Zinc content of red and white blood cells in aboriginal children
Cheek, D.B.; Hay, H.J.; Lattanzio, L.; Ness, D.; Ludwigsen, N.; Spargo, R.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Medicine 14(5): 638-642
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-8291 PMID: 6099114 Document Number: 228130
Studies were carried out on erythrocyte, granulocyte and lymphocyte Zn content of aboriginal children at the La Grange settlement in the north-west area of the Kimberley [Australia]. Forty-eight children, 34 boys and 14 girls between 6 and 13 yr were studied. Only the boys were investigated for white blood cell (WBC) Zn. Caucasian children (25) volunteered to give blood for control studies. Two approaches were made concerning Zn analyses, atomic absorption spectroscopy and proton induced X-ray emission. Lymphocyte, granulocyte and erythrocyte Zn content were significantly reduced in aboriginal boys aged 6-13 yr. Since the turnover of white blood cells is relatively fast, Zn content of these cells may be a ture index of current Zn status confirming previous observations. [Implications with respect ot hypozincemia, hypoferremia, hypercupremia and Zn supplementation were presented.].