Serum total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol levels as associated with copper and zinc intake in physically active and sedentary elderly men and women.

Abstract

The relationship of copper and zinc intake with serum total cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol was studied in physically active and sedentary elderly men and women (N = 63). Three-day diet records over a period of twelve months and fasting blood samples were collected from each subject. Physical activity was associated with higher copper and zinc intakes, lower serum total cholesterol and higher serum copper levels. Higher copper intakes were associated with lower serum total cholesterol. Higher zinc intakes were associated with lower HDL-cholesterol levels. Higher copper serum levels were associated with lower serum total cholesterol. These results appeared inconsistent with the reports from animal studies. However, with it should be noted that the subjects in this study had copper and zinc intakes below the recommended dietary allowances and the calculated zinc to copper ratios were within the desired ranges.