Abstract
The soil contents of trace elements selenium, chromium and manganese were measured to determine their impact on the plasma levels of 160 healthy adult Nigerians in five different experimental locations in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, South - South Nigeria. The mean (±SD) soil selenium, chromium and manganese concentrations were 2.86 ± 3.97, 15.93 ± 3.35 and 90.33± 42.65 mg/kg, respectively. Manganese soil concentration was the highest and selenium soil concentration was the lowest in all the locations. The mean (±SD) plasma selenium, chromium and manganese concentrations were 0.006, 0.111 ± 0.031 and 0.028 ± 0.024 mg /1, respectively. There were no significant differences between the concentrations of the trace elements in the soil and the plasma levels as determined by t-test. Plasma levels of chromium and manganese according to the study were adequate but that of selenium was low. Key words: Healthy adult Nigerians, trace elements, plasma level, soil content.
Highlights
IntroductionChromium and manganese are inorganic nutrients that originate in the earth and cannot be made in the body
Trace elements like selenium, chromium and manganese are inorganic nutrients that originate in the earth and cannot be made in the body
The soil contents of trace elements selenium, chromium and manganese were measured to determine their impact on the plasma levels of 160 healthy adult Nigerians in five different experimental locations in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, South - South Nigeria
Summary
Chromium and manganese are inorganic nutrients that originate in the earth and cannot be made in the body. They play important roles in the various bodily functions and are necessary to sustain life and maintain optimal health, and are essential nutrients (Tourmma, 1995). For many people with access to an adequate energy intake, an extensive freedom of choice exists in selection of food. The existence of widespread poverty in Nigeria precludes the opportunity to consume adequate energy let alone a diet balanced with micronutrients. Micronutrients deficiency adversely affects the health and function of individuals and the economic and social development of communities and nations. Observational studies indicate that death from cancer, including lung, colorectal, and prostrate cancers is lower among
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