Related Experiment Videos
Trace elements in the sweat of acclimatized persons
1Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Clinica Chimica Acta; International Journal of Clinical Chemistry
|November 1, 1994
Summary
This study measured trace elements in sweat, finding significant levels of copper, zinc, manganese, nickel, cadmium, and aluminum. These findings suggest sweat excretion plays a role in trace element balance.
Area of Science:
- Human Physiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Trace elements are essential for human health.
- Understanding trace element excretion is crucial for maintaining homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the levels of specific trace elements excreted in human sweat.
- To investigate the role of sweat in the body's overall trace element balance.
Main Methods:
- Collected sweat samples from 15 healthy subjects during cycle ergometer exercise.
- Analyzed sweat for copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), and aluminum (Al) using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
Main Results:
- Mean sweat concentrations: Zn (358.1 µg/l), Cu (486.8 µg/l), Mn (3.10 µg/l), Ni (69.9 µg/l), Cd (1.91 µg/l), Al (15.0 µg/l).
- Significant quantities of these trace elements are excreted through sweat in habitually sweating individuals.
Conclusions:
- Sweat excretion is a notable route for eliminating trace elements.
- Dietary intake and renal conservation are likely key factors in preventing trace element deficiencies in acclimatized individuals.