Objective: The populations of Kuwait and other Arabian Gulf States are very heterogeneous. Expatriates with different dietary habits constitute approximately 60% of the Kuwaiti population. The aim of this study was to establish a reference range of trace element levels in the serum of the normal population in Kuwait. Method: A total of 379 healthy males (n = 262) and females (n = 117) of various nationalities living in the State of Kuwait were studied. The serum concentrations of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and selenium (Se) were measured and the copper/zinc (Cu/Zn) ratio was calculated. Results: The study established the serum Zn, Cu and Se levels in the studied population. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the serum levels of these elements among the different nationalities tested. A significantly higher serum Cu level and Cu/Zn ratio were seen in females. Conclusion: These findings can form the basis and reference for any future studies on trace elements in different pathologic conditions in the Arabian Gulf region.

Keywords:
Trace elements, Copper, Zinc, Selenium, Kuwaiti population
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© 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel
2000
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