Hair trace elements in Friedreich's disease.

Concentrations of zinc, copper, manganese, chromium, cobalt and selenium were measured in the hair obtained from subjects with Friedreich's disease, other inherited ataxias and neurological control patients. Although zinc and copper concentrations were significantly higher in Friedreich than in the two control groups, the mean values for all groups were well within the normal range. No major deficiency in zinc or selenium was demonstrated in Friedreich's disease using the approach. This does not, however, indicate that there is no defect in zinc and selenium metabolism, availability or transport in this disorder.