Dietary intakes and plasma concentrations of zinc, copper, iron, magnesium, and selenium of young, middle aged and older men

Abstract

The relationship of age with dietary intake and plasma concentrations of zinc, copper, iron, magnesium, and selenium was investigated in 36 free-living healthy men, in age ranges 25–35, 45–55, and 65–75 years (n=12/group). Three day average daily dietary intakes of energy, protein, zinc, copper, magnesium, and iron were not significantly different among groups. Plasma concentrations of zinc, copper, iron, magnesium, and selenium were also not significantly different among groups. Dietary intakes of zinc, copper, iron, and magnesium were not correlated with the plasma concentration of the respective mineral. Age was signficantly correlated with dietary magnesium intake (r=−0.37, p<0.02) and plasma copper concentration (r=0.38, p<0.02). These data sugest that healthy, free-living elderly men and younger adult men had comparable dietary intakes and plasma concentrations of zinc, copper, iron, magnesium, and selenium in this study.