Zinc and copper concentrations in serum from Spanish women during pregnancy

A cross-sectional study of serum zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) levels in 31 healthy pregnant women and 51 healthy, nonpregnant controls living in the Mediterranean area of Granada, Spain, was performed. The subjects were divided into two groups: Group A, consisted of pregnant women in three categories according to the trimester of pregnancy, and Group B consisted of nonpregnant women acting as controls. In pregnant women, serum Zn levels were found from 0.300-1.340 mg/L and serum Cu from 0.936-2.304 mg/L, whereas in the nonpregnant women group, the mean serum levels were 0.947 ±0.265 mg/L for Zn and 1.092 ±0.365 mg/L for Cu. Serum Zn progressively decreased with gestation. Mean Zn levels were 0.829 ±0.253, 0.846 ±0.329, and 0.620 ±0.142 mg/L, corresponding to the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy, respectively. Serum Zn concentrations were significantly lower in pregnant women as compared to controls: 0.712 ±0.236 mg/L vs 0.947 ±0.265 mg/L, respectively (p < 0.05). In contrast, Cu levels increased with period of gestation from 1.053 ±0.498 mg/L in the first trimester to 1.616 ±0.304 mg/L in the second and 1.689 ±0.344 mg/L in the third. Serum Cu levels in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those determined during the first trimester and for nonpregnant controls. Both Zn and Cu during pregnancy did not appear to be dependent on the subject’s age (p > 0.05).     

Serum Levels of Antioxidants (Zn, Cu, Se) in Healthy Volunteers Living in Tehran

Zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and selenium (Se) are well-known as essential trace elements. These elements attract a great interest, not only in the scientific world, but also in the public option. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum Zn, Cu, and Se levels in healthy volunteers (60 females and 55 males) living in Tehran. The age (6–62 years) and sex of the subjects, as well as drug and tobacco consumption, were registered. The concentrations of these elements were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The serum levels of Zn, Cu, and Se in the normal population of Tehran was 0.89?±?0.16 mg/L, 0.95?±?0.20 mg/L, and 99.10?±?21.78 μg/L, respectively. There was no significant gender-related difference in serum Zn concentration (p?<?0.15). However, a significant difference (p?<?0.05) in both Cu and Se levels was observed between males and females.     

INAA of serum zinc of inhabitants in five regions of the Czech Republic

To investigate the Zn status of inhabitants of the Czech Republic, 1155 serum and 132 hair samples were analyzed for zinc content. Analyzed material was obtained from randomly selected volunteers of both sexes in the age range 6–65 yr. Subpopulations from five regions were included in the study. Analyses of both materials were performed by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). Coanalyses of Standard Reference Materials (SRM) for quality control were performed. The results (mean 910 ±276 Μg Zn/L serum and 189 ±45 Μg Zn/g hair) demonstrate satisfactory zinc status of the searched population. Significant interregional differences and age-dependent differences, as well as sex-dependent differences have been detected by the use of correlation analysis. On the basis of these results, serum Zn concentration results of individual categories according to age and sex were evaluated, and on the grounds of mean ±2 standard deviations, indicative intervals were calculated. The frequency of individual serum Zn concentrations proved that the population of the Czech Republic does not suffer from severe zinc deficiency. On the other hand, about one-third of our inhabitants has their serum Zn concentrations below the cutoff value of 800 Μg Zn/L serum, which means a marginal or mild Zn deficit of the organism.     

Changes of total content of magnesium and zinc status in patients with chronic toxoplasmosis

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the Toxoplasma gondii infection on the total content of the essential elements Zn and Mg levels. Plasma zinc and magnesium concentrations were measured in 158 patients whose anti-T gondii IgG antibodies were positive. Scores were obtained for the patients and their age- and sex-matched 82 sero-negative healthy controls. The mean concentration of Mg in blood was significantly lower in sero-positive patients than in their controls both in females (p<0.01) and males (p<0.01). The average Zn concentration in seropositive female patients was 0.72±0.2 mg/L and 0.65±0.1 mg/L in controls (p>0.05). The mean values of the Zn in blood were 1.00±0.3 mg/L in seropositive male patients and 0.84±0.2 in controls (p>0.05). No correlation could be demonstrated between age and mean values of Zn and Mg in both sero-positive females/males and controls (p>0.05). No significant correlation could be found between blood Zn and Mg levels in seropositive female/male patients and controls (p>0.05). Mg levels were found to be clearly decreased in the patients with chronic toxoplasmosis, whereas no change was observed in Zn levels.     

