Changes of trace minerals (serum iron, zinc, copper and magnesium) in thalassemia.

We have determined serum Zn, Fe, Cu and Mg in 42 patients aging from 3 months to 22 years with homozygous beta-thalassemia and thalassemia intermedia and in 36 control subjects of the same ages. Serum zinc was significantly decreased. Serum copper and iron were increased, but magnesium was found to be at normal levels.