of the immune-restorative blends indicates good levels of iron, zinc, and calcium. The QCL blend stands out for its iron (8.58 mg) and calcium (142.45 mg) content, resulting from the combination of quinoa, cañahua, and powdered milk; the QAHH blend provides adequate zinc (4.89 mg) due to the inclusion of fava beans and beef liver; and the AAA blend—composed of amaranth, rice, oats, liver, and fava beans—shows iron and zinc levels similar to those of the other blends. In conclusion, the choice of ingredients directly influences the nutritional quality of the immune-restorative blends. Regarding mineral storage in the liver of experimental animals, the order was QCL > AAA > DP > QAHH for iron, and QAHH > AAA > QCL > DP for zinc; in the thymus, the order was AAA > QCL > QAHH > DP for iron, and QAHH > AAA > QCL > DP for zinc; and in the femur, the order was QCL > QAHH > AAA > DP for iron, and QCL > AAA > QAHH > DP for zinc. Overall, the results demonstrate effective storage of iron and zinc in the liver, thymus, and femur.
Abstract: Proper nutrition is essential for good health, requiring a balanced diet and adequate micronutrient intake to ensure the immune system functions efficiently. Micronutrient deficiency weakens immunity and increases susceptibility to infections, morbidity, and mortality. Understanding the therapeutic potential of vegetables—specifically regarding bio...
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