US EPA

8175102 

Journal Article 

Clinical aspects of zinc, copper, manganese, chromium and selenium metabolism 

Triplett, WC 

1985 

1 

2 

60-67 

English 

Clinical findings attributed to deficiency of zinc, copper, manganese, chromium and selenium have been reported recently. Risk factors include total parenteral nutrition, malabsorption, extraordinary fluid losses, poor dietary composition, and low soil content. Techniques used in monitoring for clinical deficiency have improved and are not limited to the measurements of tissue concentration of individual elements. The effectiveness of trace element repletion in reversing signs of deficiency and the time course of such improvement is becoming better understood. Authoritative guidelines for routine administration of trace elements to patients on total parenteral nutrition were published in 1980, but much information has been gained since then. Clinicians caring for patients at risk should be aware of the features of trace element deficiency and should monitor for it carefully.