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Published on: May 16, 2019
Plasma levels of zinc, selenium, and copper among incarcerated men in Switzerland
Marie Bettex1, Audrey Dettwiler1, Bastien Trachsel1
1Unisanté, University Center for Primary Care and Public Health, Lausanne, Switzerland & University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Objectives:
Incarcerated people carry many health problems. While prisons provide structured healthcare and meals, micronutrient status remains unclear. We assessed plasma zinc, selenium, and copper status in incarcerated men in Vaud (French-speaking canton in Switzerland) and explored prevention-relevant patterns.
Methods:
Cross-sectional study (May-September 2023) of incarcerated men in three prisons. Participants (n = 206) completed a health-related questionnaire and provided venous blood. Plasma trace elements were measured by inductively coupled-plasma-mass spectrometry. Associations with individual characteristics were examined and differences between-prisons were assessed. Micronutrient concentrations were compared with community-men, adjusting for age and body mass index.
Results:
Prevalence of men with micronutrient plasma level below the normal range did not differ between incarcerated and community men. Adjusted means showed modestly lower selenium and higher zinc and copper in men experiencing incarceration. Within prisons, lower selenium was associated with older age, lower pre-incarceration income, and smoking. Zinc was lower with age and in one facility.
Conclusion:
Overall micronutrient status was reassuring, yet the heterogeneity, possibly reflecting individual vulnerabilities and institutional conditions, supports continued, facility-aware monitoring to identify at-risk groups and protect health.
