The copper deficiency in children and adolescent from Szczecin. The copper concentrations in blood serum and in hair were measured in group of 420 healthy children aged from 5 to 18 from Szczecin. Measurements were done by AAS method. Copper deficiency was noted in our's own studies. The lower levels of this trace element were observed in 13,8% of children population in serum and in 0,7% in hair. However, average of copper levels are in fact lower than in other studies in hair.
Copper is an essential trace element which determines the normal functioning of animal organisms. Copper plays a role in cellular metabolism, e.g. as an activator of numerous enzymes, hormones and vitamins. It is essential for the growth and development process in animals. An appropriate level of copper in the animal diet is important, as both deficiencies and excess levels of copper lead to undesirable effects. The mean copper concentration in the liver of ruminants from the Mazovia region was found to be 20.02 mgkg-1wet weight in the liver and 3.97 in the kidney, while in carnivores it was 20.91 mgkg-1wet weight in the liver and 2.76 mg kg-1 wet weight in the kidney. The lowest mean concentration of copper was noted in the muscles, with values of 1.43 and 0.84 mgkg-1wet weight for ruminants and carnivores, respectively.