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Serum zinc and copper levels in healthy Japanese children
Insights
Serum zinc levels in children aged 6-12 showed no significant age or sex differences. However, serum copper levels were higher in younger children, peaking at age 8.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Trace Element Metabolism
Background:
- Zinc and copper are essential trace elements crucial for child development.
- Understanding normal serum levels in healthy children is vital for assessing nutritional status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine reference ranges for serum zinc and copper in healthy children aged 6-12 years.
- To investigate potential age and sex variations in these trace element concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to analyze serum samples.
- 156 healthy children aged 6-12 years participated in the study.
Main Results:
- Mean serum zinc was 92 ± 13 µg/100 ml, with no significant age or sex differences.
- Mean serum copper was 109 ± 17 µg/100 ml.
- Serum copper levels were higher in younger children (6-9 years) compared to older children (10-12 years), with the highest mean observed at 8 years old.
Conclusions:
- Established reference values for serum zinc and copper in school-aged children.
- Identified age-related variations in serum copper levels, suggesting potential developmental influences.
Abstract:
Serum zinc and copper concentrations of 156 healthy children (6-12 years old) were measured by the atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. The average serum zinc concentration was 92 +/- 13 mug/100 ml (mean +/- S.D.) with a range of 62-127 mug/100 ml. No statistically significant age or sex differences were found in serum zinc levels. The mean serum copper level was 109 +/- 17 mug/100 ml with a range of 70-164 mug/100 ml. Average serum copper concentration in younger age groups (6-9 years old) was higher than that in older age groups (10-12 years old). The highest value of mean serum copper level was observed in the group of 8-year-old children. No sex differences in serum copper levels were found in all the age groups.