Plasma zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and magnesium (Mg) concentrations, copp
er/zinc ratio, and selenium (Se) status were studied in 44 vegetarians
(22 males and 22 females) and their age- and sex-matched nonvegetaria
ns in the Bratislava region (Slovakia). Vegetarians had statistically
significant lower levels of plasma Zn and Cu than nonvegetarians, whic
h may be the result of lower bioavailability of Zn and Cu from this ty
pe of diet. No differences in plasma Mg levels were found between vege
tarians and nonvegetarians. Se status, as expressed by plasma and eryt
hrocyte concentrations and plasma and erythrocyte glutathione peroxida
se activities (GPx), was significantly lower in vegetarians when compa
red to nonvegetarians. In the series as a whole, there were significan
tly higher correlations between plasma and erythrocyte Se concentratio
ns and between plasma and erythrocyte GPx activities. Significant posi
tive correlations were also found between plasma Se concentrations and
erythrocyte GPx activities, and between erythrocyte Se concentrations
and erythrocyte GPx activities. A vegetarian diet does not provide a
sufficient supply of essential antioxidant trace elements, Like Zn, Cu
, and especially Se. Se supplementation should be recommended to this
risk group of the population.