Difference In Zinc Levels Research Articles

Evaluation of Homocysteine, Trace Element, and Vitamin Levels in Male Individuals with Hemorrhoidal Disease

Objectives: Hemorrhoidal disease is a common and uncomfortable condition affecting people worldwide, primarily in the lower rectal region. This study explores the relationship between hemorrhoidal disease and the levels of homocysteine, folic acid, vitamin B12, zinc, and copper in men.
 Methods: A prospective study included 38 male patients with internal hemorrhoids (Group I) and 38 healthy male individuals (Group II). Venous blood samples were collected after a 12-hour fast and analyzed for homocysteine, folic acid, vitamin B12, zinc, and copper levels. Statistical analyses, including the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Mann-Whitney U or Two-Sample t-test, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis, and Multivariate Binary Logistic regression, were performed.
 Results: Group I and Group II had similar age and body mass index (BMI). Homocysteine and copper levels were significantly higher in Group I, while folic acid and vitamin B12 levels were significantly lower. High homocysteine levels (≥11.2 µmol/L) had a sensitivity of 92.11%, while low vitamin B12 (

Zinc Deficiency: The Association with Vitamin B12 in People of Different Ages

Background: Zinc and vitamin B12 are the foremost important micronutrients. About a quarter of Iranian households have a zinc deficiency. Objectives: Considering the importance of these micronutrients, this study aimed to investigate the association between zinc deficiency and vitamin B12 in people of different ages who had their blood tested in the Pasteur laboratory in Ahvaz. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, serum levels of zinc and vitamin B12 were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry and electro-chemiluminescence, respectively. Then, samples were divided into normal and zinc-deficient groups based on serum zinc levels. Serum vitamin B12 levels were also compared between two defined groups. The correlation between age and both zinc and vitamin B12 were determined through statistical tests. Results: In 60.5% of samples, serum zinc was lower than in the normal group. However, the two groups had no statistically significant difference in zinc levels (P = 0.085). Findings showed that with increasing one year of age, serum zinc level decreases by 0.13 units, and serum level of vitamin B12 increases by 0.19 units. Although the serum level of vitamin B12 in the group with normal zinc levels was higher than in the zinc-deficient group, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.743). Conclusions: Zinc and Vitamin B12 serum levels can have a clinically positive correlation, and zinc deficiency might be effective in manipulating vitamin B12 status in the body.

Evaluation of Zinc Status and Socio-Economic Profile of Pregnant Women in Osogbo Metropolis, South-Western Nigeria

Purpose: Zinc status during gestation affects both maternal and fetal health. The study was designed to investigate maternal zinc status and relate it with dietary zinc and socioeconomic levels in first, second and third trimester pregnant women.
 Methods/Patients: Forty-five [15 for each trimester] pregnant women and thirty non-pregnant women that served as control were recruited for the study. Serum zinc concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. From structured questionnaire, information was obtained on age, dietary zinc content, and socioeconomic status [education, occupation]. Zinc status was summarized as mean ± standard deviation. Data were analyzed using Student t- test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Chi-square test. P < 0.05 was considered significant.
 Results: Only first but not second and third trimester pregnant women featured significantly lower zinc levels compared with control. Non-significant difference in zinc levels were observed when the three trimesters were compared. Of the women in first trimester which featured significantly lower serum zinc level compared with control, all were of high educational status although only < 50% were of high occupational status yet over 70% belong to high dietary zinc sub-group.
 Conclusion: Data obtained from the study revealed that depleted serum zinc level was observed in the first trimester and educational status rather than socioeconomic status played a role in choice of zinc- rich containing food.

Perbedaan Kadar Zink ASI pada Ibu Postpartum dengan Anemia dan Tidak Anemia

Zinc is one of the substances needed in breast milk for baby growth. Zinc deficiency is a common health problem that affects the development of children and contributes to diseases such as diarrhea, pneumonia, and malaria. The purpose of this study was to determine the difference in zinc levels in the first week postpartum mothers with anemia compared to postpartum mothers who were not anemic. The research design used observational analytic with a cross-sectional approach, with purposive sampling. Examination of zinc levels in breast milk using spectrophotometry. Data analysis used an unpaired t-test. The test results obtained that the average zinc level in the first week postpartum mothers who were not anemic was 0.40±0.350 mg/L while the average zinc level in the first week postpartum mothers with anemia was 0.42±0.439 mg/L with p-value=0.92 (p>0.05). There was no difference between zinc levels in the first week postpartum mothers with anemia and not anemia. The zinc concentration in breast milk is highest during colostrum, while the lowest value is between 7-12 months of lactation and increases during weaning.

