Phosphorus in seagull colonies and the effect on the habitats. The case of yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) in the Atlantic Islands National Park (Galicia-NW Spain).

During the period 1980-2000, the yellow-legged gull population underwent exponential growth due to an increase in the availability of anthropogenic food resources. The aim of this study was to highlight the effect of the gull colonies on the P soil cycle and the associated effects on coastal ecosystems. Samples of soil, water and faecal material were collected in a colony of yellow-legged gulls (Cíes Islands) and in a control area. Four sampling plots were installed in the study areas, and samples were collected in summer and winter in 1997 and 2011. Sample analysis included soil characterization and determination of the total P content (TP), bioavailable-P and fractionated-P forms in the soils and faecal material. The (31)P NMR technique was also used to determine organic P forms. Clear differences between the gull colony soils and the control soil were observed. The TP was 3 times higher in the gull colony soil, and the bioavailable P was 30 times higher than in the control soil. The P forms present at highest concentrations in the faecal material (P-apatite, P-residual and P-humic acid) were also present at high concentrations in the colony soil. The absence of any seasonal or annual differences in P concentration indicates that the P has remained stable in the soil over time, regardless of the changes in the gull population density. The degree of P saturation indicated that soils are saturated with P due to the low concentration of Fe/Al-hydroxides, which is consistent with a high P concentration in the run-off from the colonies. The P output from the colony soils to coastal waters may cause eutrophication of a nearby lagoon and the disappearance of a Zostera marina seagrass meadow. Similarly, the enrichment of P concentration in dune system of Muxieiro may induce irreversible changes in the plant communities.

Screening and identification of neuroprotective compounds relevant to Alzheimer׳s disease from medicinal plants of S. Tomé e Príncipe.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Alzheimer׳s disease (AD) neuropathology is strongly associated with the activation of inflammatory pathways, and long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs reduces the risk of developing the disease. In S. Tomé e Príncipe (STP), several medicinal plants are used both for their positive effects in the nervous system (treatment of mental disorders, analgesics) and their anti-inflammatory properties. The goal of this study was to determine whether a phenotypic, cell-based screening approach can be applied to selected plants from STP (Voacanga africana, Tarenna nitiduloides, Sacosperma paniculatum, Psychotria principensis, Psychotria subobliqua) in order to identify natural compounds with multiple biological activities of interest for AD therapeutics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plant hydroethanolic extracts were prepared and tested in a panel of phenotypic screening assays that reflect multiple neurotoxicity pathways relevant to AD-oxytosis in hippocampal nerve cells, in vitro ischemia, intracellular amyloid toxicity, inhibition of microglial inflammation and nerve cell differentiation. HPLC fractions from the extract that performed the best in all of the assays were tested in the oxytosis assay, our primary screen, and the most protective fraction was analyzed by mass spectrometry. The predominant compound was purified, its identity confirmed by ESI mass spectrometry and NMR, and then tested in all of the screening assays to determine its efficacy. RESULTS: An extract from the bark of Voacanga africana was more protective than any other plant extract in all of the assays (EC50s≤2.4 µg/mL). The HPLC fraction from the extract that was most protective against oxytosis contained the alkaloid voacamine (MW=704.90) as the predominant compound. Purified voacamine was very protective at low doses in all of the assays (EC50s≤3.4 µM). CONCLUSION: These findings validate the use of our phenotypic screening, cell-based assays to identify potential compounds to treat AD from plant extracts with ethnopharmacological relevance. Our study identifies the alkaloid voacamine as a major compound in Voacanga africana with potent neuroprotective activities in these assays.

A review of antimalarial plants used in traditional medicine in communities in Portuguese-speaking countries: Brazil, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe and Angola.

The isolation of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants, based on traditional use or ethnomedical data, is a highly promising potential approach for identifying new and effective antimalarial drug candidates. The purpose of this review was to create a compilation of the phytochemical studies on medicinal plants used to treat malaria in traditional medicine from the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPSC): Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique and São Tomé and Príncipe. In addition, this review aimed to show that there are several medicinal plants popularly used in these countries for which few scientific studies are available. The primary approach compared the antimalarial activity of native species used in each country with its extracts, fractions and isolated substances. In this context, data shown here could be a tool to help researchers from these regions establish a scientific and technical network on the subject for the CPSC where malaria is a public health problem.

