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[Deficiency of certain trace elements in children with hyperactivity]
T Kozielec1, B Starobrat-Hermelin, L Kotkowiak
1Zakładu Medycyny Rodzinnej Pomorskiej Akademii Medycznej.
Insights
Children with hyperactivity show lower levels of essential trace elements like magnesium and zinc. Supplementing these minerals may be necessary for managing hyperactivity symptoms in pediatric populations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Trace Element Analysis
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Background:
- Hyperactivity in children is a growing concern.
- Trace elements play crucial roles in neurological function.
- Previous research suggests potential links between mineral deficiencies and hyperactivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the levels of key trace elements in children diagnosed with hyperactivity.
- To compare these levels against a control group of healthy children.
- To determine the necessity of trace element supplementation for hyperactivity management.
Main Methods:
- Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) was utilized for analysis.
- Plasma, erythrocytes, urine, and hair samples were collected from 50 hyperactive children (aged 4-13).
- Samples were compared to those from a healthy control group from Szczecin.
Main Results:
- Children with hyperactivity exhibited lower average concentrations of magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, and calcium compared to controls.
- The most significant deficit in trace elements was observed in the hair samples.
- All measured trace elements were found to be at reduced levels in the hyperactive group.
Conclusions:
- A notable deficiency in essential trace elements exists in children with hyperactivity.
- Hair analysis indicated the highest prevalence of trace element deficit.
- Trace element supplementation is recommended for children experiencing hyperactivity.
Abstract:
The magnesium, zinc, copper, iron and calcium level of plasma, erythrocytes, urine and hair in 50 children aged from 4 to 13 years with hyperactivity, were examined by AAS. The average concentration of all trace elements was lower compared with the control group--healthy children from Szczecin. The highest deficit was noted in hair. Our results show that it is necessary to supplement trace elements in children with hyperactivity.