Excretion of dietary zinc in mammals (rats) fed overdoses of zinc lactate and infected with tapeworms

SummaryTapeworms parasitize at sites that are important for the management of micronutrients, including zinc. Therefore, it has been hypothesized that tapeworms will significantly affect the excretion of zinc in the feces of a host. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects that tapeworms have on the excretion of zinc in the feces of the host. Rats were divided into 4 groups: groups 0T and MT (infected with Hymenolepis diminuta (Rudolphi, 1819)) and groups 00 and M0 (uninfected). The experimental groups (M0 and MT) were fed a standard rodent compound feed (ST-1) with added zinc lactate; the daily zinc intake was 20.5 mg. The control groups (00 and 0T) were fed only ST-1 with 1.75 mg of added Zn per day. For six weeks, the amount of consumed feed was recorded and fecal samples were taken. The samples were then analyzed by optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and levels of excreted zinc were subsequently calculated as a percentage. The most signifi cant difference in zinc excretion levels between the experimental groups was observed in the third week, when rats infected with tapeworms (MT) excreted substantially lower levels of zinc than did uninfected rats (M0). This difference amounted to 28.36 % (p <0.01). In the control groups, tapeworms affected the excretion of zinc in the feces to a lesser extent, and the most substantial difference in zinc levels was seen in the fifth week (8.46 %). However, there was no signifi cant difference in zinc excretion levels between the control groups during any of the monitored weeks. Tapeworms in the host affect levels of zinc excreted in the feces. However, this is dependent on the amount or form of zinc ingested.

Asupan protein, zink, dan defisiensi zink pada santriwati underweight

Protein intake, zinc intake, and zinc deficiency in underweight female students attending Islamic Boarding School in IndonesiaBackground: One of the nutritional issues in Indonesia is underweight. Groups of teenage girls tend to have underweight especially female students (santriwati) who live far from their parents. It happens due to a lack of macronutrients and micronutrients, zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency impacts are reproductive disorders, stunted growth, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Objective: Analyzing the differences in zinc levels, protein, and zinc intakes between female students with underweight and normal nutritional status. Methods: An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design in Askhabul Kahfi Islamic Boarding School with 24 underweight female students selected by consecutive sampling and 24 normal nutritional status female students were selected by matching techniques based on age. Data included nutritional status assessed by BMI for age z-score, protein and zinc intakes assessed by Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire, and zinc levels were tested using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The data analyses used Mann-Whitney test. Results: Underweight female students had lower average protein intake than normal nutritional status female students (52.20±25.06 and 75.52±23.19 grams) as well as zinc intake (4.63±1.22 and 7.51±1.94 grams). Protein and zinc intake were significantly different, but the two groups did not differ in zinc levels. All subjects had a normal zinc level of 100%. Conclusions: There was a difference in protein and zinc intake between underweight and normal nutritional female students (p&lt;0.001), while the zinc levels were not found any differences (p=0.773).

Kadar ZINK ASI pada Ibu Postpartum Minggu Pertama

One third of the world's people in developing countries are deficient in zinc. The zinc concentration of pregnant women has decreased by up to 20-30% due to increased zinc absorption, especially in the second and third trimesters compared to those who are not pregnant. The research method used is descriptive analytic with cross sectional approach. The research was conducted in the Talang Bakung Community Health Center Jambi City. The sampling technique was purposive sampling in April - August 2020, the samples was 11 postpartum mothers the first week with anemia and 11 postpartum mothers the first week without anemia. Univariate analysis was used for zinc levels in breast milk in first week postpartum women with anemia and no anemia. Research conducted using the Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) method to see the zinc levels in breast milk (ASI) can prove that there is no significant difference in zinc levels in breast milk in postpartum mothers with anemia and first week postpartum mothers without anemia. Thanks to the Ministry of Research and Technology / National Research and Innovation Agency (Kemenristek / National Agency for Research and Innovation) as a source of funding for research implementation

Comparison of Zinc Level In Mother With Postpartum Blues and Normal at Makassar City

