Zinc intake and serum levels in Portuguese women living in Lisbon area

Zinc is an essential micronutrient, especially in relation to its impact on immune function, bone mass, cognitive function and oxidative stress. Inadequate intakes of micronutrients such as zinc negatively affect nutritional status. Data is limited on zinc intake and serum levels in Portuguese women. In this study, the intake and serum levels of zinc in a group (n=17) of middle-aged women living in Lisbon area were assessed. Dietary intakes were collected using the four-day recall-record method. Serum levels of zinc were obtained from blood samples. In relation to the zinc Dietary Reference Intakes, zinc intakes were inadequate and serum zinc results showed deficiency in this group.