Serum Zinc and Copper Levels in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

Changes in the copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) concentrations have been reported previously in ischemic cardiomyopathy (ISCMP). Due to controversial results, the aims of this study were to compare levels of Cu, Zn, and Zn/Cu ratio of ISCMP patients with healthy volunteers and also to investigate the possible relationship between trace elements status in ISCMP patients with the severity of clinical disease based on the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification. The subjects of this study consisted of 30 ISCMP and 27 healthy volunteers. ISCMP was diagnosed with a history of previous myocardial infarction and also coronary artery disease was confirmed by coronary angiography. Exclusion criteria were renal or hepatic insufficiency, alcohol usage, and intake of supplements containing Cu or Zn within 1 week. Cu and Zn levels have been assayed with atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS 10 software using independent sample t test for comparing the levels of Cu and Zn between ISCMP and normal subjects. The mean Cu level of the ISCMP group (1.54 ± 0.52 mg/L) was significantly more than the Cu levels of the healthy volunteers (1.31 ± 0.24 mg/L; p = 0.048). The mean Zn levels of the ISCMP and healthy volunteers were 1.05 ± 0.28 and 1.12 ± 0.42, respectively, without any significant difference between groups. There was a trend for higher Cu level, lower Zn level, and lower Zn/Cu ratio in NYHA III patients in comparison with NYHA II group. Considering the results of this study, Cu may have a role in the development of ISCMP. Interventions such as administration of Cu chelators to relieve the symptoms or to decrease the progression of ISCMP is needed to be examined in large clinical trials. In this study, the Zn level of ISCMP patients was not significantly different in comparison with the healthy volunteers.     

Serum extracellular superoxide dismutase activity as an indicator of zinc status in humans

The present study focused on whether serum extracellular superoxide dimutase (EC-SOD) activity can be used as a functional indicator of marginal zinc deficiency in humans. Subjects in this study were 444 healthy adults over 30 yr of age living a normal rural life in Kyunggi province, Korea. The mean dietary zinc intake of subjects obtained from one 24-h recall was 6.41 ± 4.35 mg and the average serum zinc concentration of the subjects was 11.06 ± 2.44 (μmol/L. Subjects were divided into three groups by serum zinc concentrations: adequate (serum zinc >10.7 (μmol/L), low (serum zinc 9.0–10.7 μmol/L), and very low (serum zinc <9.0 μmol/L) groups. A total of 50 subjects were selected from the three groups for analysis of EC-SOD activities. The EC-SOD activity of subjects increased with increasing serum zinc concentrations, and the activities of the three groups were significantly different as indicated by the Kruskal-Wallis test (p = 0.0239). Also, serum EC-SOD activities were significantly correlated with serum zinc concentrations (r = 0.289,p = 0.04). Serum EC-SOD activities, however, were not significantly correlated to the dietary zinc intakes. In conclusion, these results show that EC-SOD activities are decreased in subjects with low serum zinc concentrations and suggest that EC-SOD activity may be a functional indicator of zinc nutritional status in humans.     

Changes of serum selenium in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus

Gestational diabetes is one of the most common diseases in pregnancy. In the present work, the possible relationship between serum selenium concentration and gestational diabetes was investigated. Blood samples of 234 pregnant women were collected, including 98 subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), 46 subjects with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and 90 normal pregnant women (NPW). An additional 17 samples of normal women of fertile age (NW) were collected for comparison. The hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry was used for selenium determination. The mean serum selenium levels obtained for each group were 0.0741±0.0167 mg/L for NPW, 0.0631±0.0132 mg/L for IGT, 0.0635±0.0120 mg/L for GDM, and 0.108±0.0170 mg/L for NW. Serum selenium levels were significantly lower in pregnant woman with IGT (p<0.001) and GDM (p<0.001) than in NPW. Furthermore, an inverse correlation between the serum selenium concentration and the gestational period was also observed. Selenium supplementation during gestation for pregnant women, especially with IGT and GDM, should be considered.     

