Abstract
Trace elements play an important role in metabolism. We compared the daily intake and serum concentrations of copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) across a spectrum of glucose tolerance status in a representative U.S. population. Daily intake and serum concentrations of Cu, Zn and Se in 5087 adults from the 2011–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were examined and compared to normal (NGT) and abnormal (AGT) glucose tolerance and the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM). Other than Zn deficiency (21.15%), the prevalence of Zn, Se, and Cu excess and Se and Cu deficiency were low (<4.00%). As compared to the NGT group, Cu and Se supplementation was higher in the AGT and DM groups (p < 0.0001 for all). Serum Se and Zn, but not Cu, concentrations were highly correlated with daily intake (p < 0.0001 for both). As compared to the NGT group, serum Cu concentration was highest in the AGT group (p = 0.03), serum Se concentration was highest in the DM group (p < 0.0001), and serum Zn concentration was highest in the AGT group (p < 0.0001). Serum Se and Zn concentration was correlated with daily Se and Zn intake. Even within the reference range for serum Cu, Se, and Zn concentrations, a higher serum concentration of Cu, Se, and Zn was associated with abnormal glucose metabolism. Although the casual relationship remains to be elucidated, these data suggest caution in Cu, Se and Zn supplementation in non-deficient individuals.
Highlights
Trace elements are essential for proper growth, development, and physiology [1]
No difference between the two groups was found in age (p = 0.08), gender (p = 0.07), BMI (p = 0.60), racial/ethnic groups (p = 0.89), smoker status (p = 0.63), current alcohol consumption (p = 0.10), family history of diabetes (p = 0.13), glucose tolerance status (p = 0.37), established diabetes (p = 0.80), HbA1c (p = 0.24), fasting plasma glucose concentration (p = 0.62), and
Se and Zn intake was a significant determinant of serum Se and Zn concentrations
Summary
Trace elements are essential for proper growth, development, and physiology [1]. Experts recommend daily intake of these minerals in small quantities between 1 to 100 mg [2].Foods grown in low content soil can result in trace element deficiencies in some individuals, with clinical consequences. Trace elements are essential for proper growth, development, and physiology [1]. Experts recommend daily intake of these minerals in small quantities between 1 to 100 mg [2]. Foods grown in low content soil can result in trace element deficiencies in some individuals, with clinical consequences. Keshan disease manifests in children and women of child-bearing age as cardiac myopathy, primarily in rural China where the soil is deficient in selenium [3]. It is necessary to maintain a proper balance of trace elements as they are salient components in many biological pathways. Excessive amounts are implicated in pathological processes, such as hemochromatosis from iron overload [4]
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