Calcium, magnesium, and potassium in hair of deer from areas of contrasting soil productivity

Differences in mineral nutrient composition of soils have been considered to affect health and population characteristics of free-ranging animals, particularly herbivores. Contents of Ca, Mg, and K in hair of female fawn white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were measured for eight consecutive years to determine if soil and annual effects occurred in two areas of contrasting soil productivity in Illinois. Soil differences may account for some of the autumnal weight difference (7.2 kg for 4 yrs of observation) observed in fawn does from the areas. Ca, Mg, and K were assayed, because these macronutrients were known to differ in soils of the areas and were presumed to differ in forages. In 6 of the 8 yrs, at least one element was significantly different (P ≤ 0.05) between areas. Significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences for K occurred in 5 yr, for Ca in 4 yr, and for Mg in 2 yr. Ca and Mg were lower in hair in 7 yr from deer collected from the area in which extractable Ca and Mg were higher in soils; that is, hair Ca and Mg levels tended to be inversely related to levels of plant-available Ca and Mg in soil. For 7 of the 8 yr, K content was lower in hair from the area of lower soil K content. Within one area, between-year differences occurred for Ca and K and for Ca and Mg in the other area. Between-year differences in diet selection and annual climatic effects on mineral uptake of forages, among other factors, may account for some of the latter differences. Results for hair analyses suggest that macronutrient differences in Ca, Mg, and K occur in the diets of these populations and may account for some of the weight difference observed between the areas.     

Calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, silicon and zinc content of hair in Parkinson's disease.

The aetiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) is still unknown, but some hypotheses have focused on the imbalances in body levels of metals as co-factors of risk. To assess whether hair could be a reliable marker of possible changes, calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), silicon (Si) and zinc (Zn) were determined in hair from 81 patients affected by PD and 17 age-matched controls. Care was taken to eliminate external contamination of the hair by thorough washing. Digestion of the matrix was achieved by an acid-assisted microwave procedure. Quantification of the elements was performed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Results indicated significantly lower levels of Fe in the hair of patients (p=0.018) compared with controls. Ca and Mg levels were slightly lower while Zn levels were higher in patients, although these differences were not significant; neither were variations in Cu and Si. Ca and Mg were at least 1.5 times higher in females than in males in both controls and patients. In addition, Ca correlated positively with Mg in both groups and in both sexes (p-value always less than 0.03), and negatively with age in patients (p<0.01). Finally, element levels did not correlate with either the duration or the severity of the disease or with anti-Parkinson treatment.     

Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, and Sodium Levels in Biological Samples of Hypertensive and Nonhypertensive Diabetes Mellitus Patients

There is accumulating evidence that the metabolism of several essential elements is altered in diabetes mellitus and that these nutrients might have specific roles in the pathogenesis and progress of this disease. The aim of the present study was to compare the level of essential elements, potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sodium (Na), in biological samples (whole blood, urine, and scalp hair) of patients who have hypertensive diabetes mellitus type 2 (n = 254) and nonhypertensive diabetes mellitus type 2 (n = 228) with those of nondiabetic as control subjects (n = 182; age range of both genders 45-75). The element concentrations were measured by means of an atomic absorption spectrophotometer after microwave-induced acid digestion. The validity and accuracy was checked by conventional wet acid digestion method and using certified reference materials. The overall recoveries of all elements were found in the range of 99.1-99.9% of certified values. The results of this study showed that the mean values of K, Mg, and Ca were significantly reduced, while Na level were higher in blood and scalp hair samples of hypertensive diabetic (HD) patients and nonhypertensive diabetic (NHD) patients as compared to control subjects of both genders (p < 0.05), but level of K in the biological samples of nonhypertensive diabetic patient was found to be higher, but it was not significant (p = 0.05).The urinary levels of these elements were found to be higher in both HD and NHD patients than in the age-matched healthy controls. These results are consistent with those obtained in other studies, confirming that deficiency and efficiency of some essential trace metals may play a role in the development of diabetes mellitus.     

