Serum Copper and Zinc Levels in Healthy Greek Children and Their Parents

The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a correlation between copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) levels in children and their parents, considering their nutritional habits. Cu and Zn concentrations were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry in the serum of 66 healthy childre...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biological trace element research 2010-05, Vol.134 (2), p.136-145
Main Authors: Voskaki, Irene, Arvanitidou, Vasiliki, Athanasopoulou, Helen, Tzagkaraki, Angeliki, Tripsianis, Gregory, Giannoulia-Karantana, Aglaia
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Atomic absorption spectrophotometry
Biochemistry
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Biotechnology
Child
Children & youth
Copper
Copper - blood
Feeding Behavior
Female
Greece
Humans
Life Sciences
Male
Meat
Middle Aged
Milk
Nutrition
Nutritional Status
Oncology
Parents
Parents & parenting
Spectral analysis
Spectrophotometry
Spectrophotometry, Atomic
Zinc
Zinc - blood
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Summary:The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a correlation between copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) levels in children and their parents, considering their nutritional habits. Cu and Zn concentrations were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry in the serum of 66 healthy children, aged 3-14 years, and their parents, residing in a region of Greece (Thrace). Cu levels were higher in mothers than those in fathers, but they were lower in both parents than those in children. They also tended to decrease with age in both parents and children, whereas Zn levels significantly increased with age in children. There was a positive correlation between children's and mothers' Zn levels, as well as children's and both parents' Cu levels. Children used to eat meat, fish, vegetables, and legumes as frequently as their parents, but they were consuming more eggs, milk, and fruits than the latest. Regarding parents' diet, higher Zn levels were depended on the consumption of meat and milk, whereas higher Cu levels were depended on the consumption of milk. Consequently, children's Cu and Zn levels are related to their parents' levels, which can be influenced by their nutritional habits.
ISSN:0163-4984
1559-0720
DOI:10.1007/s12011-009-8462-2