Variability of zinc concentrations in human stimulated parotid saliva.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of sample collection conditions on the zinc concentrations in stimulated parotid (SP) saliva. The variability of zinc levels in SP saliva was determined on the basis of different times within a single day, from day-to-day, from one month to the next month, and between subjects. Ten healthy subjects, half of each sex, consumed 15-22 mg Zn/day in their diet. No significant difference in the mean zinc concentration of SP saliva on a day-to-day or month-to-month basis was demonstrated. Three subjects had significantly different SP saliva zinc levels than the other seven subjects. A significant diurnal variation in the mean SP salivary zinc levels was found. Changes of SP saliva flow rates suggested a training effect.