Correlation of Hair Mineral Concentrations with Insulin Resistance in Korean Males

Calcium and magnesium that are associated with insulin resistance play an antagonistic role with each other in cells. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between hair mineral concentrations and insulin resistance in Korean adult males. A total of 123 male subjects (63 patients with metabolic syndrome and 60 normal control patients) were recruited and fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, as well as HDL cholesterol levels, HOMA-IR, and hair mineral concentrations were measured. The ratio of calcium/magnesium in hair showed a significantly positive correlation with the HOMA-IR (r?=?0.191, P?=?0.038) and insulin (r?=?0.198, P?=?0.031). The result of multiple regression analysis after adjusting the age also showed a significant correlation of the Ca/Mg ratio with HOMA-IR (R ²?=?0.115, P?=?0.047). The hair chromium concentration was lower in the metabolic syndrome group than in the control group, and it showed a significantly negative correlation with the fasting blood glucoseand the triglyceride. The result of this study showed that insulin resistance increased as the ratio of Ca/Mg increased, or as the chromium concentration in hair decreased.     

Elemental anomalies in hair as indicators of endocrinologic pathologies and deficiencies in calcium and bone metabolism

Analytical results obtained by ICP-MS of hair samples from a group of women from Rio de Janeiro city show that abnormal Ca and P concentrations in this compartment can be an indication of pathologies affecting the metabolism of these elements. The study was conducted initially on 900 women (outpatients, >40 years). From this group, approx. 24% showed anomalously high or low Ca concentrations in hair, in some cases correlated to anomalies of other elements. In 144 cases (16%), very high concentrations of Ca (up to 8,285 mg/kg) were measured, frequently correlated with a high concentration of P (up to 4,720 mg/kg), exceeding by far the reference intervals for this age/sex group. Follow-up studies of a few individuals from this group gave first indications that their abnormal hair compositions were related to endocrinologic pathologies affecting calcium/bone metabolism. Very low hair Ca-concentrations were observed in older women (72 cases, age >60 years) and related to senile osteoporosis. Complementary investigations of patients with recognized endocrinologic pathologies (hyperthyroidism, hyper- and hypoparathyroidism) and osteomalacia gave statistical support for the hypothesis that hair concentrations of Ca, P and various other trace elements are influenced characteristically by these diseases. In patients with hyperparathyroidism and hyperthyroidism, both elements showed significant increase in hair, whereas patients with rickets/osteomalacia had only elevated Ca concentrations, together with suspiciously high toxic levels of Cd and various other elements (Fe, Mn, Mg, Sr, Ba). Patients with hypoparathyroidism had significantly decreased Ca and P concentrations in hair. Statistical evaluation of these data by multivariant analysis (MANOVA) using a contrast matrix and by discriminant analysis showed that elemental hair anomalies can be used to diagnose correctly the above-mentioned pathologies, demonstrating the usefulness of hair analysis as a complementary tool for the detection of disturbances in calcium/bone metabolism.     

Blood magnesium, and the interaction with calcium, on the risk of high-grade prostate cancer

Background

Ionized calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) compete as essential messengers to regulate cell proliferation and inflammation. We hypothesized that inadequate Mg levels, perhaps relative to Ca levels (e.g. a high Ca/Mg ratio) are associated with greater prostate cancer risk.

Study Design

In this biomarker sub-study of the Nashville Men''s Health Study (NMHS), we included 494 NMHS participants, consisting of 98 high-grade (Gleason≥7) and 100 low-grade cancer cases, 133 prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) cases, and 163 controls without cancer or PIN at biopsy. Linear and logistic regression were used to determine associations between blood Ca, Mg, and the Ca/Mg ratio across controls and case groups while adjusting for potential confounding factors.

Results

Serum Mg levels were significantly lower, while the Ca/Mg ratio was significantly higher, among high-grade cases vs. controls (p = 0.04, p = 0.01, respectively). Elevated Mg was significantly associated with a lower risk of high-grade prostate cancer (OR = 0.26 (0.09, 0.85)). An elevated Ca/Mg ratio was also associated with an increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer (OR = 2.81 (1.24, 6.36) adjusted for serum Ca and Mg). In contrast, blood Ca levels were not significantly associated with prostate cancer or PIN.Mg, Ca, or Ca/Mg levels were not associated with low-grade cancer, PIN, PSA levels, prostate volume, or BPH treatment.

Conclusion

Low blood Mg levels and a high Ca/Mg ratio were significantly associated with high-grade prostate cancer. These findings suggest Mg affects prostate cancer risk perhaps through interacting with Ca.     

