Genetic Causal Associations between Various Serum Minerals and Risk of Depression: A Mendelian Randomization Study.

BACKGROUND: Previous observational studies have discovered a connection between depression and mineral status. Confirming this potential connection is challenging due to confounding factors and potential reverse causality which is inherent in observational studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to estimate the causal association of serum minerals with depression. Leveraging summary-level data on depression, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was applied. The data on serum minerals were collected from the FinnGen Biobank database. MR assessments representing causality were produced by inverse-variance weighted approaches with multiplicative random and fixed effects. RESULT: Sensitivity analyses were performed to validate the reliability of the results. A noteworthy correlation emerged between serum zinc levels and reduced risk of depression. An odds ratio (OR) of 0.917 for depression associated with a one standard deviation increase in serum zinc levels (OR = 0.968; 95% CI = 0.953-0.984, p = 1.19 × 10-4, random effects model inverse variance weighted (IVW)); (OR = 0.928; 95% CI = 0.634-1.358, p = 0.766, MR Egger). Sensitivity assessments supported this causation. However, the risk of depression did not exhibit an association with other minerals. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, a higher zinc concentration is causally associated with a reduced depression risk. This MR outcome may assist clinicians in the regulation of specific mineral intake, particularly for high-risk patients with serum zinc deficiencies.

Relationships between minerals' intake and blood homocysteine levels based on three machine learning methods: a large cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Blood homocysteine (Hcy) level has become a sensitive indicator in predicting the development of cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown an association between individual mineral intake and blood Hcy levels. The effect of mixed minerals' intake on blood Hcy levels is unknown. METHODS: Data were obtained from the baseline survey data of the Shanghai Suburban Adult Cohort and Biobank(SSACB) in 2016. A total of 38273 participants aged 20-74 years met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to calculate the intake of 10 minerals (calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, zinc, selenium, phosphorus, copper and manganese). Measuring the concentration of Hcy in the morning fasting blood sample. Traditional regression models were used to assess the relationship between individual minerals' intake and blood Hcy levels. Three machine learning models (WQS, Qg-comp, and BKMR) were used to the relationship between mixed minerals' intake and blood Hcy levels, distinguishing the individual effects of each mineral and determining their respective weights in the joint effect. RESULTS: Traditional regression model showed that higher intake of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese was associated with lower blood Hcy levels. Both Qg-comp and BKMR results consistently indicate that higher intake of mixed minerals is associated with lower blood Hcy levels. Calcium exhibits the highest weight in the joint effect in the WQS model. In Qg-comp, iron has the highest positive weight, while manganese has the highest negative weight. The BKMR results of the subsample after 10,000 iterations showed that except for sodium, all nine minerals had the high weights in the joint effect on the effect of blood Hcy levels. CONCLUSION: Overall, higher mixed mineral's intake was associated with lower blood Hcy levels, and each mineral contributed differently to the joint effect. Future studies are available to further explore the mechanisms underlying this association, and the potential impact of mixed minerals' intake on other health indicators needs to be further investigated. These efforts will help provide additional insights to deepen our understanding of mixed minerals and their potential role in health maintenance.

Association between serum mineral levels and reproductive performance in primiparous dairy cows during the peripartum period.

To the best of the authors' knowledge, no study has previously investigated whether the concentration of minerals is related to reproductive outcomes in primiparous cows. For this reason, two objectives were set in the present study: (i) to assess serum mineral levels, macrominerals, and trace elements during the transition period (period of high nutritional requirements) in primiparous cows, considering reproductive efficiency, and (ii) to address if the serum mineral levels of primiparous cows are related to reproductive efficiency. Blood samples were taken (i) one month before calving, (ii) one week before calving, (iii) one week postpartum, and (iv) one month postpartum. At the beginning and the end of the study, a body condition score (BCS) was assigned to each lactating cow with no clinical signs of disease. The difference between one month before and one month after calving was the body condition loss (ΔBCS). Optimal prepartum concentrations of K and Cl were associated with fewer days open and a shorter interval calving. Furthermore, macrominerals in the serum decreased immediately after calving (one week) but recovered at one month postpartum. In contrast, the highest concentration of trace elements was found at one week postpartum. Primiparous cows with higher postpartum Se, Mn, Co, and Mo concentrations exhibited better reproductive efficiency, and the concentrations of trace elements in serum were correlated with interval calving and the number of inseminations. Finally, primiparous cows with a greater ΔBCS (at least one point) in period 4 exhibited both a longer calving interval and a greater number of days open. In summary, this study showed, for the first time in primiparous cows, that the concentration of some serum minerals not only plays a crucial role during the transition period but is also related to crucial reproductive parameters, such as interval calving and days open.