Significance of serum trace element status in patients with rheumatic heart disease

It is known that certain trace elements can affect various heart diseases. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the changes in concentrations of certain serum trace elements in patients with chronic rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Serum analysis of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) trace elements was assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. RHD patients had significantly lower serum concentrations of Se and Zn than control subjects (p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively). However, the serum Cu concentration was significantly higher in RHD patients than in controls (1.93±0.59 μg/L vs 1.06±0.29 μg/L; p<0.001). Similarly, the Cu/Zn ratio in RHD patients was higher than in control subjects (4.70±0.92 vs 1.68±0.45; p<0.001). Additionally, no significant correlation was found among these trace element concentrations and the functional capacity classes (p>0.05). RHD patients had decreased serum Se and Zn element concentrations and increased serum Cu element concentration. We suggest that Se and Zn deficiency might be contributory factors in the development of rheumatic heart disease, and a high Cu concentration and a high Cu/Zn ratio might reflect an ongoing inflammatory process in this disease.     

The Study of Cu and Zn Serum Levels in Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy (IDCMP) Patients and its Comparison with Healthy Volunteers

Changes in the cupper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) concentrations have been reported previously in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCMP). As a result of controversial results, the aim of this study was to compare the Zn and Cu concentrations and Zn/Cu ratio of IDCMP patients to healthy volunteers. In addition, the correlation of Cu and Zn levels with age has been evaluated. The study population consisted of 18 IDCMP patients and 27 healthy volunteers. IDCMP patients had normal angiography with echocardiography supporting cardiomyopathy without pericardial and valvular diseases. Exclusion criteria were renal or hepatic insufficiency, alcohol usage, and intake of supplements containing Cu or Zn within 1 week ago. Cu and Zn levels have been assayed with atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 10 software with independent sample t test for comparing the level of Cu and Zn of IDCMP patients with normal subjects and Pearson correlation to determine the correlation between numeric data. P < 0.05 was considered as significant differences. There was a trend for a lower Zn level in IDCMP patients compared to healthy volunteers. (0.97 ± 0.25 mg/l vs. 1.12 ± 0.42 mg/l, respectively). The mean Cu levels of IDCMP and normal subjects were 1.33 ± 0.20 mg/l and 1.31 ± 0.23 mg/l, respectively. There was a significant difference in Zn/Cu ratio among patients based on the NYHA classification of heart failure (P = 0.003). Age was negatively correlated with Zn levels in IDCMP group (P = 0.037) and positively with Cu levels in healthy volunteers (P = 0.012). A lower Zn level in IDCMP patients compared to healthy volunteers and specially a significant difference in Zn/Cu ratio of patients based on their NYHA classification would suggest a critical role of zinc and Cu imbalance in development of IDCMP.     

Serum Zinc,Copper, and Zinc/Copper in Healthy Residents of Jinan

Sera of 890 healthy Jinan residents were chosen randomly, and the concentrations of serum Zn and Cu were detected by atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean serum Zn and Cu concentrations and Zn/Cu were 1.32 ± 0.49 mg/l, 0.99 ± 0.26 mg/l, and 1.41 ± 0.56, respectively. Significantly higher levels of serum Zn and Zn/Cu but lower serum Cu were found in the men. Descending tendency of serum Zn and Zn/Cu was observed with social-economic status and age but not significant. Alcohol consumption produced higher level of serum Zn and Zn/Cu but lower Cu concentration. Smoking caused significant lower level in serum Cu concentration but no significance in serum Zn and Zn/Cu. Serum Zn and Zn/Cu were normal only when hours of sleep a night were kept within 7–9 h. Higher level of serum Zn and Cu concentrations and Zn/Cu were observed in individuals with regular physical exercise, but still no significant difference existed. No clear relationship between educational levels with serum Zn and Cu concentrations and Zn/Cu was observed.     

