Serum zinc concentrations in adolescents as related to sexual maturation.

Zinc status and sexual maturity rating (SMR) were evaluated in 108 male and 97 female adolescents. Each subject was assigned an SMR number according to Tanner's classification (SMR 1, prepubertal development; SMR 2, first visible signs of pubertal change; SMR 3, onset of growth spurt; SMR 4, period of rapid, but lessening development; SMR 5, adult development). Males at SMR 5 had higher (P less than 0.05) serum Zn levels than those at less mature stages; females at SMR 5 had higher (P less than 0.05) serum Zn levels than those at SMR 1 and 2. Serum Zn concentrations in post-menarcheal females were greater (P less than 0.05) than in premenarcheal females. The results suggest that level of sexual maturation should be evaluated as a factor in the assessment of adolescent serum Zn concentrations.

Folacin and iron status and hematological findings in black and Spanish-American adolescents from urban low-income households.

The folacin and iron status of 193 adolescents from urban low-income households was evaluated. Red blood cell folacin concentrations were less than 140 ng/ml in 42% of the subjects and 140 to 159 ng/ml in 13%. Of the serum folacin values, 45% were less than 6 ng/ml, and 15% were below 3 ng/ml. Serum folacin levels decreased with increasing age (p less than 0.01) and sexual maturity (p less than 0.05). Transferrin saturation was low (less than 16%) in 12% of the females and 2% of the males. Transferrin saturation levels for females declined as age increased in contrast to an increase over age in males (p less than 0.01). Eleven percent of the females and 3% of the males were classified as anemic (less than 12 g/dl). Mean cell Hb concentration was low (less than 32%) in 24% of the females and 7% of the males. Of all subjects, 17% had low mean cell volumes (less than 81 mum 3). These findings demonstrate folacin and iron status is less than adequate in a significant proportion of this adolescent population group.

Zinc status of elderly black Americans from urban low-income households.

The zinc status of 135 elderly blacks, aged 60 to 87 years, from urban low-income households was evaluated based on the zinc content of hair and/or serum. The mean (+/- SD) hair zinc concentration was 142 +/- 77 microgram/g and the mean (+/- SD) serum zinc concentration was 93 +/- 15 microgram/dl. Of the study population 39% had a hair zinc concentration less than or equal to 100 microgram/g and/or a serum zinc concentration less than or equal to 80 microgram/dl. Eleven percent had a hair zinc concentration less than or equal to 70 microgram/g and/or a serum zinc concentration less than or equal to 70 microgram/dl. These findings suggest that the zinc status of this elderly population may be less than ideal.

Vitamin B12 status of elderly persons from urban low-income households.

Vitamin B12 status was evaluated in 111 noninstitutional elderly persons (age range, 60-87 years) living in an urban poverty area. The sample was predominantly black (90 subjects); the rest were Spanish Americans. Serum vitamin B12 levels were all normal (greater than 200 pg/ml) and ranged from 226 to 1200 pg/ml (mean +/- SD = 700 +/- 191 pg/ml). The findings indicate that vitamin B12 deficiency was not a problem in this elderly population.

Folacin and iron status and hematological findings in predominately black elderly persons from urban low-income households.

The folacin and iron status and hemotological parameters of 193 persons 60 years of age and older from urban low-income households were evaluated. Of the serum folacin values 30% were between 3 and 6 ng/ml and 8% were below 3 ng/ml. Of these subjects 60% could be classified as "high risk" (less than 140 ng/ml) and 11% as "medium risk" (140 to 160 ng/ml) based on red blood cell folacin concentrations. Serum iron was normal (greater than 50 micrograms/dl) for all subjects as was transferrin saturation (greater than 15%). Hematological indices showed a 14% incidence of anemia (hemaglobin less than 12 g/dl), and 32% incidence of leukopenia (leukocytes less than 4.8 X 10(3)). These findings demonstrate widespread folacin deficiency and no evidence of iron deficiency in these elderly people.