ABSTRACT

Zinc plays an essential role in many enzymatic systems, cell division processes, DNA - protein synthesis, in immune system functioning, in metabolism regulation of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins: it also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. There are very few studies which have explored zinc status in general population, so the objective of this study was to examine the zinc status in general adult population in northern Serbia (Province of Vojvodina). 5025 examinees older than 18 years of age have been included in this research (4214 males and 811 females). Anthropometric measurements have been taken from all examinees (body weight and height, body mass index, waist circumference), systolic and diastolic blood pressure; laboratory parameters have been taken by the standard laboratory methods (complete blood count test, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL – cholesterol, glucose, creatinine) while the serum concentration od Zn has been measured by the atomic absorption spectrometry. The results of our study indicate that the presence of low serum zinc concentrations was in 2.28% of males and 3.82% of females. The majority of examinees, both males and females, have had the serum zinc concentrations within the reference range (males: 95.02%, females: 94.7%). High serum zinc concentration has been present in 2.7% of examined males and in 1.48% females. It has been determined, by the analysis of examined parameters, that there is statistically positive correlation between zinc level and the red blood cell count and the hemoglobin level. However, the result of regression analysis showed that low serum zinc concentration had no role in anemia prediction. The results of the study showed that the zinc status in Vojvodina in the majority of males and females is satisfactory, regarding the fact that the low serum zinc concentrations prevalence in male population is 2.28% and in female population 3.82%.