Variations in the levels of Cu, Se and Zn in blood were analyzed in relation to gender, age, BMI, smoking and hormonal contraception. The blood samples were collected from 3,207 blood donors (2,362 men, 845 women) during years 1996–2003. Blood concentrations of these elements were in the same range as those found for populations of other European countries. Significant differences exist between men and women, in blood concentration, for Cu (840 μg Cu.l-1 vs. 970 μg Cu.l-1, p<0.01) and Zn (6,780 μg Zn.l-1 vs. 6,235 μg Zn.l-1, p<0.01) only. The level of Cu in relation to age is increasing in men, but decreasing in women. The level of Se in relation to age increases regardless of sex. Concentrations of Zn rise with age in women group, only. Positive correlation was found between BMI and level of Cu only for group of men. For Se levels and BMI differences exist only in men namely between groups <20 and >35 (82 μg Se.l-1 vs. 92 μg Se.l-1). Slight positive correlations exist between Zn concentration and BMI in women only. The significant differences were found between smokers and non-smokers for Cu in men (850 μg Cu.l-1 vs. 830 μg Cu.l-1) and Se (81 μg Se.l-1 vs. 84 μg Se.l-1). The smoking has not significant influence on concentration of Zn in the blood. The hormonal contraception significantly increases the concentration of Cu in blood (920 μg Cu.l-1 vs. 1,270 μg Cu.l-1, p< 0.01). The levels of Se and Zn in blood are not influenced using hormonal contraception.

National Institute of Public Health Prague 10

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