Comparative Analysis of Serum Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Iron, Calcium, and Magnesium Level and Complexity of Interelement Relations in Generalized Anxiety Disorder Patients

The purpose of the study was to determine the concentration of serum trace and other essential elements of generalized anxiety disorder patients and to find out the relationship between element levels and nutritional status or socioeconomic factors. The study was conducted among 50 generalized anxiety disorder patients and 51 healthy volunteers. Patients were selected and recruited in the study with the help of a clinical psychologist by random sampling. The concentrations of serum trace elements (Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe) and other two essential elements (Ca and Mg) were determined by graphite furnace and flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Data were analyzed by independent t test, Pearson’s correlation analysis, regression analysis, and analysis of variance. The serum concentrations of Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Ca, and Mg in generalized anxiety disorder patients were 1.069?±?0.40, 1.738?±?0.544, 1.374?±?0.750, 3.203?±?2.065, 108.65?±?54.455, and 21?±?4.055 mg/L, while those were 1.292?±?0.621, 0.972?±?0.427, 0.704?±?0.527, 1.605?±?1.1855, 101.849?±?17.713, and 21.521?±?3.659 mg/L in control subjects. Significantly decreased (p?<?0.05) serum Zn concentration was found in the patient group compared to the control group while serum level of Cu, Mn, and Fe was significantly (p?<?0.05) higher, but the differences of the concentration of Ca and Mg between the patient and control groups were not significant (p?>?0.05). Socioeconomic data revealed that most of the patients were in the lower middle class group and middle-aged. Mean BMI of the control group (23.63?±?3.91 kg/m²) and the patient group (23.62?±?3.77 kg/m²) was within the normal range (18.5–25.0 kg/m²). The data obtained from different interelement relations in the generalized anxiety disorder patients and control group strongly suggest that there is a disturbance in the element homeostasis. So changes in the serum trace element level in generalized anxiety disorder patients occur independently and they may provide a prognostic tool for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.     

Determination of serum oxalate using peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence of free oxalic acid

We describe a new sensitive and specific method for determination of oxalate in human serum. By using the chemiluminescence decay of monoperoxyoxalic acid very low concentrations of oxalate (200 nmol/L) can be determined. The mean serum oxalate level in apparently healthy controls was 14.5 ± 8.5 m?mol/L. Supplementation of ascorbic acid leads to an increase in serum oxalate level. While serum oxalate concentrations of calcium oxalate stone formers (x = 16.4 ± 9.8 m?mol/L) are not significantly different from the control group, an extreme increase of serum oxalate is evident in haemodialysis patients. The serum oxalate concentration decreased during dialysis treatment from 141.4 ± 32.1 m?mol/L to 36.4 ± 12.7 m?mol/L.     

Increased oxidative stress and altered serum macro-minerals and trace elements levels are associated with coronary artery disease

BackgroundThis study was designed to evaluate the serum malondialdehyde (MDA), non-enzymatic antioxidants (vitamin A and C), macro-minerals (magnesium and calcium), and trace elements (zinc, copper, and iron) levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and to explore their role in disease progression.MethodsThis prospective case-control study was comprised of 40 CAD patients and 40 healthy volunteers as cases and control subjects, respectively. The level of lipid peroxidation was assessed by measuring the serum MDA level using a UV spectrophotometer. The levels of vitamins A and C were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and UV spectrophotometric method, respectively. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) was used to measure serum macro-minerals (Mg and Ca) and trace elements (Zn, Cu, and Fe) concentrations.ResultsThe mean age of CAD patients and control subjects was 53.90 ± 2.22 and 37.03 ± 1.50 years, respectively. This study revealed significantly higher concentrations of MDA (p < 0.01) and lower concentrations of vitamin A (p < 0.01), and vitamin C (p < 0.05) in the CAD patients than in control subjects. The mean values of Mg, Cu, Zn, Ca, and Fe were 11.67 ± 0.64, 1.17 ± 0.03, 0.43 ± 0.02, 107.38 ± 1.81, and 1.66 ± 0.04 μg/mL, respectively for the CAD patients and 19.38 ± 0.65, 1.07 ± 0.02, 0.87 ± 0.02, 94.29 ± 1.89, and 1.52 ± 0.05 μg/mL, respectively for the controls and the differences were significant (p < 0.05) between the patients and controls.ConclusionFrom these findings, we can suggest that there is a strong association of CAD with an elevated level of MDA, depleted levels of antioxidants, and altered macro-minerals and trace elements concentrations.     

