Trace element contents in serum of healthy elderly population of metropolitan São Paulo area in Brazil

In this study, the elements Br, Ca, Cl, Fe, Na, Rb, Se and Zn were determined in serum of a healthy elderly population residing in the São Paulo Metropolitan area, using instrumental neutron activation analysis. Comparison studies indicated that only Se concentration was significantly lower in the elderly group aged 75–91 years than those obtained for the group aged 60–74 years. Between genders, males presented lower Br concentrations and, the females lower Fe. Mean concentrations obtained for most elements were within the values reported in the literature.