Daily Intake and Serum Levels of Copper, Selenium and Zinc According to Glucose Metabolism: Cross-Sectional and Comparative Study

Abstract

Trace elements play an important role in metabolism. We compared the daily intake and serum concentrations of copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) across a spectrum of glucose tolerance status in a representative U.S. population. Daily intake and serum concentrations of Cu, Zn and Se in 5087 adults from the 2011–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were examined and compared to normal (NGT) and abnormal (AGT) glucose tolerance and the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM). Other than Zn deficiency (21.15%), the prevalence of Zn, Se, and Cu excess and Se and Cu deficiency were low (<4.00%). As compared to the NGT group, Cu and Se supplementation was higher in the AGT and DM groups (p < 0.0001 for all). Serum Se and Zn, but not Cu, concentrations were highly correlated with daily intake (p < 0.0001 for both). As compared to the NGT group, serum Cu concentration was highest in the AGT group (p = 0.03), serum Se concentration was highest in the DM group (p < 0.0001), and serum Zn concentration was highest in the AGT group (p < 0.0001). Serum Se and Zn concentration was correlated with daily Se and Zn intake. Even within the reference range for serum Cu, Se, and Zn concentrations, a higher serum concentration of Cu, Se, and Zn was associated with abnormal glucose metabolism. Although the casual relationship remains to be elucidated, these data suggest caution in Cu, Se and Zn supplementation in non-deficient individuals.

Associations of Dietary Antioxidants with Glycated Hemoglobin and Insulin Sensitivity in Adults with and without Type 1 Diabetes

“…Dietary copper is a redox active metal and has been shown to cause impaired glucose metabolism in mechanistic and observational studies [ 22 – 25 ]. Our results conform to another NHANES report in approximately 5000 US adults showing higher serum copper, selenium, and zinc to be associated with abnormal glucose metabolism [ 26 ]. In another cross-sectional study of 1197 adults recruited in Italy, dietary copper revealed a significant positive association with C-reactive protein [ 27 ].…”

Comparison of the Effects of Inorganic or Amino Acid-Chelated Zinc on Mouse Myoblast Growth in vitro and Growth Performance and Carcass Traits in Growing-Finishing Pigs

“…It is reported that ZnMet had a higher bioavailability among zinc sources ( 41 ); therefore, we further detected the concentration of zinc in serum and tissues, which can reflect the absorption and utilization of zinc and is also used as an indicator to evaluate the nutritional status of the body ( 42 ). An increase in serum zinc concentration indicates that zinc metabolism is enhanced ( 43 ). In this study, whether it is serum zinc or serum iron, the ZnMet group has the highest content, indicating that the addition of ZnMet improved the absorption of trace elements.…”

The daily intake and serum levels of copper, selenium and zinc are associated with osteoarthritis but not with rheumatoid arthritis in a cross-section study

“…They involved in the regulation of the innate and adaptive immune responses. Many studies have reported that the serum level of Cu and Zn are associated with health outcomes including osteoporosis(8), basic physical functioning (11) and glucose metabolism (12). To date, a few studies have attempted to explore the association between Cu and Zn and risk of OA or RA with inconsistent results (7,13,14).…”