Diets deficient in copper and zinc?

Hospital diets, and, perhaps, diets in general may be low in copper and zinc, with the diets being lower in copper than zinc in comparison to requirements. Several human diseases or pathologic conditions of unknown etiology have similarities to findings in deficient animals. Thus nutritional status and metabolism of copper may be important in anemia, ischemic heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis and seborrheic dermatitis. Zinc may be involved in growth failure, acne, difficulties of labor, congenital abnormalities and wound healing. Whether or not dietary amounts of copper and zinc are involved in the etiology or the pathogenesis of these conditions can be determined by clinical investigation.