Association of Trace Elements and Minerals with Obesity: A Comprehensive Study in Women

Abstract

To assess serum and hair mineral and trace element content in connection to obesity  in women of normal  and overweight. Both the obese group (n = 100) and the normal-weight group (n = 100) each included women between the ages of 18 - 60. Inductively coupled plasma spectrometry was used to measure the mineral and element levels in serum and hair. Omron's body composition monitor, Model: BCM-500 China was used to calculate the body fat percentage. The body fat percentage, blood pressure, serum triglyceride level, and insulin resistance were all greater in obese participants. In comparison to lean controls, obese participants had decreased levels of the following:  hair Fe, Mg, content; and serum Ca, Fe, Mg, Se, and Zn levels. In turn, there was a considerable rise in the levels of serum Cu in obese women. Even after accounting for blood biochemistry, body composition, and blood pressure, serum Cu, Se, and Zn levels were found to be strongly linked with BMI in multiple regression models. Group discrimination was also strongly influenced by serum trace element and mineral levels. These results allow us to hypothesize that metabolic risk in obese individuals may be at least partially influenced by disruptions in trace element and mineral status associated with obesity.