Zinc, Copper and Environmental Factors in the Aboriginal Peoples of the North West*

Abstract

Aboriginal people (300) 5-70 yr old were studied at 3 missions in the north west of Australia-Beagle Bay, Lombadina and One Arm Point. The prevalence of hypozincemia and hypercupremia (a departure of > 2 SD from the expected normal) was assessed. Plasma iron concentration was determined. Half of the individuals had hypozincemia and for some age groups the prevalence was greater (almost 100% for 15 to 20-yr-old females at Lombadina). Hypercupremia was prevalent and ranged from 70-100% for most age groups. Hypoferremia was detected frequently. By the use of anthropometric methods the children were found to be growth retarded and to have reduced weight for height. These people are infected with intestinal parasites which cause bleeding into the bowel or malabsorption which can cause losses of Zn or failure of absorption. They prefer unleavened bread which contains phytic acid which inhibits Zn absorption. The soil is Zn deficient and the climate conducive to large losses of Zn in sweat. Geophagia is practiced and pica occurs in children. Preliminary evidence of elevated Cu status is available. Growth failure may be related to Zn deficiency or Cu toxicity.