Serum zinc and its relation to bone mineral density in beta-thalassemic adolescents.

Trace elements have been considered to play critical roles in bone metabolism. This study aims at determining the serum zinc profile and its association with bone mineral density (BMD) abnormalities in thalassemic patients. In 131 transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemic patients, aged 10-20 yr, serum levels of zinc were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (F-AAS).