Introduction : Postpartum blues is a mild mood disorder that is temporary, characterized by short tears, feelings of loneliness or rejection, anxiety, confusion, forgetfulness and imsomnia. The causes can occur in the form of biological and social factors. Postpartum blues is a type of depression commonly found in mothers. Zinc is a biological factor that is thought to be related to the incidence of depression in mothers Objectives: This study aims to look at zinc levels in mothers with postpartum blues when compared with normal mothers Methods: This research was conducted at St. Fatimah Hospital in Makassar. This type of research is analytic study with cross sectional design.The population of this study was all mothers who were treated at St. Fatimah Hospital for the period of May-June 2017 that were selected by purposive sampling. Based on established criteria, 68 postpartum mothers were chosen. Depression scores were collected using the Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale. Level of zinc was examined through the colorimetric method using QuantiChrom Zink Assay Kit (DIZN-250). To determine the differences in zinc levels used independent t test. Results: This study found that zinc levels in mothers with postpartum blues were higher when compared to normal mothers. The difference is 1.74 µg / dl. But the difference was not significant (p = 0.263). Most mothers with postpartum blues have low zinc levels (66.7%) whereas those normal mother mostly have very low zinc levels (50%). But the difference was not significant (p = 0.170) Conclusion: This study found no significant differences in zinc levels in mother with postpartum blues or normal. But an important finding is the low levels of zinc in postpartum mothers in Makassar City. This is important to get attention because zinc plays an important role in the health of mother and child

Delivery of cesarean section tends to reduce umbilical zinc levels in healthy newborns

Background: Indonesia is estimated to be among countries with deficiencies in zinc intake. Zinc deficiency increase the risk of immune deficiency, preterm birth, retarded fetal growth, duration of infection healing, and stunting. Umbilical cord zinc levels can reflect zinc levels of newborns. Research on newborn zinc in Indonesia is still limited.Objective: Look for factors related to zinc levels of the newborns umbilical cord. The factors studied included maternal/newborn characteristics, and mode of delivery.Methods: A Cross sectional study of 88 healthy newborns at term pregnancy with their healthy mothers. Zinc samples were taken from cord blood immediately after birth. Measurement of zinc levels with Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Chi-Square test was used to prove the relationship between low zinc levels (&lt; 65μ/dl) with characteristics of both mother and newborn. The Mann-Whitney test was used to prove differences in zinc levels between groups according to characteristics, mode of delivery, and birth weight. Software SPSSstatistic 21.Results: There was no significant relationship between mother and newborn characteristics with low umbilical cord zinc levels (&lt;65μg/dl), with a p value &gt; 0.05. There was a significant difference in mean umbilical cord zinc levels between the two groups (p=0.015), that cesarean section delivery had a mean rank of lower zinc levels (41.5μg/ dl) median 79.8 (min.50.9-max.140.3 μg/dl) compared to spontaneous vaginal delivery (59.3μg/dl) median 97.7 (min.57.6-max.132.9μg/dl). Umbilical cord zinc levels from 2500 - &lt; 2800 g birth weight group have lower mean rank (37.7μg/dl) compared to 2800 - 3900 g birth weight group (48.2μg/dl), with a p value = 0.028.Conclusions: There is a tendency to decrease zinc levels in healthy newborns from cesarean delivery. Decreased zinc levels in healthy newborns may cause lower birth weight.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 04 No. 04 October’20 Page : 298-304

Kadar seng dan kadar malondialdehyde pada penderita multi drug resistant tuberculosis dan tuberkulosis sensitif

Background: Zinc is the main constituent element of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) which acts to protect cells from inflammation and the toxic effects of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). High ROS production induces fat peroxidation, and forms malondialdehyde (MDA) which causes oxidative stress.Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the difference of zinc and malondialdehyde levels among Multi Drug Resistant Tuberculosis and sensitive Tuberculosis.Methods: Crossectional study with 55 subjects consisted of 32 MDR-TB subjects and 23 subjects TB sensitive. Selection of subjects using consecutive sampling. Zinc and MDA serum was obtained from venous blood. Zinc and MDA concentration were assessed by quantitative colometric and Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) respectively. Data were analized statistic by independent t-test and Mann Whitney test.Results: Zinc level of MDR-TB and TB sensitive were 74.85 (64 - 97) μg/dl and 73.03 (63 - 97) μg/dl respectively, while MDA of MDR-TB and sensitive TB were 2.262±1.055 nmol/mL and 2.66±0.992 nmol/mL. There was no significantly different in zinc level between MDR-TB and sensitive TB (p=1.000). Furthermore, there was not significantly different of MDA level between MDR-TB and sensitive Tuberculosis (p=0,147).Conclusion: There are no differences in zinc and MDA levels in patient between MDR-TB and sensitive TB.

