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Zinc content of red and white blood cells in aboriginal children
Insights
Zinc levels in blood cells were significantly lower in Aboriginal children compared to Caucasian children. This suggests a potential zinc deficiency impacting the health of these young individuals.
Area of Science:
- Human physiology
- Nutritional science
- Indigenous health
Background:
- Zinc is an essential trace element crucial for numerous biological functions.
- Previous observations suggested potential micronutrient deficiencies in Indigenous populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the zinc content in erythrocytes, granulocytes, and lymphocytes of Aboriginal children.
- To compare zinc levels between Aboriginal children and a Caucasian control group.
Main Methods:
- Atomic absorption spectroscopy and proton induced x-ray emission were utilized for zinc analysis.
- Blood samples were collected from 48 Aboriginal children (6-13 years) and 25 Caucasian children.
Main Results:
- Significantly reduced zinc content was observed in lymphocytes, granulocytes, and erythrocytes of Aboriginal boys.
- White blood cell zinc levels may serve as a reliable indicator of current zinc status.
Conclusions:
- Aboriginal boys in the studied age group exhibit lower zinc levels in key blood cells.
- These findings highlight a potential public health concern regarding zinc status in this population.
Abstract:
Studies were carried out on erythrocyte, granulocyte and lymphocyte zinc content of aboriginal children at the La Grange settlement in the north-west area of the Kimberley. Forty-eight children, 34 boys and 14 girls between 6 and 13 years were studied. Only the boys were investigated for white blood cell (WBC) zinc. Twenty-five Caucasian children volunteered to give blood for control studies. Two approaches were made concerning zinc analyses, atomic absorption spectroscopy and proton induced x-ray emission. It was found that lymphocyte, granulocyte and erythrocyte zinc content were significantly reduced in aboriginal boys aged 6 to 13 years. Since the turnover of white blood cells is relatively fast, it follows that the zinc content of these cells may be a true index of current zinc status confirming previous observations.