Mean Concentrations Of Magnesium Research Articles

The Contents of Some Essential Major and Trace Elements in Various Types of Processed Milk Products Collected from Benghazi Markets

Milk is an important food; it supplies our body with the essential mineral’s requirements. In this study, some major (Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus) and minor (copper, iron, zinc) essential minerals were determined in seventy-eight random processed milk samples. These samples were collected from different markets in Benghazi city, Libya during 2017. The order of major essential elements concentrations in all milk samples was calcium> phosphorous> magnesium. The mean concentrations of calcium were recorded at 4262 ±2771mg/kg, 5006 ±896mg/kg, 1276 ±319mg/kg and 1231 ±154mg/kg, while mean concentrations of magnesium were 560.1 ±82mg/kg, 419.4 ±153mg/kg, 249 ±7.1mg/kg, 127.7 ±21mg/kg, in powdered, infant formula, evaporated and sterilized milk samples, respectively. Phosphorus concentration varied between 3322-7692mg/kg, 2622-5490mg/kg, 1381-4720mg/kg and 1049-2326mg/kg in powdered, infant formula, evaporated and sterilized milk, respectively. The contents of trace essential minerals, included copper, iron and zinc, were detected in all collected samples. The highest copper content was recorded in powder milk, with a mean concentration 2.13 ±0.84mg/kg, followed by infant formula products, with mean concentration 1.15±0.95mg/kg. The mean concentrations of zinc and iron in milk powder products were detected at 33.48 ±17.4mg/kg and 27.60mg/kg, respectively. The concentration of minor element in evaporated and sterilized milk samples were in concentration lower than 1mg/kg, except zinc in evaporated milk, which varied between 2.80-5.77mg/kg. The contents of essential minerals were agreed with some values that recorded in published results, for same products of processed milk.

Analyzing the Quality of Dialysis Machines Input Water in Hospitals of Kashan City, in 2019

Introduction: According to high volumes of water used in hemodialysis, quality of water entering the dialysis machine is very important. The current study aims to analyze microbial and chemical quality of water used for hemodialysis in hospitals of Kashan city in 2019.
 Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 54 water samples used in dialysis machines in hospitals of Kashan city during 3 months of the fall season in 2019. Microbial tests of the samples were done, and also heavy metals were assessed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Statistical tests, sample t-test, and ANOVA were used to compare the mean results with standards.
 Results: Based on the results, the mean concentrations of magnesium (Mg) (2.7 ± 2.22 mg/L), sulfate (13.09 ± 21.06 mg/L), sodium (Na) (17.27 ± 24.47 mg/L), and potassium (K) (0.09 ± 0.17 mg/L) in all samples were based on the standard levels. However, the mean concentrations of nitrate (3.22 ± 1.21 mg/L), aluminum (Al) (0.26 ± 0.16 mg/L), silver (Ag) (0.52 ± 0.85 mg/L), lead (Pb) (0.08 ± 0.13 mg/L), and zinc (Zn) (0.91 ± 0.71 mg/L) were above standard levels in all the samples. Thallium (Tl) ion was reported to be zero. Moreover, heterotrophic bacteria were not observed in any of the samples.
 Conclusion: Given the high concentration of chemicals and heavy metals in dialysis machines water input, it is necessary to plan for periodic monitoring of water treatment systems and heavy metals and regular replacement of reverse osmosis filters.

Elemental composition of three-spot swimming crab Portunus sanguinolentus (Herbst, 1783) shell from the coasts of Sindh and Balochistan, Pakistan.

The present study aimed to investigate the elemental composition of the hard shell of the three-spot swimming crab, Portunus sanguinolentus, collected from the coasts of Pakistan. Thirty crab shells were collected and divided into three groups considering their size. The element detection was performed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy with scanning electron microscope (SIM/EDAX). The mean concentration of carbon, oxygen, calcium, copper, magnesium, and phosphorus observed in the shell of P. sanguinolentus was 13.63 ± 6.21%, 46.25 ± 12.62%, 34.39 ± 18.33%, 3.19 ± 1.25%, 1.15 ± 0.99%, and 1.39 ± 0.51%, respectively. The concentration pattern of these observed elements in P. sanguinolentus shells was found in the following order: O > Ca > C > Cu > P > Mg. To compare among the three groups of shells, the highest concentration of calcium (54.60%) was obtained in large-sized shell groups, which was significantly different from the other groups (p < 0.05). A high concentration of copper was found to be accumulated in the large-sized (3.55%) and medium-sized (4.21%) shell groups, which was significantly higher than in small-sized shell groups (p < 0.05). In the case of the large-sized shell group, the mean concentrations of magnesium and phosphorus were significantly lower than the medium-sized shell group (p < 0.05). The results indicate that crab shells could act as a good bio-sorbent for several minerals in its ecosystem. P. sanguinolentus shell is very rich in calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Extraction of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus from P. sanguinolentus shells could be profitable for biofertilizer and pharmaceutical industries.

