Serum and dietary zinc and copper in Iranian girls

Girls with micronutrient deficiencies may have impaired growth and development, and furthermore this may also impact on their childbearing. We have investigated the relationship between serum zinc and copper concentrations, dietary zinc and copper intake and anthropometric and demographic parameters, and cardiovascular risk factors, in 408 girls living in northeastern Iran.

A total of 408 healthy girls, aged 12-18 years old, were included in our study. Serum zinc and copper concentrations were measured by flame atomic absorption (Varian AA240FS) and zinc and copper intake were assessed using a 3-day dietary record.

There was a weak correlation between serum and dietary zinc intake (r = 0.117, p = 0.018). The correlation between serum and dietary copper approached significance (r = -0.094, p = 0.056). The mean serum zinc and copper concentrations were 14.61 ± 2.71 μmol/L and 19.48 ± 8.01 μmol/L respectively. Height, total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were positively correlated with serum copper concentration. Subjects with high serum copper concentrations (>24 μmol/L) were found to have a significantly higher fasting blood glucose (FBG) compared to subjects with normal, or low serum copper concentrations (p = 0.033). Girls who were in the 5th percentile or greater for height were found to have higher serum copper concentrations than girls in other height categories.

There was a weak relationship between dietary and serum concentrations of zinc. Copper status was associated with anthropometric and biochemical parameters, including FBG and lipid profile. Further studies are required to define the role of copper in metabolic health.