Feasibility of measuring zinc in human nails using portable x-ray fluorescence

A variety of adverse health effects have been identified as resulting from zinc deficiency. Zinc supplementation may therefore be indicated for certain individuals or populations. A rapid and straightforward means of assessing zinc status in humans would be of considerable medical benefit. In this study, the feasibility of measuring zinc levels in human fingernails or toenails using a portable x-ray fluorescence technique was assessed. Whole nail models (or phantoms) were constructed from resin, and dosed with various concentrations of zinc. These different concentration “nails” were cut into small slices of 4.4 ± 0.2 mm width. The combination of these various slices into different arrangements allowed the modeling of different time-dependent zinc exposure scenarios. A portable x-ray fluorescence device was tested using an “open beam” configuration having a beam diameter of ∼9 mm, and using a “weld mask” configuration with the beam width reduced to 2.9 mm. Minimum detection limits were determined to be 0.15 ± 0.01 ppm for the open beam, and 1.13 ± 0.08 ppm when using the weld mask. By scanning across the length of the model nails, it was demonstrated that differences in zinc levels deposited over time could be detected, and that the weld mask configuration was better suited to resolving spatial changes. The x-ray fluorescence approach was found to be highly sensitive for detecting zinc in nail, and capable of differentiating patterns of zinc uptake over time.

The relationship between serum zinc levels and rheumatoid arthritis activity

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most prevalent chronic autoimmune diseases; it typically involves the hands, wrists, ankles, and eventually all joints. Some studies have reported that zinc serum levels are lower in patients with RA than in healthy individuals. Seventy-nine patients with RAwere selected. The patients were all less than 75 years old and were diagnosed by a rheumatologist. Serum zinc levels were measured using the flame photometry method with a blood sample of 5 mL. The relationship between the average serum zinc level and disease activity was analyzed based on the DAS28 scoring scale for different RA groups. The significance threshold was set at p<0.05. Data analyses were implemented in SPSS 22.0. There was a significant inverse relationship between the serum zinc levels and disease activity. Chi-square tests were used to compare zinc serum levels with respect to disease activity. There were significant differences in zinc levels among three groups of patients with different levels of disease severity, such that disease activity increased as the serum zinc level decreased (p<0.001). There was a significant inverse relationship between the serum zinc level and RA activity based on the DAS28 score. Therefore, it is recommended that mineral deficiencies should be addressed by optimizing the zinc supply along with other standard medications in order to reduce RA activity.

Evaluation of Serum Zinc Level among Hemodialysis Sudanese Patients with Erythropoietin Resistant

Background: Anemia is principle health problem in patients with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis treatment and erythropoietin is treatment of choice, some patients do not respond as expected. Various researches suggest that zinc may play a role in the etiology of erythropoietin resistant anemia. Objectives: To assess serum zinc level in erythropoietin resistant hemodialysis Sudanese patients and its relation to hemoglobin and comparison with apparently non erythropoietin resistant hemodialysis control patients. Materials and methods: Case control study was performed in Khartoum state at kidney disease clinic Khartoum Sudan, during the period from February to October 2018. 50 samples were collected from erythropoietin resistant Hemodialysis patients test group. In addition to other 50 from non-erythropoietin resistant hemodialysis patient’s sex and age matched control group. The levels of serum zinc elements were determined in both groups by atomic absorption spectroscopy, and hemoglobin was measured by colorimetric method. Results: Serum zinc level was significantly lower in erythropoietin resistant hemodialysis patients when compared with non-erythropoietin resistant hemodialysis patients control group (0.26 ± 0.08 mg/L versus 0.67 ± 0.09 mg/L). Furthermore Hb was significantly decreased (8.56 ± 0.56 gm/L versus 11.34 ± 0.59 gm/dl, p=0.000). In addition the study observed no significant difference in zinc level and hemoglobin across gender (P>0.05) in the test group. Also the study recorded serum zinc level is significantly correlated with Hb (R=0.58, P=0.00) and inversely correlated with age (R=-43, P=0.01). Whereas Hb level is insignificantly correlated with patients age in the study group (R=0.24, p=0.16). Conclusion: Erythropoietin resistant anemia in hemodialysis patients is associated with reduced serum zinc level. Which provide evidence that serum zinc levels should be measure especially in hemodialysis patients resistant to erythropoietin therapy.

