Serum and red blood cell magnesium, copper, and zinc content in G6PD deficiency

Sixty-nine G6PD-deficient and 67 normal non-deficient Chinese adult males were investigated for blood hemoglobin concentration and for serum and red cell content of magnesium, copper, and zinc. There was no significant difference in blood hemoglobin content. Both the serum magnesium and copper content were found to be significantly lower in the G6PD-deficient subjects compared to that in the non-deficient control. Serum zinc content and red cell content of all the three metals were not significantly altered in G6PD deficiency.