AUTHOR=Bettex Marie , Dettwiler Audrey , Trachsel Bastien , Bondolfi Constantin , Spaltenstein Julia , Berger Mette M. , Thomas Aurélien , Lenglet Sébastien , Rezzi Serge , Fucina Nadia , Delessert Didier , Bodenmann Patrick , Bochud Murielle 
  
TITLE=Plasma levels of zinc, selenium, and copper among incarcerated men in Switzerland
  
JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health
  
VOLUME=Volume 71 - 2026
  
YEAR=2026
  
URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1609553
  
DOI=10.3389/ijph.2026.1609553
  
ISSN=1661-8564
  
ABSTRACT=ObjectivesIncarcerated people carry many health problems. While prisons provide structured healthcare and meals, micronutrient status remains unclear. We assessed plasma zinc, selenium, and copper status in incarcerated men in Vaud (French-speaking canton in Switzerland) and explored prevention-relevant patterns.MethodsCross-sectional study (May-September 2023) of incarcerated men in three prisons. Participants (n = 206) completed a health-related questionnaire and provided venous blood. Plasma trace elements were measured by inductively coupled-plasma-mass spectrometry. Associations with individual characteristics were examined and differences between-prisons were assessed. Micronutrient concentrations were compared with community-men, adjusting for age and body mass index.ResultsPrevalence of men with micronutrient plasma level below the normal range did not differ between incarcerated and community men. Adjusted means showed modestly lower selenium and higher zinc and copper in men experiencing incarceration. Within prisons, lower selenium was associated with older age, lower pre-incarceration income, and smoking. Zinc was lower with age and in one facility.ConclusionOverall micronutrient status was reassuring, yet the heterogeneity, possibly reflecting individual vulnerabilities and institutional conditions, supports continued, facility-aware monitoring to identify at-risk groups and protect health.