Evaluation of Calcium and Magnesium in Scalp Hair Samples of Population Consuming Different Drinking Water: Risk of Kidney Stone

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) in underground water (UGW), bottled mineral water (BMW), and domestic treated water (DTW) with related to risk of kidney stones. The water samples were collected from different areas of Sindh, Pakistan. The scalp hair samples of both genders, age ranged 30–60 years, consuming different types of water, have or have not kidney disorders, were selected. The Ca and Mg concentrations were determined in scalp hair of study subjects and water by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. The Ca and Mg contents in different types of drinking water, UGW, DTW, and BMW, were found in the range of 79.1–466, 23.7–140, and 45–270 mg/L and 4.43–125, 5.23–39.6, and 7.16–51.3 mg/L, respectively. It was observed that Ca concentration in the scalp hair samples of kidney stone patients consuming different types of drinking water was found to be higher (2,895–4721 μg/g) while Mg level (84.3–101 μg/g) was lower as compare to referents subjects (2,490–2,730 μg/g for Ca, 107–128 μg/g for Mg) in both genders. The positive correlation was found between Ca and Mg levels in water with related to kidney stone formations in population, especially who consumed underground water. A relative risk and odd ratio were calculated; the relative risk had a strong positive association with incidence of kidney stone which depends on types of drinking water.     

Bioconcentration of some macrominerals in soil,forage and buffalo hair continuum: A case study on pasture irrigated with sewage water

The present study aimed to evaluate the bioaccumulation of some macrominerals in grazing buffaloes fed forage irrigated with sewage water or canal water. In particular, the transfer of sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) from soil to plant and in turn to animals was evaluated under sub-tropical environmental conditions. Samples of soil, forage and buffalo hair were collected and digested by wet method. Sodium and K concentrations were significantly higher in the soil but lower in the forages; however, Mg and Ca concentrations in both soil and forages were higher. The correlation between soil, forage and hair showed an imbalanced flow of Na, Mg and K and a balanced flow of Ca from soil to forage and then to animals. Based on the findings, the highest rates of transfer of minerals were found for sewage water treatment, whereas lowest rates were found for canal water treatment, except for Na. As the transfer of minerals depends on their bioavailability, the highest values may be due to the high rates of mineral uptake by plants. Thus, the high transfer rate of some elements by plants could become toxic in future causing detrimental effect to grazing livestock.     

Relationships Between Element Contents in Polish Children’s and Adolescents’ Hair

Environment, sex, and age are the main factors which determine the elemental composition of hair. The objective of the study is to determine the contents of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) in girls’ and boys’ hair in five age groups (within 1–19-year range) corresponding to successive human ontogenesis phases as well as to evaluate the relationships between these elements. Quantitative analysis has been carried out using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Experimental results were analyzed using classic and principal component (PCA) statistical analyses. In particular, differences between contents of particularly Ca, Mg, and Zn in girls’ and boys’ hair were found, and substantial differences between age groups were stated. In general, larger amounts of Ca, Mg, and Zn as compared to boys’ hair have been observed for girls’ hair and higher toxic element (Pb, Cd) contents for boys were measured in some age groups. An increasing trend was found for bioelements (Ca, Mg, Zn) both for girls and boys in all age groups, while for Cu and Fe content, changes are insignificant and even decreasing for teenagers. The most frequently correlating element pairs are Ca–Mg, Ca–Zn, Mg–Zn, and Pb–Cd. Classic and PCA statistics show, in general, a satisfactory consistence. The elemental composition of hair varies depending on the gender and age of children and young people.     

Chemometric Evaluation of Elemental Imbalances in the Scalp Hair of Valvular Heart Disease Patients in Comparison with Healthy Donors

The present study deals with the plausible association between the trace elemental imbalances and the emergence of valvular heart disease (VHD). A total of 14 elements including Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Pb, Sr and Zn in the scalp hair of VHD patients and healthy donors were analysed by flame atomic absorption spectrophometry employing wet acid digestion methodology. Median levels of Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn and Sr in the scalp hair of patients were significantly higher compared to those of the healthy donors, while the median concentrations of K and Na were found to be considerably higher in the scalp hair of the healthy donors. In addition, substantially elevated Cu/Zn value in patients indicated the prevalence of inflammatory processes inside the body. The correlation coefficients among the elements in the hair of VHD patients were significantly diverse compared to those of the healthy donors. Multivariate statistical methods showed noticeably dissimilar apportionment of the elements in the two groups. Variations in the elemental levels were also observed with gender, habitat, dietary/smoking habits and occupations of both donor groups. Overall, the study revealed significant imbalances among the essential and toxic elements in the scalp hair of VHD patients compared to those of the healthy subjects.     