A review of antimalarial plants used in traditional medicine in communities in Portuguese-Speaking countries: Brazil, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe and Angola

The isolation of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants, based on traditional use or ethnomedical data, is a highly promising potential approach for identifying new and effective antimalarial drug candidates. The purpose of this review was to create a compilation of the phytochemical studies on medicinal plants used to treat malaria in traditional medicine from the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPSC): Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique and São Tomé and Príncipe. In addition, this review aimed to show that there are several medicinal plants popularly used in these countries for which few scientific studies are available. The primary approach compared the antimalarial activity of native species used in each country with its extracts, fractions and isolated substances. In this context, data shown here could be a tool to help researchers from these regions establish a scientific and technical network on the subject for the CPSC where malaria is a public health problem.

Concept of biogenic ferromanganese crust formation: coccoliths as bio-seeds in crusts from Central Atlantic Ocean (Senghor Seamount/Cape Verde).

At depths of 2,000 to 3,000 m, seamounts from the Cape Verde archipelago (Central Atlantic Ocean) are largely covered with ferromanganese crusts. Here we studied 60 to 150 mm thick crusts from the Senghor Seamount (depth: 2257.4 m). The crusts have a non lamellated texture and are covered with spherical nodules. The chemical composition shows a dominance of MnO2 (26.1%) and Fe2O3 (38.8%) with considerable amounts of Co (0.74%) and TiO2 (2.1%). Analysis by scanning electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) revealed a well defined compositional zonation of micro-layers; the distribution pattern of Mn does not match that of Fe. Analysis by high resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that coccospheres/coccoliths exist in the crust material as microfossils; most of the coccospheres/coccoliths are not intact. The almost circular coccoliths belong to the type of heterococcoliths and are taxonomically related to species of the family Calcidiscaceae. By energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic analysis an accumulation of the coccoliths in the Mn- and Fe rich micronodules was detected. Focused ion beam assisted SEM mapping highlighted that the coccoliths in the crust are Mn rich, suggesting that the calcareous material of the algal skeleton has been replaced by Mn-minerals. We conclude that a biologically induced mechanism has been involved in the formation of the crusts, collected from the Cape Verde archipelago from depths of 2,000 to 3,000 m in the mixing region between the oxygen-minimum surface zone and the oxygen-rich deep waters; the deposition process might have been triggered by chemical reactions during the dissolution of the Ca-carbonate skeletons of the coccoliths allowing Mn(II) to oxidize to Mn(IV) and in turn to deposit this element in the crust material.

Influence of the cultivar on the organic acid and sugar composition of potatoes.

BACKGROUND: Citric, malic, tartaric, oxalic, ascorbic, aconitic and fumaric acids, and sucrose, fructose and glucose, were determined in ten potato cultivars (Azucena negra, Bonita, Bonita negra, Borralla, Colorada de baga, Mora, Negra, Palmera lagarteada, Peluca blanca and Terrenta) from the Canary Islands in order to differentiate them. The influence of the production zone was also considered. RESULTS: Citric acid and sucrose were the most abundant organic acid and sugar, respectively. There were significant differences in all the analysed sugars and organic acids between the potato cultivars, except for oxalic and malic acids. Differences associated with the production zone were found in the contents of organic acids for some cultivars. Linear discriminant analysis is a useful tool to differentiate the potato samples according to the cultivar and the zone of production. CONCLUSIONS: Seven organic acids (citric, oxalic, malic, tartaric, aconitic, fumaric, and ascorbic acids) were identified and quantified in potatoes. The main sugars (sucrose, glucose and fructose) were also determined. The genetic information of the cultivars determines marked differences in sugars and organic acid contents among the analysed potato cultivars. The soil and climatic conditions affect the organic acid and sugar contents of some potato cultivars.

STD/AIDS prevention in Portuguese-speaking Africa: a review of the recent literature in the social sciences and health.