Relationship between magnesium status and cardiovascular risk in obese women

Abstract Introduction The literature has shown reduced plasma concentrations of magnesium in obese individuals. It has been suggested that magnesium deficiency or changes in metabolism of this mineral participate in the pathophysiology of hypertension, arrhythmia and other cardiovascular diseases in obese patients. Objective This study evaluated the relationship between magnesium status and cardiovascular risk parameters in obese women. Methods Cross-sectional study involving 127 women, divided into two groups: obese (n = 63) and eutrophic (n = 64). The analysis of magnesium intake was carried out through the three-day food record and also Nutwin software. The plasma, erythrocyte and urinary magnesium concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Waist circumference was measured, and waist/height ratio and conicity index were calculated for assessment of cardiovascular risk. Results The mean value of magnesium intake was lower than those recommended. All the patients showed adequate mean concentrations of magnesium in plasma and erythrocytes. The urinary excretion of this mineral was lower than the reference values in both groups. Values of waist circumference, waist/height ratio and conicity index were higher in obese women (P Conclusion Obese patients intake foods with low dietary magnesium content, and they show hypomagnesuria as a compensatory mechanism to keep the plasma concentration of this mineral in adequate levels. The correlation analysis does not reveal the influence of magnesium on cardiovascular risk markers.

Selenium, zinc and magnesium: serum levels in members of the Czech Republic rescue fire brigade.

The Czech Republic ranks among the countries with the highest prevalence of dyslipoproteinemia and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). As a valid tool in their primary prevention, the authors consider monitoring of selected components (including metal ions and vitamins) of the body′s antioxidant system.The study was focused on monitoring the health condition of members of the Czech Republic Rescue Fire Brigade. The concept of the study made it possible to reveal relationships between the serum magnesium, zinc, selenium levels and the age or biochemical and anthropometrical parameters generally used as risk indices of cardiovascular disease. The results contribute to the information about normal values of serum magnesium, zinc and selenium concentrations in the Czech population. The mean serum concentration of magnesium was 0.82 ± 0.06 mmol/l, that of zinc was 18.25 ± 2.54 µmol/l, and the mean selenium serum concentration was 0.80 ± 0.14 µmol/l.

Serum Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Calcium, and Magnesium Levels in Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women in Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia

Pregnant women in developing countries are vulnerable to multiple micronutrient deficiencies. Studies assessing serum levels of the micronutrients and magnitude of their deficiencies are very scarce in African subjects. This study was aimed at determining serum levels of micronutrients in 375 pregnant (42 HIV seropositive) and 76 non-pregnant women (20 HIV seropositive) who visited the University of Gondar Hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia. Serum concentrations of zinc,\ copper, selenium, calcium, and magnesium were determined using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Irrespective of HIV serostatus, pregnant women had significantly higher serum concentrations of copper and copper/zinc ratio and significantly lower magnesium compared to those in non-pregnant women (P < 0.05). Except for selenium, which was significantly lower in HIV-seropositive pregnant women (P < 0.05), the mean serum concentrations of zinc, copper, calcium, and magnesium were not significantly different between pregnant women by HIV serostatus. The prevalence of deficiency in zinc, magnesium, selenium, and calcium in the pregnant women, irrespective of their HIV serostatus, was 66.7%, 25.6%, 21.9%, and 9.3%, respectively. The magnitude of deficiency in zinc, magnesium, and selenium was significantly higher in HIV seropositive pregnant women (76.2%, 52.4%, and 45.2%) than that in HIV-seronegative pregnant women (65.5%, 22.2%, and 18.9%) and in HIV-seronegative non-pregnant women (42.9%, 8.1%, and 30.4%; P < 0.05). Deficiency in one, two, three, or four mineral elements was observed in 44.8%, 14.4%, 9.9%, and 5.1% of the pregnant women, respectively. Only 25.9% of the pregnant women and 44.7% of the non-pregnant women were not deficient in any of the micronutrients. The high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in pregnant and non-pregnant women in Gondar, Ethiopia warrants the need for strategies on prevention and control of the deficiencies.