Fostering healthy aging through selective nutrition: A long-term comparison of two dietary patterns and their holistic impact on mineral status in middle-aged individuals-A randomized controlled intervention trial in Germany.

Aging is associated with a decline in physiological functions and an increased risk of age-related diseases, emphasizing the importance of identifying dietary strategies for healthy aging. Minerals play a crucial role in maintaining optimal health during aging, making them relevant targets for investigation. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the effect of different dietary pattern on mineral status in the elderly. We included 502 individuals aged 50-80 years in a 36-month randomized controlled trial (RCT) (NutriAct study). This article focuses on the results within the two-year intervention period. NutriAct is not a mineral-modulating-targeted intervention study, rather examining nutrition in the context of healthy aging in general. However, mineral status might be affected in an incidental manner. Participants were assigned to either NutriAct dietary pattern (proportionate intake of total energy consumption (%E) of 35-45 %E carbohydrates, 35-40 %E fats, and 15-25 %E protein) or the German Nutrition Society (DGE) dietary pattern (proportionate intake of total energy consumption (%E) of 55 %E carbohydrates, 30 %E fats, and 15 %E protein), differing in the composition of macronutrients. Data from 368 participants regarding dietary intake (energy, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc) and serum mineral concentrations of calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, selenium, iodine, and manganese, free zinc, and selenoprotein P were analyzed at baseline, as well as after 12 and 24 months to gain comprehensive insight into the characteristics of the mineral status. Additionally, inflammatory status - sensitive to changes in mineral status - was assessed by measurement of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6. At baseline, inadequate dietary mineral intake and low serum concentrations of zinc and selenium were observed in both dietary patterns. Throughout two years, serum zinc concentrations decreased, while an increase of serum selenium, manganese and magnesium concentrations was observable, likely influenced by both dietary interventions. No significant changes were observed for serum calcium, iron, copper, or iodine concentrations. In conclusion, long-term dietary interventions can influence serum mineral concentrations in a middle-aged population. Our findings provide valuable insights into the associations between dietary habits, mineral status, and disease, contributing to dietary strategies for healthy aging.

Minerals and trace elements in pregnancy in women with previous bariatric surgery consequences on maternal and foetal health.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery (BS) may decrease the risk of these obesity-related complications; however, due to its effect on nutrient intake and absorption, it can also have adverse consequences on maternal and foetal health. The aim of this study is to describe the evolution of electrolytes and trace elements serum levels throughout pregnancy after BS, according to the surgical technique and to evaluate the effect of nutritional deficiencies on the risk of maternal-foetal complications. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study of the clinical evolution and maternal-foetal complications in a group of women with pregnancies that occurred after BS. Clinical evolution during pregnancy, body weight, and plasma electrolytes, vitamins, and trace elements, as well as their influence on maternal-foetal outcomes were evaluated. Composite neonatal variable (CNV) was defined to evaluate unfavourable foetal outcome. Published reference values for micronutrients during pregnancy have been used. RESULTS: The study includes data on 164 singleton pregnancies in 91 women. A hundred and twenty-seven pregnancies got to full term. The average birth weight was 2966 (546) g., 26.8% < P10 and 13.8% < P3 of a reference population. New-born of gestations after malabsorptive bariatric surgery had a higher risk of having a percentile of birth weight < P3. Plasma electrolytes, trace elements and vitamins throughout pregnancy showed differences depending on the surgical technique, with lower haemoglobin, ferritin, calcium, zinc, copper, vitamin A and vitamin E in the malabsorptive techniques. A high percentage of deficiency was observed, especially in the third trimester (Hb < 11 g/dl: 31.8%; ferritin < 30 mg/ml: 85.7%; zinc < 50 µg/dl: 32.4%, vitamin D < 30 ng/ml: 75.5% and < 20 ng/ml: 53.3%). A decreased plasma copper in the first trimester or zinc in the third trimester were associated with a lower percentile of new-born birth weight. A higher risk of CNV was observed in predominant malabsorptive BS and in pregnancies that had presented at least one vitamin D level lower than 20 ng/ml throughout pregnancy (30.4% vs. 7.1%, p=0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Trace elements and vitamin deficiencies are common in pregnant women after bariatric surgery, especially of iron, zinc, and vitamin D. These deficiencies might negatively affect foetal development. Further studies are needed to better define the role of micronutrients in maternal-foetal health after bariatric surgery.

