Plasma Zinc and Copper in Obesity and after Intestinal Bypass

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Abstract
Plasma concentrations of Zn and Cu were measured in 15 obese patients before intestinal bypass surgery, in 27 patients after intestinal bypass surgery and in 52 lean control subjects. Preoperatively, the obese patients had Zn concentrations that were significantly lower than in the lean control subjects (76 .+-. 3 vs. 89 .+-. 2 .mu.g/dl) (.+-. SEM [standard error of the mean]) and Cu levels that were significantly higher (147 .+-. 10 vs. 119 .+-. 3 .mu.g/dl). After intestinal bypass, plasma Zn and Cu concentrations were significantly lower (Zn, 62 .+-. 2 .mu.g/dl; Cu, 90 .+-. 5 .mu.g/dl; P < 0.001) than in prebypass patients. One patient developed leukopenia associated with a plasma Cu concentration of 36 .mu.g/dl. Leukocyte count and plasma Cu level rose with oral copper sulfate replacement therapy. Intestinal bypass surgery may produce clinically significant decreases in plasma concentrations of Zn and Cu. Careful observation and replacement therapy are indicated in all patients who develop deficiencies after intestinal bypass surgery.

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