Abstract

Serum zinc was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 160 training athletes (57 females) in the morning at rest. In 23.3 of the male and 43 of the female athletes, serum Zn was lower than the limit accepted for the normal range 75 microgram dl or 11.5 micro moll). The average serum Zn (96.7 +- 12.6 microgramdl and the range of the values found in a control group of 15 young adult males did not differ from the accepted values in the literature. In 22 randomly selected male athletes, serum Zn fractions were determined using polyethyleneglycol precipitation at pH 7.1; 22.2 of total Zn was bound to alpha 2-macroglobbulin, the ratio being very close to 1 atom of metal per molecule of globulin. The possible reasons that may influence the serum Zn level in athletes are discussed with regard to the present knowledge in both exercise physiology and metabolism of zinc in man. Verf.-Referat