The article reviews academic literature in the social sciences and health on the problems and challenges of STD/AIDS prevention in Portuguese-speaking African countries. Based on a bibliographic survey of the SciELO, PubMed, and Sociological Abstracts databases between 1997 and 2007, the research under review was organized into two groups, according to content. The first group of studies sought to understand STD/AIDS vulnerability among social groups by examining local cultural and socioeconomic factors as related to gender dynamics, sexuality, color/race, religion and health care. The second group encompassed critical assessments of shortcomings in the STD/AIDS educational messages delivered by governments and international agencies. Attention is called to the way in which the presence of traditional medicine systems and the occurrence of civil wars in the post-colonial period impact the STD/AIDS epidemic in the African countries under study.

STD/AIDS prevention in Portuguese-speaking Africa: a review of the recent literature in the social sciences and health / Prevenção das DST/AIDS nos países africanos de língua oficial portuguesa: revisão da literatura recente em ciências sociais e da saúde

The article reviews academic literature in the social sciences and health on the problems and challenges of STD/AIDS prevention in Portuguese-speaking African countries. Based on a bibliographic survey of the SciELO, PubMed, and Sociological Abstracts databases between 1997 and 2007, the research under review was organized into two groups, according to content. The first group of studies sought to understand STD/AIDS vulnerability among social groups by examining local cultural and socioeconomic factors as related to gender dynamics, sexuality, color/race, religion and health care. The second group encompassed critical assessments of shortcomings in the STD/AIDS educational messages delivered by governments and international agencies. Attention is called to the way in which the presence of traditional medicine systems and the occurrence of civil wars in the post-colonial period impact the STD/AIDS epidemic in the African countries under study.

O artigo analisa a produção acadêmica, no campo das ciências sociais e da saúde, sobre os problemas e desafios das ações de prevenção das DST/AIDS nos países africanos de língua oficial portuguesa. A partir do levantamento bibliográfico nas bases SciELO, PubMed e Sociological Abstracts, entre 1997 a 2007, o conteúdo dos trabalhos selecionados foi organizado em dois eixos. O primeiro centra-se na descrição dos estudos sobre a relevância dos fatores culturais e sócio-econômicos locais, relacionados às dinâmicas de gênero, à sexualidade, cor/raça, religião e cuidados em saúde, para o entendimento da vulnerabilidade às DST/AIDS dos diversos grupos sociais. O segundo eixo aborda as avaliações críticas acerca dos equívocos das mensagens educativas sobre DST/AIDS, promovidas pelos governos e agências internacionais, bem como as implicações da presença dos sistemas de medicinas tradicionais e da ocorrência de guerras civis no período pós-colonial para a dinâmica das DST/AIDS nos contextos nacionais africanos pesquisados.

Diuretic activity of Artemisia thuscula, an endemic Canary species.

A pharmacological evaluation for diuretic activity of infusions at 5, 10 and 15% of Artemisia thuscula Cav. was carried out. Urinary excretion of water, pH, density, conductivity and Na(+), K(+) and Cl(-) content were investigated in saline-loaded rats. The infusions showed a dose-dependent decrease diuretic effect, but augmented significantly with respect to the control group for the urinary excretion of water and sodium. Furthermore, a potassium-sparing effect at 5 and 10% was showed. The diuretic effect does not seem to be related to the potassium content of the starting material. The results justify the use of Artemisia thuscula as diuretic agent by the canary traditional medicine.

Radon exposure in uranium mining industry vs. exposure in tourist caves.

There is a fairly general consensus among health physicists and radiation professionals that exposure to radon progeny is the largest and most variable contribution to the population's exposure to natural sources of radiation. However, this exposure is the subject of continuing debate concerning the validity of risk assessment and recommendations on how to act in radon-prone areas. The purpose of this contribution is to situate the radon issue in Spain in two very different settings. The first is a uranium mining industry located in Saelices el Chico (Salamanca), which is under strict control of the Spanish Nuclear Safety Council (CSN). We have measured radon concentrations in different workplaces in this mine over a five-year period. The second setting comprises four tourist caves, three of which are located in the province of Cantabria and the fourth on the Canary Island of Lanzarote. These caves are not subject to any administrative control of radiation exposure. Measured air 222Rn concentrations were used to estimate annual effective doses due to radon inhalation in the two settings, and dose values were found to be from 2 to 10 times lower in the uranium mine than in the tourist caves. These results were analysed in the context of the new European Basic Safety Standards Directive (EU-BSS, 1996).

