Relative reduced plasma zinc concentration in middle-aged but not elderly adults in Taiwan.

Zinc is an essential micronutrient and its deficiency relates to many diseases like diabetes mellitus. Although zinc deficiency has become prevalent in many countries, this subject has not yet been studied in Taiwan. The present study was designed to investigate whether healthy elderly Taiwanese have reduced circulating zinc concentrations. Forty-three men and ninety women whose ages were >60 yr were recruited. Moreover, 31 middle-aged (30-40 yr) adults were also included in this study. The results showed that most of the elderly adults had normal plasma zinc values and suggested that they should not have any zinc deficiency. However, we also found that the middle-aged adults had relative hypozincemia, which might deserve further study.