Prevalence of magnesium and zinc deficiencies in nursing home residents in Germany.

In a multicentric study with 345 seniors over 70 years old we investigated magnesium and zinc levels in serum together with the prevalence of their typical symptoms of deficiency in nursing home residents (NHR) and non-nursing home residents (nNHR). In addition calcium, sodium and potassium levels in serum were determined as well as creatinine and albumin. Considering all seniors 33 per cent exhibited hypomagnesemia and 19 per cent hypozincemia. Zinc levels of female and male NHR were significantly lower than levels of nNHR. Hypomagnesemia was significantly associated with calf cramps and with diabetes mellitus. Hypozincemia was significantly associated with impaired wound healing.