Assessment of trace element and mineral levels in students from Turkmenistan in comparison to Iran and Russia.

THE OBJECTIVE: Of the present study was to assess essential trace element and mineral levels in serum, hair, and urine of healthy first-year students from Turkmenistan (n = 73) in comparison to students from Iran (n = 78) or Russia (n = 95). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Examination of foreign students was performed within two days after arrival to Russia during medical examination prior admission to RUDN University. Serum, hair, and urine trace element and mineral levels were assessed with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). RESULTS: The data demonstrate that the levels of trace elements and minerals in students from Turkmenistan share high similarity to elemental profiles of students from Iran. In comparison to students from Russia, subjects originating from Iran and Turkmenistan are characterized by lower serum cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), vanadium (V), zinc (Zn) levels, higher urinary Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, V, and Zn, lower urinary Co and hair Mo, Se, and Zn content. Concomitantly, students from Turkmenistan were characterized by lower urinary Cr and Cu, serum Cu and V levels, higher circulating Zn concentration, as well as the lower hair Cr, Cu, iodine (I) and magnesium (Mg) content in comparison to Iranian subjects. The discriminant analysis demonstrated that hair, serum, and urinary trace element and mineral levels contributed to complete discrimination between the groups of students from different countries. CONCLUSIONS: The high similarity of trace element and mineral status of students from Turkmenistan and Iran is expected to be mediated by similar geochemical conditions in the bordering countries.

Plasma levels and dietary intake of minerals in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the primary cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide. Altered mineral levels leading to adverse outcomes are widely reported in diabetes but limited in DKD, in the Indian scenario, hence this study was taken up to address this issue. METHODS: A hospital-based case-control study was taken up with 54 healthy controls (C) and 140 subjects with type 2 diabetes wherein 74 subjects with diabetes and CKD formed the DKD group, and 66 subjects with diabetes but no CKD formed the diabetic no-chronic kidney disease (DNCKD) group. High-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to evaluate the blood levels of minerals (calcium (Ca), vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se)), and a raw food-based food frequency questionnaire for dietary intakes. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation (mL/min/1.73 m2) and albuminuria. Spearman's rank correlation was used to evaluate the relationship between the categorical variables. RESULTS: The median values of plasma Ca in the DKD group were significantly lower compared with the DNCKD and C groups (10.5 mg/dL vs. 11.0 mg/dL and 11.7 mg/dL, p<0.001). Furthermore, plasma Ca levels lowered with declining kidney function, as evidenced by the eGFR and albuminuria segregation. Dietary intake of minerals did not correlate with the corresponding plasma levels. However, in the DKD group, eGFR correlated positively with the plasma levels of Ca (r= 0.422, p=0.001), Cr (r= 0.351, p=0.008), Mn (r= 0.338, p=0.011), Fe (r= 0.403, p=0.002), Cu (r= 0.274, p=0.041) and negatively with Se (r= -0.486, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Plasma Ca levels are lower in the DKD group with a strong positive association with eGFR, indicating its role in predicting the onset and progression of kidney function decline.

