Trace element status (Se, Cu, Zn) and serum lipid profile in Portuguese subjects of San Miguel Island from Azores' archipelago

Data on selenium, copper and zinc in serum of Portuguese inhabitants of the city of Ponta Delgada - Azores Archipelago are reported for the first time . The subjects are of both sexes, aged 20 to 60 years, and non-abusers of alc ohol, tobacco or drugs. Serum concentrations of these elements are in the same range than those fou nd for populations of Lisbon and of some other European countries. Differen ces between sexes are observed, with serum selenium and zinc levels being h igher in males than in females, and the copper levels being higher in femal es as compared to males. These results can be explained by the hormonal sta tus and/or oral contraceptive steroids intake, particularly for copper Concerning lipid profile, the majority of individuals have serum lipid para meters within the normal range. In addition, no difference in trace element levels between normo and hyperlipidemic individuals is observed and no con clusive results about the relationship of all evaluated parameters to alcoh ol, tobacco and drug consumption are observed, in agreement with data obtai ned in the population of Lisbon.