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Trace elements in nails as biomarkers in clinical research
1Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health and School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7461, USA. kahe@unc.edu
European Journal of Clinical Investigation
|September 4, 2010
Summary
Nail trace elements offer a reliable method for assessing human health impacts, overcoming limitations of dietary assessments. Toenail analysis provides a valuable biomarker for long-term exposure to essential and toxic elements in clinical research.
Area of Science:
- Human Health and Nutrition
- Biomarker Discovery
- Environmental Exposure Assessment
Background:
- Trace elements are vital for human health, necessitating precise quantification in clinical research.
- Accurate measurement of trace elements is critical for understanding their role in health and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the scientific basis for utilizing nail trace elements as biomarkers in clinical studies.
- To evaluate the utility of nail analysis for assessing trace element exposure.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on the rationale and evidence for nail trace elements as biomarkers.
- Analysis of existing data comparing nail biomarkers to other methods.
Main Results:
- Dietary assessment tools are often inadequate for capturing trace element intake due to variability and non-dietary factors.
- Nail trace element concentrations, especially in toenails, serve as effective biomarkers for long-term exposure.
- Evidence supports nails as a practical and representative biomarker for numerous trace elements.
Conclusions:
- Nail trace element measurement presents distinct advantages over other biomarkers in clinical research settings.
- Nail analysis offers a valuable, non-invasive method for assessing long-term trace element exposure and its health implications.