Histological alterations in the liver of sea bream, Sparus aurata L., caused by short- or long-term feeding with vegetable oils. Recovery of normal morphology after feeding fish oil as the sole lipid source.

This study evaluated the effects of fish oil (FO) replacement by vegetable oils [soybean oil (SO), rapeseed oil (RO), linseed oil (LO)] and subsequent feeding with FO on the liver morphology of sea bream. A short-term trial (3 months) and long-term trial (6 months) were carried out feeding sea bream with the following experimental diets: FO100%; SO60% + FO40%; RO60% +FO40%; LO60% + FO40%; SO + RO +LO60% + FO40%. Finally, all groups from the long-term trial were fed with FO100% for 95 days (washout period). Liver samples were taken for histological and biochemical studies. In both the short- and long-term trials, livers of sea bream fed LO60% and SO + RO + LO60% showed a similar hepatic morphology to that observed in fish fed FO100%. In contrast, sea bream fed SO60% showed an intense steatosis, with foci of swollen hepatocytes containing numerous lipid vacuoles. After the washout period, a considerable reduction of the cytoplasmic vacuolation and the lipid vacuole accumulation were observed in the livers of fish fed the different experimental diets. The results of this study suggested that the type of non-essential fatty acid, characteristic of vegetable oils, induces the appearance of steatosis in the following order: linoleic acid > linolenic acid > oleic acid. However, the liver alterations found during the experimental periods with vegetable oils are reversible when the fish are re-fed with a balanced diet (FO100%), indicating the non-pathological character of these histological changes.

Folate status of adults living in the Canary Islands (Spain).

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Human studies support the hypothesized contribution of folate deficiency to carcinogenesis and vascular risk. We assess the nutritional folate status and its relationship to folate intake, smoking, alcohol consumption, oral contraceptive use, and multivitamin supplements. METHODOLOGY: A representative sample of 601 individuals from 18 to 75 years of age was selected from the participants in the Canary Islands Nutrition Survey. A food frequency questionnaire was administered. Serum and erythrocyte levels of folate were determined using a method of automated ionic capturing. RESULTS: Mean serum and red cell folate were 8.2 ng/mL and 214.3 ng/mL, respectively. Only one individual had serum folate below 3 ng/mL, and 21.7% showed moderate deficits (3-6 ng/mL); 10.7% of the sample had erythrocyte folate levels falling below 140 ng/mL, 61.3% between 140 and 240 ng/mL and the remaining 27.9% above 240 ng/mL. A positive significant association was observed between these two folate measurements, as well as between folate intake and each of these biomarkers (p < 0.001). Tobacco consumption was negatively correlated with folate status (p < 0.001). Alcohol consumption, oral contraceptive, and vitamin supplement use were not associated with serum and red cell folate levels. CONCLUSIONS: Even though nutritional folate status can be considered minimally acceptable, it may reflect the low level of fruit and vegetable consumption within the Canary Islands population.

Content of free phenolic compounds in cultivars of potatoes harvested in Tenerife (Canary Islands).

Determination of free phenolic compounds in potato samples was optimized using a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method with on-line diode array detection. This method was applied to samples of four cultivars of potatoes harvested in Tenerife (Canary Islands). The free phenolic compounds found in the potato samples were (+)-catechin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and ferulic acid. Potato samples belonging to Colorada cultivar, ssp. andigena, had mean concentrations of total phenolic compounds and chlorogenic acid higher than those found for Kerr's Pink and Cara cultivars, ssp. tuberosum, and for Negra cultivar, S. x chaucha. In contrast, p-coumaric acid was not detected in any potato samples of the Colorada cultivar. Traditional potatoes presented a higher mean concentration of ferulic acid than recently imported potatoes. A significant and negative correlation was established between (+)-catechin and p-coumaric acid. A considerable contribution to the daily intake of flavonoids was observed with the actual consumption of potatoes.

A weevil pollinating the Canary Islands date palm: between parasitism and mutualism.

Palm pollination systems are highly diverse, including by wind and by several different groups of insects. Many palm species are associated with more or less specific pollinating weevils that are also floral herbivores. For many such palms, the importance of these "palm flower weevils" as pollinators has not been examined. Here we describe a new ex situ method of demonstrating insect pollination when pollinator exclusion is not possible. We show that Neoderelomus piriformis beetles carry pollen and deposit it on the stigma of Phoenix canariensis. Up until now, pollination systems in Phoenix have been unclear, despite the economic importance of the date palm P. dactylifera. We demonstrate here that small weevils that visit inflorescences and often inconspicuously hide there could be efficient pollinators.

