The Prevalence of Low Serum Zinc and Copper Levels and Dietary Habits Associated with Serum Zinc and Copper in 12- to 36-Month-Old Children from Low-Income Families at Risk for Iron Deficiency

ObjectiveIron and zinc share common food sources, and children at risk of iron deficiency may also develop zinc deficiency. We determined the prevalence of zinc and copper deficiency and examined factors associated with serum zinc and copper in young children from low-income families at risk of iron deficiency.DesignA cross-sectional study design was used to assess serum zinc and copper, along with an interview-assisted survey to assess factors associated with serum zinc and copper in a convenience sample.Subjects/settingParticipants were 435 children aged 12 to 36 months recruited from select clinics of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children in Contra Costa and Tulare Counties, California.Statistical analyses performedFrequencies were used to report prevalence. Multiple linear regressions were conducted to examine factors associated with serum zinc and copper, controlling for age, sex, and ethnicity.ResultsThe prevalence of low serum zinc level (<70 μg/dL [<10.7 μmol/L]) was 42.8%, and low serum copper level (<90 μg/dL [<14.2 μmol/L]) was <1%. Mean±standard deviation of serum copper was 150±22 μg/dL (23.6±3.5 μmol/L) and 140±24 μg/dL (22.1±3.8 μmol/L) for anemic and non-anemic children, respectively (t test, P=0.026). In multiple linear regression consumption of sweetened beverages was negatively associated with serum zinc level, and consumption of >15 g/day meat was positively associated with serum zinc level, whereas current consumption of breast milk and >15 g/day beans were positively associated with serum copper level.ConclusionsThe prevalence of low serum zinc concentration in the sample was high, and warrants further investigation amongst vulnerable populations.