Magnesium, Zinc and Copper Status in Osteoporotic, Osteopenic and Normal Post-menopausal Women

Serum concentrations of magnesium, zinc and copper were measured in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (n = 40), osteopenia (n = 40) or normal bone mineral density (n = 40) as classified on the basis of the T-score of the femur neck and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry results. Mean concentrations of magnesium and zinc were significantly lower in osteoporotic women than in both osteopenic women and normal women. In addition, magnesium and zinc concentrations in osteopenic women were significantly lower than in normal women. There were no statistically significant differences observed between the osteopenic, osteoporotic and control groups with respect to copper levels. The clinical significance of these changes needs further elucidation, but trace element supplementation, especially with magnesium and zinc and perhaps copper, may have beneficial effects on bone density.

Serum magnesium concentration in drug-addicted patients.

Drug addiction is a complex problem which leads to many somatic, psychic and social diseases. It is accompanied by the disturbed metabolism of various macro and micronutrients. The aim of this study was to assess serum magnesium concentration in drug-addicted patients and analyze whether Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and methadone treatment affect the level of serum magnesium in these patients. The examination was conducted in a group of 83 people - patients of Szczecin-Zdroje Psychiatric Hospital (Poland). They were 21 to 49 years old, and the mean age was 32 +/- 7 years. The control group consisted of 81 healthy individuals. Flame atomic-absorption spectrometry method was used to determine the magnesium concentration. The total serum magnesium concentration was calculated for the whole patient group, subgroups of women and men, a subgroup of people infected with HIV, and a subgroup receiving methadone substitution treatment. How magnesium behaves depending on age and addiction period, was checked. The mean concentration of magnesium in blood serum of the patients examined was 0.57 mmol/L, which was significantly lower than in the control group. In the subgroup of men it was 0.57 mmol/L, and in the subgroup of women - 0.55 mmol/L; the differences were not statistically significant. In the patient group nobody had the appropriate magnesium concentration in blood serum. No significant correlation was found between the magnesium concentration, age of the patients and addiction period. In the subgroup of seropositive people the mean concentration of magnesium was 0.55 mmol/L, and in the subgroup of non-infected patients - 0.58 mmol/L; the difference was not statistically significant. The mean concentration of magnesium in the subgroup treated with methadone was 0.59 mmol/L, and in the subgroup not involved in this type of therapy - 0.55 mmol/L; it was not a statistically significant difference.

Serum zinc and magnesium levels in patients with blastocystosis.

The aim of the study was to investigate the total content of the essential elements of zinc and magnesium levels in patients infected with Blastocystis hominis. Zinc and magnesium concentrations were measured in 52 patients who were positive for the intestinal parasite Blastocystis hominis. Scores were obtained for the positives and their age- and sex-matched 60 Blastocystis hominis-negative healthy controls. For comparison of two groups of continuous variables, the independent samples t-test was used. The mean concentration of magnesium in blood was significantly lower in Blastocystis hominis-positive patients than in their controls both in females (p < 0.05) and males (p < 0.05). The average zinc concentration in Blastocystis hominis-positive female patients was 0.61 +/- 0.2 mg/L and 0.60 +/- 0.2 mg/L in controls (p > 0.05). The mean values of the zinc in blood were 0.62 +/- 0.2 mg/L in Blastocystis hominis-positive male patients and 0.82 +/- 0.1 in controls (p > 0.05). No correlation could be demonstrated between age and mean values of zinc and magnesium in Blastocystis-positive females/males and controls (p > 0.05). No significant correlation could be found between blood zinc and magnesium levels in Blastocystis-positive female/male patients and controls (p > 0.05). Magnesium levels were found to be clearly decreased, whereas no change was observed in zinc levels in the patients with Blastocystis compared to controls.