Assessment of reference values for hair minerals of Korean preschool children

Hair samples of 655 children (3–6 yr of age) from metropolitan and small cities in Korea were analyzed to determine the content of 23 minor and trace elements with the aim of assessing reference values. Fifteen essential elements (Fe, Zn, Cu, Ca, Mg, Mn, P, Na, K, Cr, Se, Li, V, Co, Mo) and 8 harmful elements (Pb, Al, Hg, As, Cd, Ba, Bi, U) were taken into account. Measurements were performed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The overall mean values were as follows (μ/g): Al, 8.78; As, 0.11; Ba, 0.32; Bi, 0.04; Ca, 212.47; Cd, 0.08; Co, 0.01; Cr, 0.47; Cu, 15.51; Fe, 12.62; Hg, 0.49; K, 34.10; Li, 0.01; Mg, 12.29; Mn, 0.29; Mo, 0.07; Na; 27.14; P, 121.21; Pb, 1.68; Se, 0.75; U. 0.04; V. 0.08; Zn, 69.99. There was no significant difference in hair mineral content between children living in metropolitan and small cities. There were positive correlations between age and the level of Zn, Ca, Na, P, Mn, and Li, but negative correlations between age and the level of Cr, V, and U. The proposed reference values for hair Zn, Mg, Ca, As, and Cd of Korean children were lower than those of other countries, but the values for other elements of hair were not significantly different from those of other countries.     

Concentrations of trace elements in sera of newborns, young infants, and adults

Concentrations of trace elements in newborns, infants, and adults may be significantly different from each other. Serum trace element reference ranges for different age groups are of value for diagnostic purposes. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry was applied to the determination of the 21 trace elements Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cs, Cu, La, Li, Hg, Mg, Mn, Mo, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sn, Sr, TI, and Zn in a total of 117 sera of individuals representing different age groups. After microwave-assisted acid digestion with high-purity reagents, 20 umbilical cord sera, 5 sera of fully breast-fed infants, 6 sera of formula-fed infants, 66 sera of patients suffering internal diseases, and 20 sera of healthy blood donors were analyzed for trace elements. One serum and two whole-blood reference materials were analyzed for quality control. Experimental concentrations were in good agreement with certified values. Umbilical cord serum concentrations of the essential elements Ca, Co, Cu, and Mg and of the nonessential and toxic elements Ba, Be, Li, Pb, and Sb were elevated compared to the elemental concentrations in the sera of infants and adults. Serum levels of Ba, Ca, Co, Mn, Pb, and Sb of infants were much higher and serum Cu was significantly lower than in adults. Serum Cu increased significantly with age (newborns: 353 microg/L; infants: 755 microg/L; healthy adults: 810 microg/L), whereas for other trace elements no age-dependence could be established.     

Age-dependent decreases of sulfur and magnesium in human round ligaments of the uterus and relationships among elements

To elucidate the compositional change of ligaments with aging, the authors investigated both age-related changes of elements and relationships among elements in the round ligaments of the uterus (round ligaments) by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. The bilateral round ligaments were resected from 20 cadavers and also from the uteri removed surgically from 11 patients bearing uterine myoma or cancer. Thirty-one subjects ranged in age from 34 to 92 yr. It was found that both S and Mg decreased gradually in the round ligaments with aging, but Ca, P, Zn, Fe, and Al did not change significantly with aging. Regarding the relationships among elements, very significant direct correlations were found among the contents of Ca, P, S, and Mg in the round ligaments, whereas significant inverse correlations were found between the contents of Zn and elements, such as Ca, P, S, and Mg. It should be noted that there was an extremely significant direct correlation between Ca and P contents in the round ligaments.     

