International Journal of Public Health · Published 2026-08-04 · DOI 10.3389/ijph.2026.1609553
Marie Bettex, Audrey Dettwiler, Bastien Trachsel, Constantin Bondolfi, Julia Spaltenstein, Mette M. Berger, Aurélien Thomas, Sébastien Lenglet, Serge Rezzi, Nadia Fucina, Didier Delessert, Patrick Bodenmann, Murielle Bochud
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.
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Bettex, M., Dettwiler, A., Trachsel, B., et al. (2026). Plasma levels of zinc, selenium, and copper among incarcerated men in Switzerland. International Journal of Public Health. https://doi.org/10.3389/ijph.2026.1609553