[Laboratory manifestations of asymptomatic zinc deficiency].

The aim of the present investigation was to study the laboratory manifestations of asymptomatic zinc deficiency caused by the geochemical conditions of the biosphere, such as decreases in the soil levels of zinc ( > 0.1 mg/kg) and its dietary intake to 9.1 +/- 0.9 mg/ day (normal value is 15 mg/day). The investigation revealed a significant reduction in the level of zinc in the serum and mononuclear cells of the inhabitants of a zinc-deficiency area. The changes in the zinc status were associated with the lowered serum levels of total protein and albumin. Furthermore, zinc deficiency was accompanied by the qualitative and functional insufficiency of T cell-mediated immunity and by the diminished phagocytic activity of neutrophils.