Abdulla M, Suck C
Faculty of Science, Hamdard University, Lund, Sweden.
Biol Trace Elem Res. 1998 Mar;61(3):323-31. doi: 10.1007/BF02789092.
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.
在大多数发展中国家的普通人群中，铜（Cu）、铁（Fe）、硒（Se）和锌（Zn）等微量元素摄入不足的情况非常普遍。在印度和巴基斯坦进行的一项初步研究显示了血浆中锌和铁的水平，结果表明，参与研究的受试者中约50%的人铁和锌水平都较低，提示存在边缘性缺乏。这些元素的低血浆水平在女性中更为明显。83名受试者血浆中锌、铜和铁的平均水平分别为0.71±0.11、0.96±0.10和0.80±0.12mg/L。血浆中铜与锌的比值为1.43±0.16。将每组15名受试者分为三组，分别给予三种不同水平的口服锌补充剂（15mg、30mg和45mg葡萄糖酸锌形式的锌），为期6周，并在不同时间段采集血样进行分析。补充锌4周后，所有组的血浆锌浓度均显著升高（p<0.001），6周后几乎达到正常水平。随着锌水平的升高，血浆铜水平显著下降（p<0.001）。在补充期间，铁的浓度没有变化。大多数受试者对补充剂耐受性良好。这项初步研究的结果表明，在发展中国家普通人群的弱势群体中，补充锌是一种与补充铁相当的切实可行的方法，可预防边缘性锌缺乏。