Blood levels of copper, iron, zinc, and lead in adults in India and Pakistan and the effect of oral zinc supplementation for six weeks

Deficiency in the intake of trace elements, such as copper (Cu), iron (Fe), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn), is very common in the general population of most developing countries. A preliminary study in India and Pakistan showing the plasma levels of Zn and Fe indicates that approx 50% of the subjects who participated have low levels of both Fe and Zn, suggesting a marginal deficiency. The low plasma levels of these elements are more pronounced in females. The mean levels of Ze, Cu, and Fe in the plasma of 83 subjects were 0.71 ± 0.11, 0.96 ± 0.10, and 0.80 ± 0.12 mg/L, respectively. The Cu:Zn ratio in the plasma was 1.43 ± 0.16. Three groups of 15 subjects each were given three different levels of oral supplements of Zn (15, 30, and 45 mg of Zn as Zn gluconate) for 6 wk, and blood samples were analyzed during various intervals. Plasma concentration of Zn increased significantly (p < 0.001) in all the groups after 4 wk of supplementation and reached almost normal levels after 6 wk. Along with the increase in Zn, there was a significant decrease(p < 0.001) in plasma Cu levels. There were no changes in the concentration of Fe during the supplementation period. The supplementation was well tolerated by most subjects. The results of this pilot study indicate that Zn supplementation is a practical possibility comparable to that of Fe supplementation in order to prevent marginal Zn deficiency in vulnerable groups in the general population of developing countries.     

Serum copper and zinc concentrations in healthy children aged 3–14 years in greece

Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are essential trace elements in people, being required for functional activity of several enzyme systems. In this study, we determined Cu and Zn concentrations in the serum of 105 healthy children randomly selected, aged 3–14 yr, residing in a region of Greece (Thrace), and we investigated their association with children's gender, age, height, weight, and nutritional habits. The mean levels of Zn and Cu were 15.01±2.95 μmol/L and 26.18±5.47 μmol/L, respectively, with no significant difference between boys and girls. A significant positive correlation was found between age and Zn levels, and a negative one was found between age and Cu levels. Both Zn and Cu levels tended to increase with height, whereas Zn levels significantly decreased with increasing body mass indent (BMI). The consumption of meat, milk, and eggs were independent determinants for higher Zn levels, and the consumption of legumes and fruits were independent determinants for higher Cu levels. A significant negative correlation was found between Zn and Cu levels. In conclusion, our study, the first one evaluating the serum status of Cu and Zn in healthy Greek children, identified significant correlations of Zn and Cu levels with their age, height, BMI, and nutritional habits.     

Serum copper and zinc concentrations in a representative sample of the Canarian population.

Serum copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) concentrations of 395 individuals (187 males + 208 females) living in Canary Islands were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean copper and zinc concentrations were 1.10 +/- 0.25 mg/L and 1.16 +/- 0.52 mg/L respectively. Our data were similar to other data published in other Spanish regions. Individuals from Lanzarote presented a mean Cu and Zn concentrations higher (p < 0.05) than individuals from the rest of islands; Individuals from EL Hierro showed the lowest (p < 0.05) mean Zn concentration. These differences could be attributed a differences in Cu and Zn contents of soil and/or differences in dietary habits of the populations. The mean serum Cu concentration in females was higher (p < 0.05) than in males, however serum Zn concentration did not vary with the sex of the subjects. No relation to socio-economic status and educational level were found with respect to the serum Cu and Zn concentrations. The serum Cu concentration varied with age of individuals, observing the highest (p < 0.05) Cu concentration in the 20-30 year old interval. A higher serum Cu concentration in females within 20-30 year old interval was observed. This could be due to a higher use of oral contraceptives or to the higher number of pregnancies. Boys (younger than 15) showed a decrease (p < 0.05) of the serum Cu concentration with age. The mean Zn concentrations in serum did not change (p > 0.05) among the different age intervals. No clear trends in the serum Cu and Zn concentrations were observed when drinking and smoking habits were considered. The increase of physical exercise reduced (p < 0.05) the serum Cu concentrations.     

