Abstract
The relationship between serum levels of zinc and copper and sexual maturation were analyzed in 2291 9-18-yr-old Finnish girls and boys. Development of pubic hair, breasts, and genitalia were used to grade maturation according to Tanner's classification. Serum zinc and sexual maturation were not related. However, 15- and 18-yr-old girls who had matured most slowly had low serum levels of zinc compared with their age mates. Thus, sexual maturation seems not to be affected by zinc deficiency in Finland; effects of zinc status on maturation in some minor groups cannot, however, be excluded. Serum copper levels were associated with age and sexual maturation, which complicates the drawing of conclusions about possible deficiencies.
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Laitinen, R. Zinc, copper, and sexual maturation in 9-18-year-old girls and boys. Biol Trace Elem Res 25, 71–78 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02990266
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02990266