Minerais séricos, características morfométricas ósseas e deposição de minerais ósseos de frangos de corte alimentados com dieta com inclusão de bentonita / Serum minerals, bone morphometric characteristics and deposition of bone minerals from broilers fed diet containing bentonite

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a concentração sérica de cálcio, cloretos, ferro, fósforo e magnésio, as características morfométricas ósseas e a deposição de cálcio e fósforo nas tíbias de frangos de corte recebendo dieta com zero, 0,25 ou 0,50% de bentonita. Um ensaio foi conduzido com 288 frangos de corte de 14 a 21 dias de idade, submetidos a três dietas experimentais: sem inclusão (0,0); com inclusão de 0,25 e com inclusão de 0,50% do adsorvente bentonita. Não foram observadas diferenças (P>0,05) no desempenho das aves, nos níveis séricos de cálcio, cloretos, ferro e magnésio, no entanto os níveis de fósforo foram reduzidos (P<0,05) nas aves que ingeriram dieta com 0,50% de bentonita. Em relação às tíbias, observou-se redução (P<0,05) na matéria mineral (g e %) e no teor de cálcio com a inclusão de 0,50% de bentonita. Houve redução (P<0,05) nos níveis de fósforo das tíbias com a inclusão de 0,25 e 0,50% de bentonita. Conclui-se que a inclusão de até 0,50% do adsorvente de micotoxinas bentonita na dieta de frangos de corte não altera o desempenho zootécnico das aves. A inclusão de 0,25% de bentonita, na dieta de frangos de corte, não altera a concentração dos minerais séricos e a deposição de minerais nas tíbias, entretanto a inclusão de 0,5% reduz os níveis séricos de fósforo, o teor de matéria mineral e a concentração de cálcio e fósforo ósseos, sem afetar as características morfométricas ósseas.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate performance, serum concentration of calcium, chloride, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and bone characteristics, ash, calcium, and phosphorus in tibias of broilers receiving diet with zero, 0.25 or 0.50% of bentonite. No differences were found on performance of poultry, on serum mineral calcium, chloride, iron, magnesium, however phosphorus levels of broilers fed on diets containing 0.5% bentonite was reduced. With respect to tibia, reduction was observed on mineral matter (g and %) and calcium levels with inclusion of 0.50% bentonite, and reduction on phosphorus levels with inclusion of 0.25 or 0.50% of bentonite on diet. We conclude that the inclusion of up to 0.50% of mycotoxin adsorbent bentonite in diet of broiler does not change broiler performance. The inclusion of 0.25% of bentonite in diet of broiler does not change serum mineral concentration and mineral deposition; however, the inclusion of 0.5% decrease serum levels of phosphorus, the content of bone mineral matter, with not effects on bone morphometric characteristics.(AU)

Nutritional profile of asymptomatic alcoholic patients / Perfil nutricional de pacientes alcoólatras assintomáticos

CONTEXT: Alcoholism may interfere with nutritional status, but reports are often troubled by uncertainties about ingested diet and organ function, as well as by ongoing abuse and associated conditions. OBJECTIVE: To identify nutritional and body compartment changes in stable alcoholics without confounding clinical and dietetic variables, a prospective observational pilot study was designed. Three well-matched populations were considered: subjects with chronic alcoholic pancreatitis, alcoholics without visceral disease, and healthy never-drinking adults (controls). METHODS: Subjects (n = 60) were asymptomatic males with adequate diet, no superimposed disease or complication, and alcohol-free for at least 6 months. After exclusions, 48 patients were compared. Variables encompassed dietary recall, bioimpedance analysis, biochemical profile and inflammatory markers. Main outcome measures were body fat, lean body mass, serum lipids, C-reactive protein, and selected minerals and vitamins. RESULTS: Both alcoholic populations suffered from reduced lean body mass (P = 0.001), with well-maintained body fat.Magnesium was depleted, and values of vitamin D and B12 correlated with alcohol abuse. LDL and total cholesterol was increased in alcoholics without pancreatitis (P = 0.04), but not in those with visceral damage. C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A correlated with duration of excessive drinking (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Undernutrition (diminished lean body mass, risk of magnesium and vitamin deficiencies) contrasted with dyslipidemia and increased cardiovascular risk. This second danger was masked during chronic pancreatitis but not in alcoholics without visceral disease. Further studies should focus special requirements of this population.

