Association of serum copper and zinc with serum electrolytes and with selected risk factors for cardiovascular disease in men aged 55-75 years. NFR Study Group.

Serum Cu (S-Cu) and Zn (S-Zn) levels were determined in 1468 out of 1856 male subjects aged 55-75 years living in the Rome area who participated, between 1989 and 1990, in the second examination in an epidemiological (New Risk Factors) survey. Mean S-Cu and S-Zn concentrations were 15.98 mumol/l (mean +/- 2SD: 10.38-21.58 +/- mumol/l) and 13.69 mumol/l (mean +/- 2SD: 8.94-18.44 mumol/l), respectively. S-Cu levels were directly related to serum calcium levels (S-Ca), serum magnesium levels (S-Mg), daily cigarette consumption, total cholesterol and age (years). S-Zn levels were directly related to S-Ca, S-Mg and cholesterol and inversely related to age. A weak inverse linear relationship existed between S-Zn and S-Cu. After adjustment for body mass index (BMI), smoking habit, alcohol consumption and blood biochemistry in a multiple linear regression model, the relationship of S-Cu (direct) and S-Zn (inverse) to age remained statistically significant.