Responsiveness of total content changes of magnesium and zinc status in patients infected with Giardia intestinalis.

The aim of the study was to investigate the changes of total content of the essential elements of zinc and magnesium levels in patients infected with Giardia intestinalis. Zinc and magnesium concentrations were measured in 64 patients who were positive for the intestinal parasite G. intestinalis. Scores were obtained for the positives and their 60 age- and sex-matched G. intestinalis- negative healthy controls. The mean concentration of magnesium in blood was significantly lower in G. intestinalis-positive patients than in their controls both in females (p<0.05) and males (p<0.05). The average zinc concentration in G. intestinalis-positive female patients was 0.76+/-0.3 mg/L and it was 0.60+/-0.2 mg/L in controls (p>0.05). The mean values of the zinc in blood were 0.73+/-0.2 mg/L in G. intestinalis-positive male patients and 0.82+/-0.1 mg/L in controls (p>0.05). No correlation could be demonstrated between age and mean values of zinc and magnesium in both G. intestinalis-positive females/males and controls (p>0.05). No significant correlation could be found between blood zinc and magnesium levels in G. intestinalis-positive female/male patients and controls (p>0.05). Magnesium levels were found to be clearly decreased, whereas no change was observed in zinc level in the patients infected with G. intestinalis compared to controls.

Influence of Acidogenic Salts and Sodium Bicarbonate as Feeding Components on Urine Composition

Rumen acidosis and rumen alkalosis are among the most frequent diseases caused by a faulty diet in dairy cattle husbandry. The economic losses are caused more by subclinical or chronic cases than by acute acidosis. Recent research has shown that sampling of urine is the best way to diagnose disturbances in the acid-base equilibrium. Acidogenic salts and sodium bicarbonate are additives often used in dairy cattle feed rations in order to prevent both parturient paresis as well as rumen acidosis. Since they interfere with the acid-base equilibrium, they may also change the urine composition which complicates diagnosis. The purpose of the following studies was to investigate the influence of both feeding additives on urine composition. The studies took place on eight high producing dairy cattle farms in East Germany. The milk production ranged from 7000 l (FCM) to 11000 l /FCM), the herd size ranged from 150 to 1300 cattle. The farms were visited once a month. On these visits urine samples were taken from ten apparent healthy cows during each of five different stages of lactation The urine samples were pooled from each group and stored at -20°C until laboratory testing. The concentrations of the following parameters were measured in the pooled samples: pH, Netto-acid-base-excretion (NABE), Acids, Bases, Ammonium (NH4 + ), Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Calcium, Phosphorus. The mean pH for all groups showed a basic response within or above the physiological ranges. Only the cows sampled during the transit period fed acidogenic salts had pH-values below the physiological ranges on certain times. The NABE showed an acidic response in the majority of the samples of group 2. Dependent on the quantity of the acidogenic salts feed the NABE could reach values below zero. The cows fed sodium bicarbonate had higher NABE than the animals tested during the same stage of lactation without this feed additive. The concentrations of acids showed only little variation among the nine groups.The excretion of bases in group 2 was reduced compared to group 6 and had increased in groups 3, 4 and 5 compared to groups 7, 8 and 9. Among the six groups post partum, there were no differences in the concentrations of calcium in the urine. Groups 1 and 6 showed a slightly increased excretion of calcium with concentrations around 1,5 mmol/l. Cows of group 2 had the highest excretion of calcium and the measured concentrations had been above the physiological ranges. The cows fed acidogenic salts (group 2) had the highest mean concentration of magnesium with a mean concentration above the physiological ranges. The other groups showed mean concentrations mostly within the normal ranges. The mean concentrations of potassium were above the normal ranges for the three groups ante partum. The six groups post partum had mean concentrations within the normal ranges. The cows fed sodium bicarbonate had higher concentrations than the corresponding animals of the groups without sodium bicarbonate. The cows fed sodium bicarbonate had the lowest mean concentration of chloride reaching the inferior physiological range.

