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

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Abstract

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Child Health, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, Athens, 11527, Greece

    Irene Voskaki, Helen Athanasopoulou, Angeliki Tzagkaraki & Aglaia Giannoulia-Karantana

  2. Department of Paediatrics, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece

    Vasiliki Arvanitidou

  3. Department of Medical Statistics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece

    Gregory Tripsianis

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  1. Irene Voskaki
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  2. Vasiliki Arvanitidou
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  3. Helen Athanasopoulou
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  4. Angeliki Tzagkaraki
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  5. Gregory Tripsianis
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  6. Aglaia Giannoulia-Karantana
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Correspondence to Irene Voskaki.

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Voskaki, I., Arvanitidou, V., Athanasopoulou, H. et al. Serum Copper and Zinc Levels in Healthy Greek Children and Their Parents. Biol Trace Elem Res 134, 136–145 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-009-8462-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-009-8462-2

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