Nutritional and biochemical status of copper, zinc, Zn/Cu ratio, iron and iron stores, in hyperlipidemic and healthy men

ABSTRACT

There are evidences suggesting associations between serum Cu, Zn/Cu, Fe and ferritin and hyperlipidemia. Considering the increasing prevalence of hyperlipidemia, the objective of this study was to determine and compare serum Zn, Zn/Cu, Fe and ferritin status in normo- and hyperlipidemic men. This cross-sectional study investigated 96 adult men divided into three groups [32 persons in each group] according to their lipid profiles [hypercholestrolemic, hypercholestrolemic + hypertriglyceridemic, normolipidemic]. For all subjects, 10cc samples of fasting venous blood samples were obtained. Serum lipids and iron were measured using the enzymatic method. Serum levels of copper and zinc were measured by atomic absorption spec, and ferritin by Elisa. Dietary intakes were estimated using a 24-hr recall and 2 days dietary records. Dietary data were analyzed using the food processor II software. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. Iron intake was considerably higher in the hypercholestrolemic + hypertriglyceridemic group, compared to normolipidemic subjects [28.9 +/- 1.6 mg vs 23.2 +/- 1.8 mg, p < 0.05]. Iron serum levels in the hypercholesterolemic [99.3 +/- 2.9 micro g/dL] and hypercholestrolemic + hypertriglyceridemic [122 +/- 5.8 micro g/dL] groups were significantly higher than healthy males [85 +/- 9.3 micro g/dL] [p < 0.05]. There were no differences between the other variables among study groups. Considering the changes of iron status in the hyperlipidemic group in this study, it is recommended that serum and dietary status of iron shoud be evaluated in these individuals