Disturbances of calcium and magnesiumm metabolism occur in most hyperthyroid patients

The concentrations in serum of total and ionised calcium, phosphate, magnesium, albumin and alkaline phosphatase activity were measured in patients when hyperthyroid and again when euthyroid. Significant declines in the mean values of ionised calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase activity and significant increases in the mean concentrations of magnesium and albumin were observed. Similar changes were observed in most individual patients. Levels of ionised calcium greater than two standard deviations (representing between batch imprecision) above the upper limit of the reference range were present in 15.6% of hyperthyroid patients. The hyperthyroid levels of calcium, ionised calcium and alkaline phosphatase activity were highest in patients with the most severe thyrotoxicosis. Disturbances of calcium and magnesium metabolism are frequent in hyperthyroid patients.

Fluctuation model for compositional heterogeneity in skarn clinopyroxenes.

A model incorporating experimentally determined fluid-crystal cation exchange equilibrium constants is proposed to explain compositional variations in clinopyroxene from Japanese skarns. The proposed “Fluctuation Model” can account for the observed compositional heterogeneity in both individual and aggregate clinopyroxene grains on a thin section scale. The model assumes formation from a hydrothermal solution whose mean concentrations of magnesium, manganese and iron components remained essentially constant throughout crystal growth period at constant temperature and pressure. Compositional heterogeneity developed as a result of local spatial and temporal fluctuations about the mean solution component concentrations. The degree of fluctuation in the proportion of component i in the hydrothermal solution, as defined by the percent coefficient of variation, CVi, is linearly related to the mean mole percent, Mi, of the component in the hydrothermal solution by the equation CVi=0.25×(100-Mi). Various compositional patterns off naturally occurring skarn clinopyroxenes can be closely reproduced by the model.

Protein and Major Cations in California Cottage Cheese and Yogurt

To determine the concentrations of protein and major cations (calcium, potassium, magnesium, and sodium) in California cottage cheese and yogurt, 244 samples of cottage cheese and 52 samples of yogurt were collected from local retail stores. Mean concentrations of protein were 12.5% in cottage cheese and 4.50% in yogurt. Mean concentrations of calcium were 75.9 mg/100g in cottage cheese and 152.1 mg/100g in yogurt. Mean concentrations of potassium were 60 mg/100g in cottage cheese and 219 mg/100g in yogurt. Mean concentrations of magnesium were 10.8 mg/100g in cottage cheese and 19.7 mg/100g in yogurt. Mean concentrations of sodium were 393 mg/100g in cottage cheese and 65.8 mg/100g in yogurt. To measure the variation in concentrations of these constituents in cottage cheese due to time of year, samples of regular and lowfat cottage cheese were collected from a local plant each week for a year. Annual mean concentrations of protein, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and sodium were 12.37%, 92.9 mg/100g, 63.7 mg/100g, 13.4 mg/100g, and 417 mg/100g in regular cottage cheese and 12.58%, 106.9 mg/100g, 85.6 mg/100g, 15.3 mg/100g, and 420 mg/100g in lowfat cottage cheese. Differences between the means for regular and lowfat cottage cheese were statistically significant for all constituents except sodium. Time-of-year effects were significant for protein, calcium, potassium, and sodium.

Decreased serum selenium and magnesium levels in drunkenness arrestees

Serum levels of selenium magnesium, copper, zinc and iron were studied in chronic drunkenness arrestees and a healthy control group. The mean serum concentrations of selenium and magnesium were both significantly lower ( P < 0.01) in drunkenness arrestees than in the control subjects. The mean alcohol intake was 190 g of absolute alcohol daily in drunkenness arrestees and 14 g in controls. The erythrocyte glutathione peroxydase concentrations of the study groups did not support poor selenium intake as a principal cause of low selenium concentration in the serum.

Subclinical trace element deficiency in children with undue susceptibility to infections.

Serum concentrations of iron, copper, zinc and magnesium and also serum transferrin and ceruloplasmin were investigated in 28 children aged 10 months to 10 years with undue susceptibility to infections. None of the children had any classical immune defect. Seven of them had had frequent upper respiratory tract infections, 16 had suffered from frequent infections of the middle ear and five from mainly lower respiratory tract infections. Thirteen healthy children aged 9 to 18 years residing in the same area served as controls. The children with undue susceptibility to infections had significantly lower mean serum iron (p less than 0.05) and zinc (p less than 0.001) levels than the healthy controls. The mean serum concentrations of copper and magnesium and of transferrin and ceruloplasmin did not differ between the patients and controls. Children with frequent middle ear infections seemed to account for most of the differences in the serum levels of iron and zinc. An inverse correlation was observed between duration of breast feeding and serum concentration of zinc, and between weight as well as height and serum magnesium. The reasons for these changes and the possible role of trace element deficiency as a factor predisposing to or perpetuating undue susceptibility to infections in children are discussed.

