Zinc, copper, magnesium and glycated haemoglobin levels in obese individual in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Obesity is a major risk factor for a plethora of severe diseases associated with micronutrient metabolism. Zinc, copper and magnesium serve variety of catalytic, structural and regulatory functions in the body. Their bioavailability may be disturbed in obesity. It is important to understand the status of these elements in obesity to appreciate their roles in the complications of obesity. Eighty-six obese individuals and fifty control subjects were studied. Ethical Clearance and informed consent were obtained prior to sample collection. 5ml of fasting venous sample were collected and 3ml dispensed into plain bottle while the remaining 2ml were dispensed into lithium heparin container for glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) estimation. The clotted sample was spun and the serum harvested for the assay of the trace elements. HbA1c was estimated using the method of Karunamnayake and Chandrasekharan. Method of Mann and Yoe was used to estimate magnesium while copper and zinc were assayed using AAS. Mean level of zinc of controls was higher than those of obese individuals, (p = 0.017). Mean level in Class 111 obesity was yet lower than in Class 1 but not in Class 11 obesity (p = 0.05). Copper showed steady non-significant decrease in value with increase in BMI. Magnesium decreased among groups (p = 0.043) with increase in BMI. Similarly HbA1c concentration increased steadily with increase in BMI (p = 0.019). Deficiencies of zinc, copper, magnesium have been observed in obese individuals suggesting the need to measure trace elements concentrations to forestall the development of deficiency states and related health complications.

Keywords:

Copper, zinc, magnesium, glycated haemoglobin, obesity