Compositional changes of the aortic valve similar to the artery with aging

To elucidate compositional changes of the cardiac valves with aging, the authors investigated the relationships among element contents in the aortic valves, in which the accumulation of calcium and phosphorus was the highest. The subjects consisted of 10 men and 14 women, ranging in age from 65 to 102 yr. Extremely significant direct correlations were found among the contents of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, and zinc in the aortic valves. In contrast, significant inverse correlations were found between the contents of sulfur and the other elements, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and sodium. It should be noted that these correlations present in the aortic valves were very similar to those in the arteries, especially those in the thoracic aortas. The changes of the mass ratios of Mg/Ca and Mg/P in the aortic valves were similar to those in the thoracic aortas. As calcium and phosphorus increased in the aortic valve, the mass ratios Mg/Ca and Mg/P decreased reversely in the aortic valve. These results suggest that the compositional change of the aortic valve is very similar to that of the thoracic aorta.     

Lead, copper, zinc, and magnesium content in hair of children and young people with some neurological diseases

The lead, copper, zinc, and magnesium levels of scalp hair taken from 153 children aged 1–15 yr and young people (16–18 yr) with selected neurological disorders (hyperexcibility, loss of consciousness, and epileptiform convulsions of an unknown origin, etc.), were measured using the atomic absorption spectrometry method and then compared with a control group of healthy children (n=108). The research indicated significantly reduced mean levels of magnesium in the hair of children suffering from selected neurological diseases (in children aged 11–15 yr of age, above 30%; up to 5 yr of age, nearly 30%; the differences were statistically significant at p<0.05) and slightly decreased mean levels of copper (differences statistically significant at p<0.05, particularly in the 11 to 15-yr category). Differences in zinc levels in hair were inconsiderable (not statistically significant in any age groups). The lead level in the hair of the above-mentioned group of children was exceeded in relation to the control group (a statistically significant difference at p<0.05 for the total group). A more than twofold decrease in the mean value of the Mg/Pb ratio (and a nearly 30% decrease in the value of the Mg/Zn ratio) in the hair of children suffering from neurological diseases suggests that the high toxicity of lead accompanying, among other things, magnesium deficiencies might be a cause of the observed disorders in children.     

Age-related changes of elements with their relationships in human cranial and spinal nerves

To elucidate compositional changes of peripheral nerves with aging, the authors investigated age-related changes of elements and their relationships in the optic, trigeminal, vagus, median, radial, ulnar, femoral, sciatic, tibial, and common peroneal nerves by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. The subjects consisted of 10 men and 12 women, ranging in age from 65 to 91 yr. It was found that although accumulations of Ca and P occurred only in the trigeminal nerve at old age, it hardly occurred in the optic, vagus, median, radial, ulnar, femoral, sciatic, tibial, and common peroneal nerves at old age. The average contents of Ca and P were three and two times higher in the trigeminal nerve than in the other nine kinds of nerve, respectively. Likewise, the average content of Mg was a little higher in the trigeminal nerve compared with the other nerves. With regard to the relationships among elements, significant direct correlations were found among the contents of Ca, P, S, and Mg in most, but not all, 10 kinds of nerve. In the trigeminal nerve, a significant inverse correlation was found between the contents of S and the other elements, such as Ca, P, and Mg. Regarding the relationships between the contents of S and other elements, the nerves, except for the trigeminal nerve, differed from those found in the arteries previously reported.     

Expression of cellular protective proteins SIRT1, HSP70 and SOD2 correlates with age and is significantly higher in NK cells of the oldest seniors

Magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) are the principal essential elements involved in endothelial cell homeostasis. Extracellular changes in the levels of either alter endothelial contraction and dilatation. Consequently Mg and Ca imbalance is associated with a high risk of endothelial dysfunction, the main process observed during acute aortic dissection (AAD); in this clinical condition, which mainly affects elderly men, smooth muscle cell alterations lead to intimal tears, creating a false new lumen in the media of the aorta. AAD patients have a high risk of mortality as a result of late diagnosis because often it is not distinguished from other cardiovascular diseases. We investigated Mg and Ca total circulating levels and the associated pro-inflammatory mediators in elderly AAD patients, to gain further information on the pathophysiology of this disorder, with a view to suggesting newer and earlier potential biomarkers of AAD. Total circulating Mg and Ca levels were both lower in AAD patients than controls (p < 0.0001). Using Ca as cut-off, 90% of AAD patients with low Ca (<8.4 mg/dL) came into the type A classification of AAD. Stratifying AAD according to this cut-off, Mg was lower in patients with lower total Ca. Compared to controls, both type A and B AAD patients had higher levels of all the pro-coagulant and pro-inflammatory mediators analyzed, including sP-sel, D-dimer, TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP (p < 0.05). Dividing types A and B using the Stanford classification, no significant differences were found (p > 0.05) The levels of both ICAM-1 and EN-1 were lower in AAD than in a control group (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05 respectively). These findings suggest that low Mg and Ca in AAD elderly patients may contribute to altering normal endothelial physiology and also concur in changing the normal concentrations of different mediators involved in vasodilatation and constriction, associated with AAD onset and severity.     