CONTEXTO: O alcoolismo pode interferir no estado nutricional, todavia, os relatos frequentemente sofrem com o viés das incertezas sobre dieta consumida, danos orgânicos subjacentes e persistência do abuso. OBJETIVO: Para identificar alterações nutricionais e de compartimentos corpóreos em alcoólatras estáveis sem variáveis de confusão clínica e dietética, foi desenhado o presente estudo piloto observacional prospectivo. Três populações bem pareadas foram consideradas: casos de pancreatite crônica alcoólica, alcoólatras sem enfermidade visceral e adultos que nunca consumiram etanol (controles). MÉTODOS: Os pacientes (n = 60) eram homens assintomáticos com dieta satisfatória, nenhuma evidência de enfermidade ou complicação exceto as do protocolo e afastados do etanol por no mínimo 6 meses. Após exclusões, 48 pacientes foram comparados. As variáveis abrangeram recordatório alimentar, análise de bioimpedância, perfil bioquímico e marcadores inflamatórios. Os principais resultados buscados foram gordura corporal, massa magra, lípides séricos, proteína C reativa e vitaminas e minerais selecionados. RESULTADOS: Os dois grupos que ingeriam álcool exibiram redução da massa magra (P = 0,001) com gordura corporal bem conservada. O magnésio estava diminuído e as taxas de vitamina D e B12 se correlacionaram com o abuso de álcool. O colesterol total e LDL estavam aumentados nos alcoólatras sem pancreatite (P = 0,04), porém, não naqueles com dano pancreático. A proteína C reativa e o seroamilóide A correlacionaram-se com a duração do excesso etílico (P = 0,01). CONCLUSÕES: A desnutrição (menor massa magra, possibilidade de carência de magnésio e vitaminas) contrastou com a dislipidemia e o risco cardiovascular elevado. Este segundo perigo permaneceu mascarado na vigência de pancreatite crônica, porém, não nos alcoólatras sem lesão visceral. Estudos adicionais deverão focalizar as necessidades nutricionais específicas desta população.

Estado nutricional preoperatorio y riesgo quirúrgico. Identificación de marcadores bioquímicos promisorios / Preoperative nutritional status and surgical risk. Identification of promissory biochemical markers

Introducción: Existe una acumulación de evidencias de que niveles de nutrición deficientes o aún marginales pueden contribuir al aumento de morbilidad y mortalidad en el paciente quirúrgico. La utilidad de marcadores de vitaminas y minerales ha sido poco explorada. Objetivo: Evaluar la utilidad de indicadores de vitaminas y minerales como marcadores de riesgo quirúrgico. Métodos: Se estudió la asociación entre marcadores de vitamina A (retinol plasmático), carotenos (carotenos plasmáticos), vitamina C (vitamina C plasmática), hierro (hematocrito, hemoglobina, hierro sérico, saturación de transferrina y protoporfirina eritrocitaria), calcio (calcio/creatinina en orina basal) y zinc (zinc/creatinina en orina basal), realizados dentro de las 24 horas previas a la cirugía, y la aparición de complicaciones postoperatorias en 100 pacientes adultos sometidos a intervenciones por hernia (n = 41) o litiasis vesicular (n = 59), dos intervenciones muy frecuentes en los servicios de cirugía general. Resultados: Los pacientes se dividieron en aquellos que presentaron complicaciones postoperatorias (C; n = 26) y aquellos que evolucionaron sin complicaciones (NC; n = 74). Dos de los marcadores estudiados fueron los que presentaron las mayores diferencias entre ambos grupos: retinol plasmático y protoporfirina eritrocitaria. El retinol plasmático del grupo C fue significativamente menor al del grupo NC: 33,2 ± 13,5 μg/dl vs 40,2 ± 16,3 μg/dl; P = 0,0495 y se halló asociación significativa entre valores inferiores a 30 μg/dl y aparición de complicaciones (53,8% en C vs 30,1% en NC; P = 0,0360). La protoporfirina eritrocitaria del grupo C fue significativamente mayor a la del grupo NC: 52,0 ± 34,0 vs 36,8 ± 17,5 μg/dl g.r; P = 0,0453 y la asociación entre valores superiores a 70 μg/dl g.r. y presencia de complicaciones fue altamente significativa (25,0% vs 4,2%; P = 0,0069). Conclusiones: Dos indicadores de micronutrientes: retinol plasmático y protoporfirina eritrocitaria, resultaron marcadores promisorios de riesgo quirúrgico por haber permitido identificar pacientes en riesgo de sufrir complicaciones postoperatorias (AU)

