Blood levels of copper, iron, zinc, and lead in adults in India and Pakistan and the effect of oral zinc supplementation for six weeks

Abstract

Deficiency in the intake of trace elements, such as copper (Cu), iron (Fe), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn), is very common in the general population of most developing countries. A preliminary study in India and Pakistan showing the plasma levels of Zn and Fe indicates that approx 50% of the subjects who participated have low levels of both Fe and Zn, suggesting a marginal deficiency. The low plasma levels of these elements are more pronounced in females. The mean levels of Ze, Cu, and Fe in the plasma of 83 subjects were 0.71 +/- 0.11, 0.96 +/- 0.10, and 0.80 +/- 0.12 mg/L, respectively. The Cu:Zn ratio in the plasma was 1.43 +/- 0.16. Three groups of 15 subjects each were given three different levels of oral supplements of Zn (15, 30, and 45 mg of Zn as Zn gluconate) for 6 wk, and blood samples were analyzed during various intervals. Plasma concentration of Zn increased significantly (p < 0.001) in all the groups after 4 wk of supplementation and reached almost normal levels after 6 wk. Along with the increase in Zn, there was a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in plasma Cu levels. There were no changes in the concentration of Fe during the supplementation period. The supplementation was well tolerated by most subjects. The results of this pilot study indicate that Zn supplementation is a practical possibility comparable to that of Fe supplementation in order to prevent marginal Zn deficiency in vulnerable groups in the general population of developing countries.

The association of maternal social factors and antenatal care with cord serum zinc in full – term neonates

“…Studies have shown good correlation between cord blood zinc, maternal zinc concentration and birth weights (Bhutta et al, 1999;Murray and Lopez, 1997). This is critical to demonstrate because nearly 80% of infant mortality occurs in first 2 months of life (Schultink et al, 1997;Abdulla and Suck, 1998;Brooks et al, 2005). Any health programme that aims at reducing infant mortality rate needs to address mortality in the first two months of life.…”

“…Neonatal mortality contributed to over 64% of the infant deaths particularly in those who were born low birth weight. Serious systemic infections like sepsis and pneumonia constituted 30 -40% of the causes of mortality Abdulla and Suck, 1998). This high prevalence of sepsis is likely to suggest an increased requirement for zinc in the young infants living in the developing countries.…”

Correlates of Toenail Zinc in a Free-Living U.S. Population

“…Reasons for our null association may be that zinc found in supplements is in the inorganic form (bound to chloride, sulfate, oxides, or propionate) which may not be well absorbed (23,24), and that zinc absorption from supplements may be low when dietary intake is sufficient (25). However, results from randomized clinical trials have shown that zinc supplementation positively affects zinc plasma levels (26)(27)(28).…”