Zinc status of northern Tasmanian adults

Information regarding Zn status in the Australian population is very limited. Mild deficiencies in Zn have been associated with CVD, impaired immune function and poor healing. A cross-sectional study of 497 northern Tasmanian adults (24-82 years of age) was conducted to assess Zn status. Dietary intakes were assessed by FFQ and serum concentrations of Zn were evaluated using International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group methodology. Mean Zn intakes were 12·6 (sd 4·4) mg/d for men and 10·9 (sd 3·6) mg/d for women. It was found that 52 % of men but only 9 % of women consumed less than the Australia/New Zealand estimated average requirement for Zn. Mean serum Zn was 13·0 (sd 2·4) µmol/l in men and 13·0 (sd 2·5) µmol/l in women. Overall, 15 % of men and 7 % of women had low serum Zn levels. Furthermore, low serum Zn was observed in 18 % of men 50 years or older and 30 % of men 70 years or older. The present results suggest that mild Zn deficiency may be prevalent in older Tasmanian adults, particularly men; and due to the importance of Zn in many areas of health, this could be of public health concern.