Background: The fact that deficient or even marginal nutritional levels may contribute to increase morbidity and mortality in the surgical patient is well accepted. The usefulness of vitamin and mineral markers has not been much explored. Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of vitamin and mineral indicators as nutritional markers of surgical risk. Methods: Biomarkers of vitamin A (plasma retinol), carotenes (plasma carotenes), vitamin C (plasma vitamin C), iron (hematocrit, hemoglobin, serum iron, transferrin saturation and erythrocyte protoporphyrin), calcium (calcium/creatinine in basal urine) and zinc (zinc/creatinine in basal urine), were performed 24 ours before surgery. Appearance of complications was evaluated in 100 adult patients from programmed surgical procedures of hernia (n = 41) or gallbladder lithiasis (n = 59), two of the most frequent interventions in general surgery services. Results: Patients were grouped in those that presented postoperative complications (C; n = 26) and those who did not (NC; n=74). Two of the studied markers presented significant differences between both groups: plasma retinol and erythrocyte protoporphyrin. Plasma retinol of C was significantly lower than that obtained in NC: 33.2 ± 13.5 μg/dl vs. 40.2 ± 16.3 μg/dl; P = 0.0495 and an association between values below 30 μg/dl and postoperative complications was founded (53.8% in C vs. 30.1% in NC; P = 0.0360). Erythrocyte protoporphyrin of C was significantly higher to that obtained in NC: 52.0 ± 34.0 μg/dl RBC vs. 36.8 ± 17.5 μg/dl RBC; P = 0.0453 and the association between values higher than 70 μg/dl RBC and presence of complications were highly significant (25.0% vs. 4.2%; P = 0.0069). Conclusions: On the basis of the obtained results is concluded that plasma retinol and erythrocyte protoporphyrin would provide useful tools in evaluating surgical risk since they had been allowed to identify patients who were at risk of suffering postoperative complications (AU)

Aplicación de análisis multivariado para la diferenciación de individuos sanos según su contenido sérico de minerales / Application of multivariate analysis to the serum mineral and trace element content on differentiation of healthy subjects

Objetivos: Se determinaron las concentraciones séricas de Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Mn y P en individuos aparentemente sanos representativos de la población canaria. Sobre la matriz de datos obtenidos se aplicaron técnicas de análisis multivariado con objeto de diferenciar los individuos de acuerdo con diversos criterios, tales como sexo, edad, isla, provincia de residencia, hábito de fumar o beber, ejercicio físico y consumo de agua. Sujetos y metodología: Se analizaron 395 muestras de suero (187 hombres y 208 mujeres) siendo la edad media de los individuos de 38,4 ± 20,0 años. Se recogieron datos individuales acerca de la edad, sexo, peso, talla, tipo de agua consumida, consumo de alcohol, hábito de fumar y ejercicio físico por medio de cuestionarios estandarizados. La determinación de los minerales se realizó por fotometría de llama (Na y K) y espectrofotometría de absorción atómica con llama aire/acetileno (Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu y Zn), con generación de hidruros (Se) o por cámara de grafito (Mn). El P se determinó por colorimetría. Resultados: El sexo y edad de los individuos afectaron las concentraciones séricas de algunos minerales, Cu y Fe y P y Se respectivamente. La isla de residencia afectó las concentraciones medias de la mayoría de los minerales analizados. Los hábitos de fumar y beber no parecen afectar de forma importante los contenidos medios de los minerales. La práctica de ejercicio físico influyó sobre el contenido sérico de P, Cu y Mn. El tipo de agua consumida influyó sobre el contenido sérico de los electrolitos, y elementos plásticos analizados, pero no en el de los elementos traza. Después de aplicar análisis discriminante, se observa que los individuos menores de 18 años se diferencian razonablemente bien (89% de casos correctamente clasificados) del resto. Existe una cierta tendencia a diferenciarse los individuos en base a la isla de residencia. Conclusiones: La diferenciación de los individuos mediante análisis discriminante aplicado sobre los contenidos séricos de los minerales analizados en función del sexo, provincia e isla de residencia y hábitos o estilo de vida fue baja. Sin embargo, los adultos se diferencian razonablemente de los adolescentes y niños, y los individuos residentes en Lanzarote y La Palma, tienden a separarse del resto de los individuos de su provincia (AU)

