Plasma zinc and copper in obesity and after intestinal bypass
Atkinson, R.L.; Dahms, W.T.; Bray, G.A.; Jacob, R.; Sandstead, H.H.
Annals of Internal Medicine 89(4): 491-493
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-4819 PMID: 697228 Document Number: 136218
Plasma zinc and copper were measured in 15 obese patients before intestinal bypass surgery, in 27 after surgery and in 52 lean controls. Before operation, the obese patients had Zn values significantly lower than in the lean control subjects, 76 plus or minus 3 compared with 89 plus or minus 2 mu g/100 ml ( plus or minus s.e. mean) and Cu significantly higher, 147 plus or minus 10 compared with 119 plus or minus 3 mu g/100 ml. After intestinal bypass, plasma Zn and Cu were significantly lower, 62 plus or minus 2 and 90 plus or minus 5 mu g/100 ml, than in patients before bypass. One patient developed leucopenia associated with a plasma Cu concentration of 36 mu g/100 ml. Leucocyte count and plasma Cu rose with copper sulphate replacement treatment by mouth.