Magnesium and Zinc in Diabetic Pregnancy

The concentrations of zinc and magnesium in serum were investigated in 23 non-pregnant and 14 pregnant women with insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM) and 20 with gestational diabetes, and in cord blood from newborns of the latter two groups. These groups were compared with healthy women, non-pregnant as well as parturient, and newborns of the latter. In the non-pregnant state the mean serum concentrations of zinc and magnesium were lower in IDDM patients than in healthy control women. Although a decrease in S-Zn and S-Mg was observed during pregnancy in both IDDM and control subjects, the difference between carefully insulin-treated IDDM patients and controls was no longer apparent at term of pregnancy as regards S-Zn, whereas S-Mg was lower at term both in IDDM patients and in insulin-treated women with gestational diabetes. Besides the probable importance of a nearly normalized glucose metabolism in IDDM patients during pregnancy, it is postulated that the altered pattern of plasma proteins in diabetes and pregnancy, and possibly also exogenous insulin may influence the serum concentrations of zinc and magnesium seen at the end of pregnancy.

Relationship of potassium and magnesium concentrations in serum to cardiac arrhythmias.

Low concentrations of potassium and magnesium in serum have been implicated in cardiac arrhythmias; the importance of mild hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia is uncertain. To investigate possible associations among use of diuretics, the concentration of these ions in serum, and the onset of clinically important arrhythmias, we reviewed records of 103 patients admitted to our Coronary Care Unit during three months and found mild to moderate hypokalemia and hypo- magnesemia in 18 and 24%, respectively. The significant correlation between the concentrations of magnesium and potassium in serum at admission (r = 0.27, p less than 0.007) remained constant in patients, whether they were receiving diuretics or not. Potassium concentrations were significantly lower (p less than 0.05) in patients receiving diuretics (3.93 mmol/L) than in those who were not (4.21 mmol/L), but the mean concentrations of magnesium did not differ significantly. Except for myocardial infarction, no single variable or combination of variables was highly predictive of cardiac arrhythmias in these patients. We conclude that there is no strong predictive relationship between mildly decreased concentrations of magnesium or potassium in serum and onset of cardiac arrhythmias.

Magnesium and zinc in seminal fluid of healthy males and patients with non-acute prostatitis with and without gonorrhoea.

The concentrations of magnesium and zinc in the seminal fluid of 41 patients with symptoms of non-acute prostatitis and of 11 healthy age-matched males were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Possible sources of error in the determination of these metals in seminal fluid are discussed. The mean concentration of magnesium in the patients was 56.6 mug/ml (range 19-190) and in the controls 64.5 mug/ml (range 36-165). The corresponding figures for zinc were 79.2 mug/ml (range 13-283) and 67.5 mug/mg (range 34-116). Both in the patients and in the controls there was a significant correlation between the concentration of magnesium and that of zinc. No significant difference was found between the patients and the controls regarding the concentration of magnesium or zinc. From none of the patients could gonococci be cultured. However, in 6 of them, immunofluorescent studies revealed gonococci. The concentration of zinc (48.3 mug/ml) in seminal fluid from these 6 patients was significantly lower than in the remaining 35. Neither in the patients, nor in the controls, was any correlation found between the concentration of magnesium or zinc and that of fructose in seminal fluid. A significant correlation was found between the concentrations of these metals and the antibacterial activity (determined as the inhibitory effect on the growth of Staphylococcus albus) of the seminal fluid from the patients. A negative correlation was found between the concentration of zinc and an increase in the number of white blood cells in expressed prostatic fluid. No correlation was found between magnesium or zinc and the number of spermatozoa or the percentage of abnormal spermatozoa. The findings in the present study suggest that the secretion of magnesium and zinc is decreased in prostatitis. Because of the wide range of variation of magnesium and zinc in seminal fluid of healthy males, determination of these metals is of limited value in the diagnoses of prostatitis in a given case.