Fluoride supplements and changes in tooth decay on the Island of Tristan da Cunha: 1966-1996.

BACKGROUND: The island of Tristan Da Cunha is one of the few examples in the world of a remote enclosed community. The inhabitants of the island were transported to England in 1961 as a result of a volcanic eruption and during their time in England they received a detailed dental health examination. They were later examined back on the island in 1966 by Dr John Fisher and in 1982 a school fluoride supplementation programme was introduced. AIM: The present paper reports the results of the first dental health survey to be carried out on the island since the introduction of a regular school fluoride supplementation programme in 1982. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cohort of 6-19-year-old subjects on the island were examined in 1996 using a similar protocol to that which was used by Fisher in the 1966 examination. RESULTS: Comparing the 6-12-year-olds who were caries free in 1966 with those caries free in 1996 using the Chi-squared statistic reveals a statistically significant greater number caries free in the more recent cohort (X2 - 6.0, P- 0.014). For the older age group (13-19 years), a similar comparison reveals a highly statistically significant difference(Z2 - 12.26, P 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: A significant increase in the number of caries free 6-19-year-old children in Tristan Da Cunha between 1966 and 1996 was noted: 1) This is a significant finding in the light of the school fluoride supplementation programme that was introduced on the island in 1982; and 2) Appropriate fluoride supplementation regimes may have conferred a protective effect in a group of children with a cariogenic diet. The paper discusses the significance of this study in the support of fluoridation as a method of reducing the prevalence of dental caries a nd also discusses possibilities for future research on the island of Tristan Da Cunha.

Antimalarial activity of extracts and alkaloids isolated from six plants used in traditional medicine in Mali and Sao Tome.

Methanol and chloroform extracts were prepared from various parts of four plants collected in Mali: Guiera senegalensis (Gmel.) Combretaceae, Feretia apodanthera (Del.) Rubiaceae, Combretum micranthum (Don.) Combretaceae, Securidaca longepedunculata (Fres.) Polygalaceae and two plants -collected in Sao Tome: Pycnanthus angolensis (Welw.) Myristicaceae and Morinda citrifolia (Benth.) Rubiaceae were assessed for their in vitro antimalarial activity and their cytotoxic effects on human monocytes (THP1 cells) by flow cytometry. The methanol extract of leaves of Feretia apodanthera and the chloroform extract of roots of Guiera senegalensis exhibited a pronounced antimalarial activity. Two alkaloids isolated from the active extract of Guiera senegalensis, harman and tetrahydroharman, showed antimalarial activity (IC(50) lower than 4 microg/mL) and displayed low toxicity against THP1. Moreover, the decrease of THP1 cells in S phase of the cell cycle, after treatment with harman and tetrahydroharman, was probably due to an inhibition of total protein synthesis.

[Concentrations of Na, K, Ca, and P in serum from a representative sample of the Canary Islands population]. / Concentraciones de Na, K, Ca y P en sueros de una muestra representativa de la población canaria.

As part of the nutritional survey of the Canary Islands (ENCA-1998), the concentrations in serum of Na, K, Ca and P were determined in 395 individuals representing the population of the Canary Islands. The concentrations were found to be within the reference intervals described for the healthy population. Differences were observed in the mean concentrations depending on the island of residence. Thus, individuals on the island of Tenerife showed higher levels of natremia and calcaemia (p < 0.05) than those on the other islands. The islanders of La Palma have the highest (p < 0.05) and lowest (p < 0.05) concentrations of K and Ca, respectively, whereas those living on the easternmost islands have the highest levels of phosphataemia. No differences were detected in the mineral levels by sex. Phosphataemia levels fall (p < 0.05) in line with socio-economic levels. Females under the age of 18 present lower levels of natremia (p < 0.05) than others while males over the age of 35 present higher levels of kalaemia (p < 0.05). No important age-related differences were found in calcaemia and individuals under the age of 18 had lower levels of phosphataemia (p < 0.05) than the remainder. Highly significant relationships were found between Na and K and between Ca and P, thus confirming existing physiological relationships. Smoking had no effect on the serum levels of the elements under study. Those individuals reporting an intake of more than seven beers and seven shots of spirit per week presented lower levels of calcaemia and natremia than the rest (p < 0.05). With wine consumption, an increase in kalaemia and a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the Na/K ratio were detected. Individuals drinking only tap water had higher levels (p < 0.05) of natraemia and kalaemia, with lower levels (p < 0.05) of calcaemia and the Na/K ratio than those drinking bottled water. The Ca/P ratio was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) with physical exercise.

