ABSTRACT
Zine (Zn) and copper (Cu) are important trace elements that play a vital role in biochemical and physiological function in humans. However, vegetarians comprise a population at risk for Zn deficiency because of a marginal Zn intake and the low availability of Zn in vegetarian diets. The objective of the present study was to determine serum Zn, Cu and vitamin B12 levels in 35 vegetarians, and to correlate all these parameters. Results showed that serum Zn, Cu and Zn/Cu ratio in 120 control subjects were in the same order of magnitude as those in results reported previously. By contrast, the serum Zn levels in the 35 vegetarians was found to be significantly lower than that of the control subjects (p<0.01) The serum Cu level and Zn/Cu ratio in these vegetarians were within normal limits. No correlations between serum Zn and Cu, or between serum vitamin B12 level and serum Zn and Cu were demonstrated. The low serum Zn concentration in vegetarians was probably due to low dietary Zn intake and the depressed absorption of Zn from the vegetarians, diet which was high in phytate and/or fiber. Although serum vitamin B12 concentration was also decreased, there was no relationship between this vitamin and serum Zn level. Therefore, there was no connection between serum vitamin B12 and serum Zn or Cu in these vegetarians.