Zinc and copper status of the elderly

In a study of the zinc and copper levels in the hair and plasma of the elderly, 146 Caucasian subjects 65-95 years of age were divided into two groups, with or without multivitamin supplementation. In the males and females of the two groups mean plasma zinc values were 72.3 to 84.6 micrograms/100 ml and mean hair zinc values were 203.1 to 246.6 micrograms/g. Plasma copper levels were estimated for 53 subjects not receiving multivitamins and the mean values in males and females were 110 and 114 micrograms/100 ml, respectively. Mean hair copper concentrations were less than 20 micrograms/g in both groups and showed a wide range. Females receiving multivitamins had higher mean hair zinc concentration. Male subjects receiving multivitamins had lower mean age and higher copper levels. Plasma zinc and albumin revealed a significant relationship. No association of hemoglobin in the anemic range and lower copper values in plasma or hair was found