The Authors determined zinc (Zn) and magnesium (Mg) in the plasma, urine, erythrocytes (RBCs), mono- and polymorphonuclear cells (MNCs and PMNs) of patients with overt alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis. In order to obtain a clearer clinical picture, biochemical and nutritional parameters (retinol, tocopherol, six different carotenoids, creatinine-height index and tricipital skinfold), as well as markers of portal hypertension (spleno-portal size and platelet count) were also evaluated. The plasma levels of Zn and Mg were found to be reduced, as were the urine levels of Mg. Urine Zn, on the other hand, was higher than normal. Plasma Zn correlated inversely, and urine Zn directly, with the severity of the disease, rather than with alcohol consumption or treatment with diuretics. Protein metabolism impairment would appear to affect the plasma transport of Zn rather than its overall availability in the organism; the opposite was found in the case of Mg, the availability of which appeared to be reduced. Determination of the two elements in RBCs, MNCs and PMNs suggested that a true nutritional deficit cannot be demonstrated. MNCs, rather than RBCs or PMNs seem better to reflect tissue status of trace elements.