Zinc and Protein Status in the Elderly

Abstract
Protein and zinc status were assessed in 24 community based and 66 institutionalised elderly Australians, aged 60 to 99 years. Serum albumin concentrations were significantly related to both protein intake (r = 0.36, P less than 0.001) and zinc intake (r = 0.33, P less than 0.001). Plasma zinc concentrations were not related to zinc intake (r = 0.12, P greater than 0.05) or to protein intake (r = 0.007, P greater than 0.05). Thus in aged persons with low serum albumin, it would appear useful to consider both protein and zinc intake.