Diagnosis of Mineral Metabolism Disorders in Children Based on Spectral Analysis of Hair

Abstract

Minerals are an essential component of the human body. To assess the level of microelements in the human body, the most informative biosubstrates are hair and dental hard tissues.

The aim of the study was to diagnose mineral metabolism disorders in children based on spectral analysis of hair.

Research methods and materials. 28 children aged 3-4 years were examined. Caries intensity was defined by the methodology of World Health Organization. The 28 chemical elements content was studied in hair by X-ray fluorescent spectroscopy method.

Results. According to our study, children with decompensated forms of caries had relatively lower levels of essential chemical elements than in children with compensated forms of caries. The content of toxic elements (Pb, As, Sn, Hg) was higher in children living in ecologically polluted conditions than in children living in relatively favorable conditions.

Conclusion. Hair chemical analysis by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry allows us to study the content of essential and toxic elements in the body. Spectral analysis of the hair can monitor the condition of the environment.