ZINC AND COPPER INTAKE AND SOURCES IN HEALTHY-ADULTS LIVING IN BANGKOK AND SURROUNDING DISTRICTS

The levels of intake and food sources of zinc and copper in 231 20-80 yr old healthy adults living in Bangkok and surrounding districts were determined. Dietary data from 3-d food records collected and validate d at Research Center, Ramathibodi Hospital were analyzed. Levels of zi nc and copper intake were compared between sexes and age groups (20-39 , 40-59, and 60-80 yr). Mean daily zinc and copper intakes (+/-SEM) in men were 6.3 +/- 0.2 and 1.9 +/- 0.1 mg, respectively. Mean daily zin c and copper intakes (+/-SEM) estimated in women (5.5 +/- 0.2 and 1.6 +/- 0.1 mg) were significantly lower. Higher zinc and copper intakes w ere found in the younger (20-39 yr) age group of both sexes. This coul d be explained by higher density and percentage from animal source of both nutrients. Consumption of various types of meat, fish, egg, and m ilk accounted for 42 and 22%, and rice, the staple food of Thai people for 9 and 23% of total dietary zinc and copper, respectively.