Magnesium, zinc, and copper status of US Navy SEAL trainees

Magnesium, zinc, and copper status of 270 US Navy Sea, Air, and Land (SEAL) trainees was determined from dietary intakes and biochemical profiles. Although mean intakes exceeded the Recommended Dietary Allowances or the Estimated Safe and Adequate Intake range, intakes of 34%, 44%, and 37% of the trainees were below the recommendations for Mg, Zn, and Cu, respectively. Mean plasma concentrations were 0.85 +/- 0.004 mmol/L, 13.4 +/- 0.2 mumol/L, and 16.5 +/- 0.2 mumol/L for Mg, Zn, and Cu respectively. Mean 24-h urinary excretions were 5.7 +/- 0.2 mmol, 11.1 +/- 0.3 mumol, and 0.05 +/- 0.003 mumol, for Mg, Zn, and Cu, respectively. The data provided by the present study should be useful for comparing other physically active male populations.