Age- and sex-specific reference intervals for blood copper, zinc, calcium, magnesium, iron, lead, and cadmium in infants and children

Abstract

Reference intervals for clinically important elements in infants and children are rarely reported, despite their importance for accurate clinical decision-making. The exploration of such reference intervals is essential. Seven elements, including copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd), were analyzed on BOHUI 5100 and 2100 analyzers using blood samples from 4044 healthy infants and children. Age- and sex-specific reference intervals were established for Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg, Fe, Pb, and Cd. Established reference intervals for Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg and Fe can provide important guidance for the reasonable supplementation of trace elements and other essential elements in infants and children. Reference intervals for Pb and Cd can play a role in the surveillance and diagnosis of environmental overexposure.