Zinc and copper in serum and zinc/copper ratio in a group of children from South Valencia, Venezuela

Sera levels of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and the ratio zinc/copper (Zn/Cu) were analyzed in 82 apparently healthy children between 4 and 14 years of age from Valencia City, Venezuela. The Zn (mu g/dL) and Cu (mu g/dL) were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry and the nutritional state was evaluated with Weight/Height, Height/Age and Body Mass Index. Zn, Cu and the Zn/Cu were (Defined by average +/- standard deviation): (84.2 +/- 15.9), (125.4 +/- 24.8) and (0.69 +/- 0.18) respectively. There was no significant diffference by gender. There was inverse and significant correlation between Cu and age. Zn deficiencies were 15.9%, and they were higher in girls (18.6%) than in boys (13.2%). Children >= 11 years of age had 22.2% Zn deficiencies. There were no Cu deficiencies. No significant association was found between Zn, Cu, Zn/Cu and the nutritional state. Zn, Cu and Zn/Cu were different from those found in other investigations and hipozincemia in children affected mostly females and those of older age.