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Determination of 11 minerals in children using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Xiaofeng Li1, Chunnan Wang2, Yang Wang2

  • 1Children's Neurorehabilitation Laboratory, Shenyang Children's Hospital, 74 Chongshan Road East, Huanggu District, Shenyang, China.

BMC Pediatrics
|November 1, 2021
PubMed

Insights

This study establishes crucial reference intervals for 11 serum minerals in children aged 0-15 years in Liaoning, China. Results highlight the importance of considering sex, age, and season for accurate diagnosis of mineral imbalances and related diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Environmental Health
  • Clinical Chemistry

Background:

  • Minerals are vital for children's growth and cognitive development.
  • Establishing normative mineral levels is essential for pediatric healthcare.
  • Previous research lacked specific reference intervals for Chinese children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine reference intervals for 11 serum minerals in healthy children in Liaoning Province, China.
  • To provide a scientific basis for preventive healthcare and diagnosis of mineral-related disorders.
  • To investigate the influence of demographic and seasonal factors on mineral levels.

Main Methods:

  • Serum samples were collected from 2217 healthy children (0-15 years) in Liaoning Province.
  • Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to quantify Calcium (Ca), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Magnesium (Mg), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Selenium (Se), Mercury (Hg), Nickel (Ni), Cobalt (Co), and Lithium (Li).
  • Statistical analyses were performed to identify significant differences based on sex, age, and season.

Main Results:

  • Significant sex-related differences were observed in serum Magnesium (Mg) and Copper (Cu) levels.
  • Age-related differences were significant for Calcium (Ca), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Magnesium (Mg), Copper (Cu), and Manganese (Mn).
  • Serum concentrations of 9 minerals varied significantly with season, and strong correlations were found between several mineral pairs (e.g., Ca-Zn, Fe-Se, Ni-Co).

Conclusions:

  • Reference intervals for serum minerals in children must account for sex, age, and season.
  • These established intervals can aid in diagnosing mineral abnormalities and associated pediatric diseases.
  • The findings support the development of targeted nutritional and preventive health strategies for children in the region.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildrenICP-MSMineralsPreventive healthcareReference values

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