Serum Copper, Zinc and Copper/Zinc Ratio and their Relationship to Age and Growth Status in Yemeni Adolescent Girls
Journal Title: Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal - Year 2008, Vol 8, Issue 3
Abstract
As no previous study has evaluated copper and zinc status in adolescent Yemeni girls, the purpose of this study was to measure their serum levels of zinc and copper and to examine the relationship between the serum levels of these two trace minerals with age, and anthropometric parameters. Methods: Te study was conducted in April 2007 in Alwehda district in the municipality of Sana’a, Yemen. One hundred and fourteen adolescent girls were selected using systematic stratified sampling from a representative school which was randomly selected. Anthropometric indices were measured and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Results: Te mean ±SD for copper, zinc, and copper/zinc ratio for the entire cohort were 7.47±3.3 µmol/L, 2.24±.04 µmol/L, and .44±0.3, respectively. Te prevalence of hypocuprimea was 4.4% and hypercuprimea was 2.6%. Te levels of zinc were marginal in 96.5% of the girls and the prevalence of hypozincimea was 3.5%. Te levels of copper were significantly higher (p = 0.007) and the levels of zinc were significantly lower (p = 0.003) in the 0-2 yrs girls than in other age groups. Height showed significant negative correlation with the levels of copper (p = 0.0) and significant positive correlation with the levels of zinc (p = 0.008). Conclusion: Te results revealed that the Yemeni girls had marginal serum zinc levels, and 0-2 yrs girls had significantly lower zinc levels than other age groups. Tis provides a warning of consequent negative health effects since the physiological requirements for zinc are high in adolescence.
Authors and Affiliations
Raba’a M Jumaan| Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana’a University, Yemen
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP13820
- DOI -
- Views 307
- Downloads 14
Hepatoblastomas in Oman Unveiling success
Objectives: Primary malignant liver tumours account for more than 1% of all paediatric malignancies, with the most common form being hepatoblastomas (HB). Such malignancies among Arab populations have rarely been addre...
Four Decades of Progress Evolution of the health system in Oman
Since 1970, Oman has witnessed rapid and signifcant improvements in health made possible largely because of the country’s success in building a state-of-the-art health care infrastructure. Tis paper presents Oman’s...
A Review of Obstetrical Outcomes and Complications in Pregnant Women after Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery (BS) is a novel treatment for weight reduction with longer lasting health benefits. This review aimed to summarise the available evidence regarding the fetomaternal outcomes and the most common challeng...
Epidemiology of Diabetes Mellitus in Oman Results from two decades of research
Objectives: Tis study aimed to describe the epidemiology of diabetes mellitus over the past two decades in Oman, particularly in terms of its prevalence and incidence. In addition, the study sought to estimate the futu...
Intra-Operative Neural Response Telemetry and Acoustic Reflex Assessment using an Advance-In-Stylet Technique and Modiolus-Hugging A prospective cohort study
Objectives: Te development of cochlear implant (CI) electrode arrays has focused on the use of a minimally invasive technique involving a modiolus-hugging placement of the electrode. Te aim of this study was to evaluat...