Assessment Of Micronutrient In Young Adult Population Of Lara State Venezuela

The studies about the determination of the micronutrients copper, zinc and iron that carry out important functions in a variation of biological processes like the intermediary metabolism, cellular proliferation, oxygen transportation and storage, and in the oxide-reduction processes in developing countries with high levels of malnutrition are important. The aim of this research was to determine the serum levels of copper, zinc, iron and hemoglobin in a population of health adults. The sample was made up of 112 subjects (M: 55; F: 57) aged 17-42 yr. The micronutrients were determined by atomic-absorption flame photometry and the hemoglobin using a Coulter ACT-8. The values of copper, zinc, iron and hemoglobin obtained were, respectively, 1.04 +/- 0,20 ug/mL, 0,99 +/- 0,14 ug/mL, 1,05 +/- 0,33 ug/mL, 14,28 +/- 1,36 g/dL. The average concentrations for zinc, iron and hemoglobin were higher for males, while the level of copper was higher for females. It was found statistically significant differences between both male and female for each one of these variables. By aged group, those who were over 30 showed the highest concentration of copper. In relation to zinc and hemoglobin, no significant differences were found among the groups. In order to carry out the monitoring of the serum or plasmatic levels of copper, zinc and iron, it is necessary to carry out studies of greater population scope that allows getting values for these micronutrients in most of the Venezuelan population. Also, include studies about consumption that allow knowing the intake of these micronutrients.