EFFECT OF SUBCLINIC INFLAMMATION ON IRON, COPPER AND ZINC NUTRITION STATUS IN ADULTS

Chile is undergoing an epidemiological transition, where micronutrient deficiencies coexist with chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of mild infections on the prevalence of iron, copper and zinc deficiencies in apparently healthy adults. A venous blood sample was obtained from 377 apparently healthy adults, 20-55 years of age, from the south area of Pefialolin (Santiago, Chile), to measure white blood cell count, MCV and hemoglobin, free erythrocyte protoporphyrin, serum ferritin, serum copper and zinc, transaminases, and C reactive protein concentrations. The prevalence of anemia was 3.9% in women and 0.6% in men. All cases of anemia were due to iron deficiency and 20% of women presented depleted iron stores. Furthermore, 8.6 % of men and 5.9 % of women had low serum copper levels and 25.1% of women and 24.7 % of men had low serum zinc concentrations. The presence of a subclinical inflammation neither modified the prevalence of anemia or the status of iron, zinc and copper in this population.