The author mentions the basic metabolic functions of zinc and copper in the human organism. She emphasizes the relationship of serious diseases, congenital and acquired, associated with deficiency or excess of these mineral trace elements. As to inborn diseases, we encounter most frequently Wilson´s disease in impaired copper metabolism, rarely morbus Danbolt in congenital impairement of zinc absorption. In practice we are faced in particular with secondary causes of impaired zinc or copper levels, e.g. in chronic diarrhoeal conditions, coeliac disease, chronic pancreatitis and others.

        Key words: Trace elements - Zinc - Copper - Wilson´s disease - Chronic diarrhoea - Chronic pancreaitis - Coeliac disease