Objective: Commercially intravenous trace element product is very expensive compared to Ramatrace. Therefore, the present research was designed to compare the levels of zinc, copper, chromium and manganese in the blood of patients receiving Ramathibodi Standard Parenteral Nutrition (STD) containing the Ramatrace or the commercial product.

Material and Method: Two groups of patients receiving STD were recruited. Group 1 (19 males and 11 females) received Ramatrace and Group 2 (19 males and 11 females) received a commercial product. Blood samples on day 0, day 3 and day 10 were measured for zinc, copper, chromium and manganese levels by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (model 3100, Perkin Elmer).

Results: The present results showed that levels of zinc, copper, chromium and manganese were not significantly different between the two groups. On day 0, day 3 and day 10, the levels of zinc, copper and manganese in the blood of both groups were significantly increased (p<0.05). Blood chromium levels of Group 1 were significantly increased from day 0 (0.14±0.02 μg/dL) to day 3 (0.23±0.02 μg/dL) but there was no significant difference between day 3 and day 10. In Group 2, the blood levels of chromium from day 0 to day 10 were significantly increased.

Conclusion: In patients receiving STD, Ramatrace could improve the levels of zinc, copper, chromium and manganese as well as the commercial product. This may be one way to reduce the cost of treatment.

Keywords: Trace elements, Zinc, Copper, Chromium, Manganese, Ramatrace