[Zinc deficiency in the elderly]
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Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells
Published on: May 16, 2019
Abstract:
Zinc is one of the essential trace elements which usually contain 1.4-2.3g in the human body. Zinc is present in muscle (60%), bone (30%) and other organs (10%) such as liver, kidney, pancreas, brain, skin, prostate etc. Daily zinc requirement of an adult is 15mg and normal range of serum zinc concentration is 84-159microg/dl. Zinc absorption in the elderly is significantly lower than that of the younger. Zinc deficiency is common in the elderly, especially those aged over 75. The symptoms of dermatitis, diarrhea etc. Immunocompetence and wound healing are disturbed in those with zinc deficiency and zinc supplementation is necessary as a nutrient for a good quality of life in the elderly.
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