Serum Zinc and Immunoglobulin G Levels in Lower and Upper / Upper Middle Socioeconomic Groups

Abstract

Objective: To assess the serum zinc and serum immunoglobulin G levels in different
socioeconomic groups.
Methods: Hundred subjects in total were investigated. Out of these, 50 (25 males and 25
females) belonged to the lower socioeconomic (LSEC) group and 50 (25 males and 25 females)
belonged to the upper / upper middle socioeconomic (USEC) group. Estimation of serum zinc
was made by colorimetric method whereas serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) was determined by
the immunoturbidimetric assay. A comparison of both parameters was made between the two
socioeconomic (SEC) groups.
Results: Results revealed significantly low serum zinc in the LSEC group as compared to the
USEC group. Similarly serum IgG levels were also significantly low in the LSEC group. Serum IgG
levels did not show significant gender difference in the LSEC group however it was significantly
higher in females than in males in the USEC. Generally a significantly positive correlation was
found between serum zinc and serum IgG levels.
Conclusion: The LSEC class has low serum zinc levels and low serum IgG levels and hence is
at greater risk of developing infections