Concentraciones de Na, K Ca y P en sueros de una muestra representativa de la población canaria / Concentrations of Na, K, Ca and P in sera from a population sample representing the canary islands

Como parte de la encuesta nutricional de Canarias (ENCA-1998) se determinaron las concentraciones séricas de Na, K, Ca y P en 395 individuos representativos de la población canaria. Las concentraciones se encuentran dentro de los intervalos de referencia descritos para población sana. Se observan diferencias entre las concentraciones medias en función de la isla de residencia. Así los individuos de Tenerife presentan natremias y calcemias superiores (p<0,05) al resto de las islas. Los individuos de La Palma tienen las mayores (p<0,05) y menores (p<0,05) concentraciones de K y Ca respectivamente, mientras que los de las islas orientales muestran las mayores (p<0,05) fosfatemias. No se detectan diferencias entre los minerales en función del sexo. La fosfatemia disminuye (p<0,05) a medida que el nivel socioeconómico es menor. Las féminas menores de 18 años presentan natremias inferiores (p<0,05) al resto y los varones de más de 35 años mayores (p<0,05) potasemias. No se encuentran diferencias importantes de caicemia en función de la edad, y los individuos menores de 18 años muestran fosfatemias (p<0,05) inferiores al resto. Se observan correlaciones altamente significativas entre Na y K y entre Ca y P lo que confirma relaciones fisiológicas existentes. El hábito de fumar no influye sobre los niveles séricos de los elementos estudiados. Los individuos que manifiestan un consumo superior a siete cervezas y a siete bebidas espirituosas por semana presentan calcemias y natremias inferiores (p<0,05) respectivamente al resto. Se detecta un aumento de la potasemia y disminución significativamente (p<0,05) de la relación Na/K con el consumo de vino. Los individuos que consumen agua del grifo presentan mayor (p<0,05) natremia y potasemia, y menor (p<0,05) calcemia y relación Na/K, que los individuos que consumen agua embotellada. La relación Ca/P disminuye de forma significativa (p<0,05) con el ejercicio físico (AU)

As part of the nutritional survey of the Canary Islands (ENCA-1998), the concentrations in serum of Na, K, Ca and P were determined in 395 individuals representing the population of the Canary Islands. The concentrations were found to be within the reference intervals described for the healthy population. Differences were observed in the mean concentrations depending on the island of residence. Thus, individuals on the island of Tenerife showed higher levels of natremia and calcaemia (p < 0.05) than those on the other islands. The islanders of La Palma have the highest (p < 0.05) and lowest (p < 0.05) concentrations of K and Ca, respectively, whereas those living on the easternmost islands have the highest levels of phosphataemia. No differences were detected in the mineral levels by sex. Phosphataemia levels fall (p < 0.05) in line with socio-economic levels. Females under the age of 18 present lower levels of natremia (p < 0.05) than others while males over the age of 35 present higher levels of kalaemia (p < 0,05). No important age-related differences were found in calcaemia and individuals under the age of 18 had lower levels of phosphataemia (p < 0.05) than the remainder. Highly significant relationships were found between Na and K and between Ca and P, thus confirming existing physiological relationships. Smoking had no effect on the serum levels of the elements under study. Those individuals reporting an intake of more than seven beers and seven shots of spirit per week presented lower levels of calcaemia and natremia than the rest (p < 0.05). With wine consumption, an increase in kalaemia and a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the Na/K ratio were detected. Individuals drinking only tap water had higher levels (p < 0.05) of natraemia and kalaemia, with lower levels (p < 0.05) of calcaemia and the Na/K ratio than those drinking bottled water. The Ca/P ratio was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) with physical exercise (AU)