Objective: Serum concentrations of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Mn and P were determined in apparently healthy individuals representing of the population of the Canary Islands. Multivariate analysis was applied on the data matrix in order to differentiate the individuals according several criteria such as gender, age, island and province of residence, smoking and drinking habits and physical exercise. Subjects and methods: 395 serum samples (187 men and 208 women) were analyzed mean age of 38.4 ± 20.0 years. Individuals data about age, gender, weight, height, alcohol consumption, smoking habits and physical exercise were recorded using standardized questionnaires. The determination of minerals was carried out by flame emission spectrometry (Na and K) and atomic absorption spectrometry with flame air/acetylene (Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn), hybride generation (Se) and graphite furnace (Mn). The P was determined by a colorimetric method. Results: The sex and age of individuals influenced on the serum concentrations of some minerals, Cu and Fe, and P and Se, respectively. The island of residence influenced the mean concentrations of the most the minerals analysed. The smoking and drinking habits do not seem to influence the mean contents of the minerals in an important manner. Physical exercise had significant influence on the P, Cu and Mn concentrations in serum. The water for consumption influenced on the serum concentrations of the electrolytes and Ca and Mg, but it did not affect the concentrations of the trace elements. Applying discriminant analysis the individuals lower 18 years were reasonably well differentiated (89% of the individuals correctly classified) from the rest of individuals. A tendency for differentiation of individuals according to the island of residence was also observed. Conclusions: A low differentiation of the individuals according to the sex, province or island or residence and habits or life style was observed after application of multivariate analysis techniques. However, the adults were reasonably differentiated from the children and adolescent, and the inhabitants of Lanzarote and La Palma tend to separate from the rest of the individuals of their province (AU)

La bioquímica en los estudios de nutrición / Biochemical parameters and nutritional status

Los parámetros bioquímicos reúnen ventajas comparativas respecto a las observaciones clínicas, antropométricas y encuestas alimentarias ya que, debido a su característica de responder a alguna alteración medible y directamente relacionada al estado nutricional, se comportan como indicadores funcionales. Si una serie de indicadores funcionales se combinan en forma adecuada, constituyen una verdadera radiografía metabólica del momento en que se realiza el estudio y proporcionan perfiles nutricionales que permiten identificar a los individuos en situación de riesgo. Se detallan parámetros que permiten detectar tempranamente deficiencias globales o específicas, a fin de poder establecer una terapia racional basada en un diagnóstico certero

La bioquímica en los estudios de nutrición / Biochemical parameters and nutritional status

Los parámetros bioquímicos reúnen ventajas comparativas respecto a las observaciones clínicas, antropométricas y encuestas alimentarias ya que, debido a su característica de responder a alguna alteración medible y directamente relacionada al estado nutricional, se comportan como indicadores funcionales. Si una serie de indicadores funcionales se combinan en forma adecuada, constituyen una verdadera radiografía metabólica del momento en que se realiza el estudio y proporcionan perfiles nutricionales que permiten identificar a los individuos en situación de riesgo. Se detallan parámetros que permiten detectar tempranamente deficiencias globales o específicas, a fin de poder establecer una terapia racional basada en un diagnóstico certero (AU)