Serum zinc, copper, and magnesium levels in obese children.

Abstract

Serum zinc, copper and magnesium levels were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 41 obese and 41 healthy (control) children (between 7 and 11 years of age) who were living in Malatya (Turkey). Serum zinc levels of obese children (mean value 102.40 +/- 2.78 micrograms/dL) were found to be significantly higher than those of the control group (mean value 80.49 +/- 2.98 micrograms/dL; P < 0.01). Serum copper concentrations were also found to be significantly higher in obese children (mean value 132.34 +/- 1.79 micrograms/dL) than the healthy controls (mean value 107.58 +/- 1.62 micrograms/dL; P < 0.01). On the other hand, serum magnesium levels were found to be significantly lower in obese children (mean value 1.78 +/- 0.03 mg/dL) than in the healthy children (mean value 2.14 +/- 0.04 mg/dL; P < 0.01).