Blood micronutrients in Algeria, relationships with sex and age

Despite trace elements and vitamins are major public health problems in som e African countries, there are few studies reporting micronutrient status i n North Africa. Therefore, it could be interesting to evaluate plasma conce ntrations of vitamin A, E and beta -carotene, along with zinc, copper, sele nium erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in Algeria . Volunteers were randomly recruited in Constantine, Batna and Mile, Vitamins , trace elements and enzymes were measured in the University Hospital of Gr enoble. 455 persons were included in the study. Subjects were divided in 3 groups g roup I: 15 girls and 12, boys who were 6 to 12.9 years old, group II 190 wo men and 192 men 13 to 49.9 years old, group III: 24 women and 24 men 50 to 65 years old. Plasma concentrations of micronutrients and enzymes are Close to those comm only observed in Europe, except for vitamin A concentrations. Indeed, retin ol levels are 30-35% lower than those reported in European countries, moreo ver almost 8% of the population showed retinol concentrations less than 1.0 5 mu mol/l beta -Carotene levels were also lower than in the French average population. Ten per cent of the population had plasma zinc levels lower th an 10.6 mu mol/l. Vitamin E, copper and selenium status seems satisfactory in Algeria. Vitami n A is not a public: health problem, however a significant percentage of re sidents exhibits impaired vitamin A levels and may benefit from retinol sup plementation. Larger studies are needed, and particularly in children, to d etect possible higher prevalence of vitamin A deficiency in poor socio-econ omical classes and in inner geographic areas.