Abstract:
The present study aimed to evaluate copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) status in Saudi population. A total of one hundred subjects (50 males and 50 females) of healthy adults Saudi volunteers of 20 years or more were selected. The serum copper and zinc concentrations (μg dL-1) were determined by using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Food processor plus computer program software were used to analyze the food intakes and to calculate the mean daily intakes of copper and zinc (mg day-1). The effect of sex, age, education, occupation socioeconomic status were also evaluated. The mean dietary intakes and serum levels of copper in women were significantly (p<0.05) higher than that found in men. Whereas, the mean dietary intakes and serum levels of zinc in men were significantly (p<0.05) higher than that found in women. Also, there were positive and statistically significant correlations between these trace elements and their serum levels (r = 0.31, 0.28 for copper and r = 0.29, 0.27 for zinc in men and in women respectively, p<0.05). There were no significant variations in dietary intakes or serum concentrations of copper and zinc due to differences in age, education, occupation and socioeconomic status.