Elevated Fructosamine Levelsin Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

ObjectiveTo investigate whether the mechanism of increased glycation in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is due to an alteration in a circulatory plasma enhancer.MethodsWe assessed glycation of serum protein and hemoglobin in patients with AIDS without altered carbohydrate metabolism. Fasting concentrations of glucose, ethanol, vitamin E, fructosamine, hemoglobin, hemoglobin A1c (A1C), and partial pressure of alveolar oxygen (Pao₂) were determined in 50 men with AIDS and in 25 age-matched healthy men in whom normal glucose tolerance was established by oral glucose tolerance tests.ResultsFasting serum glucose was not significantly different between the men with AIDS (87 ± 4 mg/dL) and the healthy male volunteers (84 ± 6 mg/dL); however, A1C (6.9 ± 0.2%) and serum fructosamine levels (288 ± 15 μmol/L) were significantly higher (P < .01) in the patients with AIDS than in the normal subjects (A1C, 5.6 ± 0.1%; fructosamine, 204 ± 14 μmol/L). Moreover, both A1C and fructosamine concentrations were significantly higher (P < .01) in the patients with AIDS than in the normal subjects divided into subgroups on the basis of fasting plasma glucose concentrations (70 to 79 mg/dL, 80 to 89 mg/dL, and 90 to 99 mg/dL). None of the study participants had anemia (hemoglobin < 12 g/dL) or hypoxia (Pao₂ < 95 mm Hg), and serum ethanol was undetectable. Furthermore, vitamin E concentrations were not significantly different between the patients with AIDS (25 ± 3 mg/L) and the normal subjects (22 ± 4 mg/L).ConclusionOn the basis of this study, glycation of some circulating proteins appears to be enhanced in AIDS and may be induced by an undetermined plasma enhancer, inasmuch as known circulating factors promoting glycation were absent. (Endocr Pract. 2008;14:686-690)     

Serum selenium levels in Slovak population

Blood serum selenium levels were measured in 576 healthy middle aged adults (40–60 yr, 255 men and 321 women) residing in both urban and rural areas in four districts of Slovakia. Serum selenium was determined by electrothermal AAS. The mean (±SD) serum selenium concentration was 0.852±0.335 μmol/L, ranging from 0.219–2.30 μmol/L. A large proportion of the individuals (19.62%) exhibited serum selenium levels under 0.57 μmol/L (45 μmol/L). There was no significant correlation between serum, selenium concentration and age, sex, and smoking status. There were significant differences between districts. The lowest mean (±SD) serum selenium was 0.664±0.269 μmol/L, the highest mean serum selenium (±SD) was 0.975±0.361 μmol/L. This differences could probably be attributed to the selenium, content in the soil of the different areas, which would contribute to the average daily selenium intake. In comparison with serum selenium levels in other European countries, the concentrations of selenium in the Slovak population are relatively low.     

Ubiquinone-10 plasma concentrations in healthy European children

The reduced form of ubiquinone-10 (coenzyme Q) has been shown to represent an important physiologic antioxidant principle in human blood. In order to establish a reference range for infants, we measured plasma levels of ubiquinone in 50 healthy European children aged 2 months to 15 years. A mean ±SD) value of 0.75±0.27 μg/ml plasma (0.87±0.31 μM) was determined; ubiquinone concentrations were not found to be sex-dependent (0.7±0.24μg/ml for girls, n=17, and 0.7±0.28μg/ml for boys, n=33) but correlated negatively with age (r = -0.37, P=0.0075). This negative correlation was mainly due to relatively high levels in infants approximately 1 year old.

The mean value determined does not significantly differ from the average ubiquinone plasma concentrations determined in healthy Nigerian children (0.85±0.40 μg/ml, n= 18) in a previous study (Becker K, Boetticher D, Leichsenring M. Internat J Vitam Nutr Res 1995, in press).     

The Severity of Depressive Symptoms vs. Serum Mg and Zn Levels in Postmenopausal Women

The aim of this study was to assess the severity of depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women, depending on serum Mg and Zn levels. The study involved 171 postmenopausal women from Poland, who were not using menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). The intensity of depressive symptoms was evaluated using a standard research technique, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The plasma Mg and Zn concentrations were measured. Depressive symptoms of different severity levels were diagnosed in 36.8 % of the women. The mean serum Mg level was 1.53?±?0.28 mg/dL, and Zn level was 72?±14 μg/dL. The women with higher serum Mg and Zn levels had less depressive symptoms, and this observation is a precious information which can be used when planning depressive disorder prevention programmes.