Abstract
The analysis of trace elements in human hair for use as biomarkers continues to generate considerable interest in environmental and bioanalytical studies, medical diagnostics, and forensic science. This study investigated the concentrations of essential and toxic elements (Fe, Mg, Ca, Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd, and Pb) using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS) in human scalp hair obtained from subjects living in Forsyth County, North Carolina, USA. The influence of age, sex, race, and smoking habits on the levels of trace elements in the hair samples were also investigated. Additionally, analyses were subjected to a statistical, regression, and principal component analysis to evaluate inter-elemental association and possible pattern recognition in hair samples. Furthermore, Ca/Mg and Zn/Cu ratios, which are often used to evaluate the degree of Ca and Cu utilization in humans and as markers for various health related issues including, atherosclerosis, hypertension, insulin sensitivity, and pancreatic cancer, were calculated. The overall mean concentrations of Fe (25 μg/g), Ca (710 μg/g), Mg (120 μg/g), Zn (190 μg/g), Cu (12 μg/g), and Cr (0.20 μg/g) were found in hair samples. The trace element concentrations varied widely in hair samples as demonstrated by large range of concentrations obtained for each element. However, levels of Cd and Pb elements of r = 0.840, p = 0.05). The levels of Fe, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, and Cr in hair samples and the calculated Ca/Mg and Zn/Cu ratios were found to be largely correlated with age, race, sex, and smoking habits.
Highlights
Trace elements, including Fe, Ca, Mg, Zn, and Cu, play critical roles in proper human body development and metabolic activity [1,2,3]
This study investigated the concentrations of essential and toxic elements (Fe, Mg, Ca, Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd, and Pb) using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS) in human scalp hair obtained from subjects living in Forsyth County, North Carolina, USA
The result of this study showed wide variation in trace element concentrations in human scalp hair which may be attributed to differences in eating habits
Summary
Trace elements, including Fe, Ca, Mg, Zn, and Cu, play critical roles in proper human body development and metabolic activity [1,2,3]. Fe is required in the diet for proper functioning of the liver and hemoglobin, a protein in humans primarily responsible for the transportation and distribution of oxygen from the lungs to various human organs [3]. Zinc and copper promote normal body metabolism, are critical in normal genetic expression, and are essential co-enzymes, catalyzing various enzymatic reactions [1,10]. These trace elements are required at certain concentrations which can be primarily obtained from sufficiently balanced diet and food supplements
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