Relationships among element contents in the internal jugular vein similar to the arteries

To elucidate compositional changes of the veins with aging, the authors investigated the relationships among element contents in the internal jugular veins, in which a higher accumulation of calcium and phosphorus occurred with aging. The subjects consisted of 15 men and 10 women, ranging in age from 40 to 98 yr. The element contents of the internal jugular veins were determined by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. It was found that there were extremely significant direct correlations among the contents of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and sodium in the internal jugular vein. In addition, very significant direct correlations were also found both between zinc and either iron or silicon contents and between sulfur and iron contents in the vein. As calcium and phosphorus increased in the internal jugular vein, the mass ratios of Mg/Ca and Mg/P decreased gradually in the vein, whereas the mass ratio of Ca/P hardly decreased. These results indicated that with regard to both the relationships among the contents of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium and the changes of the mass ratios of Mg/Ca and Mg/P, the internal jugular vein was very similar to the arteries.     

Cross-Sectional Relationship Between Chronic Stress and Mineral Concentrations in Hair of Elementary School Girls

Chronic stress exposure is associated with diverse negative health outcomes. It has been hypothesised that stress may also negatively affect the body's mineral status. This study investigates the association between chronic stress and long-term mineral concentrations of calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) in scalp hair among elementary school girls. Complete information on child-reported stress estimates (Coddington Life Events Scale (CLES)), hair cortisone and hair mineral concentrations, and predefined confounders in the stress–mineral relationship (i.e. age, body mass index, physical activity, diet, hair colour and parental education) was provided cross-sectionally for 140 girls (5–10 years old). The relationship between childhood stress measures (predictor) and hair minerals (outcome) was studied using linear regression analysis, adjusted for the abovementioned confounders. Hair cortisone concentrations were inversely associated with hair mineral concentrations of Ca, Mg, Zn and the Ca/P ratio. Children at risk by life events (CLES) presented an elevated Ca/Mg ratio. These findings were persistent after adjustment for confounders. This study demonstrated an independent association between chronic stress measures and hair mineral levels in young girls, indicating the importance of physiological stress–mineral pathways independently from individual or behavioural factors. Findings need to be confirmed in a more heterogeneous population and on longitudinal basis. The precise mechanisms by which stress alters hair mineral levels should be further elucidated.     

Hair Minerals and Metabolic Health in Belgian Elementary School Girls

Literature has repeatedly shown a relationship between hair minerals and metabolic health, although studies in children are currently lacking. This study aims to investigate hair levels of calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), phosphorus (P), and zinc (Zn) and their association with (1) overweight/obesity and (2) metabolic health in Flemish elementary school girls between 5 and 10 years old. Two hundred eighteen girls participated in this study as part of the baseline ChiBS project. Children were subjected to physical examinations, blood and hair sampling. Hair minerals were quantitatively determined via inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry after microwave-assisted acid digestion. Body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BF%) were studied as anthropometric parameters, and a metabolic score (including systolic and diastolic blood pressure, insulin resistance and non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol as parameters) was calculated, with higher scores indicating a more unhealthy metabolic profile. Hair Ca, Ca/Mg, and Ca/P positively correlated with the anthropometric parameters. An inverse correlation was observed between Ca, Mg, and Ca/P in hair and the metabolic score. Inverse correlations were also observed for individual metabolic parameters (i.e., diastolic blood pressure, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, non-HDL cholesterol). In particular, girls with a total number of three or more metabolic parameters above the age-specific 75th percentile showed significantly reduced hair Ca, Mg, and Ca/P concentrations. This study showed reduced hair mineral concentrations in young girls with a more unhealthy metabolic profile. Positive associations were observed between some minerals and BMI and BF%.