Zinc and copper status of the elderly

Abstract

Concentration of zinc and copper in plasma and hair was determined for 146 Caucasian subjects living in Belfast with ages ranging from 65 to 95 years. These subjects were studied under two groups, with or without multivitamin supplementation. In the males and females of the two groups mean plasma zinc values were 72.3 to 84.6 µg/100 ml and mean hair zinc values were 203.1 to 246.6 µg/g.Plasma zince values of <50 µg/100 ml was noted in 2.1% and hair zinc levels of < 100 µg/g in 2.7% subjects. The plasma copper levels were estimated in only 53 subjects (not receiving multivitamin) and the mean values in males and females were 110 and 114 µg/100 ml, respectively. Mean hair copper concentration were <20 µg/g in both groups and showed a wide range (6.4 to 30.4 µg/g). Females receiving multivitamin supplementation had significantly higher mean hair zinc concentration. Plasma or hair cation levels revealed no significant correlation with age or sex. However, male subjects receiving multivitamin had significantly lower mean age and significantly higher copper levels. The plasma concentration and hair concentration of cations demonstrated no correlation with each other. No significant relationship was obtained between zinc and copper levels in either plasma or hair. Plasma zinc and albumin revealed a significant relationship. No association of hemoglobin in the anemic range and lower copper values in plasma or hair was found.