Plasma zinc and copper levels during the acute phase of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) and after recovery.

The fasting plasma levels of zinc and copper during the acute phase of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) and after recovery have been measured in 51 malnourished children and 10 healthy control subjects. Recovery time was four weeks after the initial presentation when oedema had disappeared and both appetite and temperament had improved. There was no statistically significant difference between the zinc and copper values, both initially and at recovery in all the malnourished children; besides all these values were significantly lower than those for the control group. The evidence was that the dietary intake of these two trace elements was inadequate. It is suggested that in order to hasten catch-op growth during recovery from PEM, both zinc and copper should be added to the rehabilitating diets.