Serum Iron, Zinc, and Copper Levels in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease: A Replication Study and Meta-Analyses.

To evaluate whether iron, zinc, and copper levels in serum are disarranged in Alzheimer's disease (AD), we performed meta-analyses of all studies on the topic published from 1984 to 2014 and contextually carried out a replication study in serum as well. Our meta-analysis results showed that serum zinc was significantly lower in AD patients. Our replication and meta-analysis results showed that serum copper was significantly higher in AD patients than in healthy controls, so our findings were consistent with the conclusions of four previously published copper meta-analyses. Even if a possible role of iron in the pathophysiology of the disease could not be ruled out, the results of our meta-analysis showed no change of serum iron levels in AD patients, but this conclusion was not robust and requires further investigation. The meta-regression analyses revealed that in some studies, differences in serum iron levels could be due to the different mean ages, while differences in zinc levels appeared to be due to the different sex ratios. However, the effect of sex ratio on serum zinc levels in our meta-analysis is subtle and needs further confirmation. Also, diverse demographic terms and methodological approaches appeared not to explain the high heterogeneity of our copper meta-analysis. Therefore, when investigating trace elements, covariants such as age and sex have to be taken into account in the analyses. In the light of these findings, we suggest that the possible alteration of serum zinc and copper levels are involved in the pathogenesis of AD.

Zinc in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Serum, Plasma, and Cerebrospinal Fluid Studies

To evaluate whether zinc levels in serum, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid are altered in Alzheimer's disease (AD), we performed meta-analyses of 27 studies on the topic published from 1983 to 2014. The subjects' sample obtained by merging studies was a pooled total of 777 AD subjects and 1,728 controls for serum zinc studies, 287 AD subjects and 166 controls for plasma zinc, and of 292 AD subjects and 179 controls for CSF zinc. The main result of this meta-analysis is the very high heterogeneity among the studies either in demographic terms or in methodological approaches. Although we considered these effects in our analyses, the heterogeneity persisted and it has to be taken into account in the interpretation of the results. Our meta-analysis indicated that serum zinc appears significantly decreased in AD patients compared with healthy controls, and this result is confirmed when serum and plasma studies were analyzed together. If we considered the age-matched studies, the meta-analysis carried out on only six studies showed no significant difference in zinc levels between AD and healthy controls (SMD =-0.55, 95% CI (-1.18; 0.09); p = 0.094; I2 = 91%). In the light of these findings, we speculated about the possibility that the decreases observed could indicate a possible dietary zinc deficiency and we suggested that the possible involvement of zinc alterations in AD may have an interplay with copper metabolism.

The Relationship Between Maternal Serum Iron and Zinc Levels and Their Nutritional Intakes in Early Pregnancy with Gestational Diabetes

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between maternal iron/zinc serum levels and their nutritional intake in early pregnancy with gestational diabetes. The maternal serum zinc/iron levels were measured in 1,033 healthy singleton pregnant women aged 20-35 between 14 and 20 weeks of gestation, within two groups: namely, normal and gestational diabetes, and participants were followed up to 24-28 weeks of gestation. Food frequency questionnaire was used to assess nutritional intakes of iron/zinc. The main outcome was gestational diabetes screened with the 50-g glucose challenge test and diagnosed with oral glucose tolerance test at 24-28 weeks of gestation. Gestational diabetes occurred in 72 (6.96 %) of 1,033 women in study. There was a statistical relationship between early pregnancy maternal serum iron and gestational diabetes, mean (SD), 143.8 (48.7) vs. 112.5 (83.5) μg/dl, P value of <0.0001. There was no statistical significant difference in zinc levels and iron/zinc nutritional intake between groups. The results remained unchanged after using regression model for adjustment of potential risk factors with an adjusted OR of 1.006 (95 % CI 1.002 to 1.009; P = 0.001) for early pregnancy maternal serum iron to cause gestational diabetes. The receiver-operator characteristic curve identified that a maternal serum iron above 100 μg/dl in early pregnancy is the optimum cutoff value for predicting gestational diabetes, which showed a sensitivity and specificity of 80.6 and 50.7 %, respectively. In conclusion, high maternal serum iron in early pregnancy could increase the risk of gestational diabetes. Also, it could be used as a sensitive and specific predictor for gestational diabetes.

