Comparison of the hair metals in obese children according to slim therapy

Authors:

• R. Wójciak,
• Ewa Helena Mojs,
• M. Stanislawska-Kubiak

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this preliminary study was to assess whether low calorie diets and physical activity therapy influence the concentration of calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper and iron in the hair of obese children. We evaluated the differences between the contents of biometals in the hair of obese children before therapy in comparison with trace elements in their hair after therapy. Method: The hair samples were taken from several points of occipital scalp before and after 6 weeks of slim procedure (-20% of recommendcalories and not less than 4 h a day of physical activity). The content of metals was determined by flame-atomic absorption spectrometry method. Results: The levels of calcium, magnesium, zinc, and copper in the hair of obese children were significantly lower after therapy than before and were as follows: 634.3; 51.32; 166.9; 14.24; and 704.0; 56.14; 179.1; 14.51; μg/g; respectively. There were no differences in the hair iron contents (∼17.0 μg/g). We also observed the significant differences between obese girls and boys in the level of hair calcium and copper. Conclusions: The type of slim procedure influenced the contents of metals in the hair of obese children. It may suggest that a physiological mechanism exists to keep trace elements in organism for the period of decreasing food intake. This preliminary study suggests that a more detailed examination and explanation is needed in this area. ©2010 Dustri-Verlag Dr. K. Feistle.