Serum zinc, copper, and magnesium levels in obese children

Serum zinc, copper and magnesium levels were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 41 obese and 41 healthy (control) children (between 7 and 11 years of age) who were living in Malatya (Turkey). Serum zinc levels of obese children (mean value 102.40 +/- 2.78 micrograms/dL) were found to be significantly higher than those of the control group (mean value 80.49 +/- 2.98 micrograms/dL; P < 0.01). Serum copper concentrations were also found to be significantly higher in obese children (mean value 132.34 +/- 1.79 micrograms/dL) than the healthy controls (mean value 107.58 +/- 1.62 micrograms/dL; P < 0.01). On the other hand, serum magnesium levels were found to be significantly lower in obese children (mean value 1.78 +/- 0.03 mg/dL) than in the healthy children (mean value 2.14 +/- 0.04 mg/dL; P < 0.01).