Serum Zinc Concentration and Acute Diarrhea in Children from Different Regions of Uzbekistan

There are several reports of low zinc concentration in children with diarrhea. We have studied zinc concentration in children from different regions with acute diarrhea. There was significant difference in zinc levels in children from different regions. The less favorable environmental conditions the lower zinc level observed. Zinc concentration and should be considered for the correction and treatment of AD in children. The further study required for excluding confounding factors contributing such zinc level difference.

Perbedaan kadar seng serum dan kadar c-reactive protein pada anak balita dengan kadar serum retinol normal dan tidak normal

Background: Vitamin A Defciency (VAD) is one of the major nutritional problem, and many occur in developing countries. VAD occurs when serum retinol concentration &lt;20 tg / dl (0.07 μmol / L). Serum retinol levels will decrease during the acute phase response (elevated CRP) and also caused by zinc defciency. This interaction causes inhibition of linear growth.Objective: The objective of this research is to study the differences in levels of serum zinc and CRP levels in infants and children with normal serum retinol (≥ 20 tg / dl) and abnormal (≥ 20 tg / dl) in the Village of Mojo, District Gubeng, Surabaya.Method: Results of the analysis was divided into two categories: 1) normal serum retinol (≥ 20 tg / dl), and 2) abnormal levels of serum retinol (&lt;20 tg / dl). For serum zinc levels, laboratory examination was performed by AAS method (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry). CRP level was done by agglutination test method (CRP latex) with results in the form of semi-quantitative analysis. The collection of data includes the frequency characteristic of children and the sick for a month with interviews conducted using a questionnaire. Consumption data using dietetic (2x24-hour recall). Analysis of data using two independent samples t test.Results: The results showed that there was no difference in characteristics, levels of consumption and CRP levels of children under fve (p&gt; 0.05). While there are differences in the frequency of pain and zinc (p &lt;0.05).Conclusion: No difference in zinc levels in both groups, whereas CRP levels did not show different results. It was recommended that further research on the interaction of research results with linear growth as well as environmental factors and personal hygiene to prevent infection that can affect serum retinol.

Zinc serum levels and their association with vitamin A deficiency in preschool children

To identify the prevalence of zinc deficiency in a population with high prevalence of vitamin A deficiency; to verify whether zinc deficiency is associated with vitamin A deficiency in the population studied; to verify risk factors for zinc deficiency (sex, age, diarrhea and fever). Cross-sectional study of 182 healthy children aged > or = 24 months and < 72 months. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from fasting children to determine zinc serum levels. Information about presence of diarrhea and/or fever during the 15 days preceding the study was also obtained. Vitamin A deficiency was identified by a serum 30-day dose-response test (+S30DR). Of the children studied, 0.5% (1/182) presented zinc serum levels < 65 microg/dL; however, 74.7% (136/182) of them had vitamin A deficiency. Zinc serum levels were not correlated with retinol serum levels. Zinc serum levels were not changed by previous diarrhea and/or fever. There was no difference in zinc levels between boys and girls. Children aged between > or = 48 and < 60 months tended to have lower zinc serum levels than children of other ages. Zinc deficiency prevalence was low and did not represent a risk factor for vitamin A deficiency. Children aged between > or = 48 and < 60 months tended to have lower zinc serum levels than children of other ages. Zinc serum levels were not changed by previous diarrhea and/or fever.

Lead, copper, zinc, and magnesium content in hair of children and young people with some neurological diseases.

The lead, copper, zinc, and magnesium levels of scalp hair taken from 153 children aged 1-15 yr and young people (16-18 yr) with selected neurological disorders (hyperexcibility, loss of consciousness, and epileptiform convulsions of an unknown origin, etc.), were measured using the atomic absorption spectrometry method and then compared with a control group of healthy children (n = 108). The research indicated significantly reduced mean levels of magnesium in the hair of children suffering from selected neurological diseases (in children aged 11-15 yr of age, above 30%; up to 5 yr of age, nearly 30%; the differences were statistically significant at p < 0.05) and slightly decreased mean levels of copper (differences statistically significant at p < 0.05, particularly in the 11 to 15-yr category). Differences in zinc levels in hair were inconsiderable (not statistically significant in any age groups). The lead level in the hair of the above-mentioned group of children was exceeded in relation to the control group (a statistically significant difference at p < 0.05 for the total group). A more than twofold decrease in the mean value of the Mg/Pb ratio (and a nearly 30% decrease in the value of the Mg/Zn ratio) in the hair of children suffering from neurological diseases suggests that the high toxicity of lead accompanying, among other things, magnesium deficiencies might be a cause of the observed disorders-in children.