Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the mineral-focused nutritional composition of commercially available kimchi. Materials and methods: Nutritional information for 428 kimchi products was obtained from the Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's processed food database. In addition, a nutritional survey and mineral content analysis were conducted on commercially available baechukimchi (n = 63), followed by a nutritional assessment according to kimchi type. Results: Among all the manufactured and processed kimchi products, baechukimchi accounted for ~ 60% of the products produced. Among the commercially available kimchi products, fresh kimchi had the highest price per 100 g. Stir-fried kimchi had the highest energy, fat, and saturated fat contents. Stuffed kimchi had the highest protein, carbohydrate, and sugar contents, whereas aged kimchi exhibited the highest Na content. In the mineral content analysis of commercially available baechukimchi, the Ca, K, and Mg levels were highest in stuffed kimchi; the P, Zn, and Cu levels were highest in stir-fried kimchi; and the Mn level was highest in seasoned kimchi. Based on a single serving of total kimchi products, the Mo and Cr contents exceeded 10% of the reference values at 14.3% and 12.5%, respectively. The index of nutritional quality for all kimchi products exceeded 1, ranging from 1.44 for Zn to 26.8 for Mo. Conclusion: Despite being a salted food with a high Na content, kimchi is a mineral-dense food that can contribute to the intake of various dietary minerals when it is consumed in appropriate amounts.
Objectives: This study aims to measure the concentrations of lead and cadmium in whole blood and urine of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and combined ASD + ADHD, compared with healthy controls in Baghdad, Iraq. Materials and methods: This case-control study was carried out at the College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, between March and September 2025. A total of 200 children aged 2-15 years were enrolled and categorized into four groups: control (n = 40), ADHD (n = 30), ASD (n = 57), and ASD + ADHD (n = 73). Venous blood samples (3 mL) and urine samples (20 mL) were collected from each participant. Whole blood and urinary lead concentrations were measured using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), while cadmium concentrations were determined using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Results: The mean concentrations of whole blood lead and cadmium were significantly higher in all patient groups (ASD, ADHD, and ASD + ADHD) relative to controls (p < 0.001). In contrast, urinary cadmium levels did not show significant differences between patient groups and controls (p > 0.05). However, urinary lead concentrations were significantly elevated in all patient groups relative to the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Elevated whole blood and urinary lead levels, along with increased whole blood cadmium concentrations, suggest that heavy metal exposure may play a role in the pathogenesis of ASD, ADHD, and ASD + ADHD. The absence of significant differences in urinary cadmium indicates limited excretion despite systemic accumulation.
Objective: The third most important cause of mortality in children under 5 is loss of fluid and electrolytes during acute diarrhea. Although changes in serum sodium (Na), potassium (K), and chloride (Cl) levels in the course of acute diarrhea are well known, there is a scarcity of knowledge in regards to levels of trace elements. In this study, we aimed to evaluate serum trace element levels in children with acute diarrhea. Materials and methods: The study, in our center, prospectively included 79 patients with acute diarrhea, aged 6 months to 5 years, and 40 age-and sex-matched healthy children. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, routine laboratory tests, and trace element levels of children in both groups were compared. Results: The mean age of the patients was 33.6 +/- 18.4 months and 59.5% (n = 47) were male. There was no difference between the patient group and healthy children in terms of age, sex, and sociodemographic characteristics. The causative agent in the stool was detected in 11.4% of the patients (6.3% rotavirus, 3.8% adenovirus, 1.3% Campylobacter jejuni). Serum pH, HCO3, Cl, copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), molybdenum (Mo), sodium (Na), and zinc (Zn) levels were lower in patients compared to healthy children (p = 0.008, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, 0.002, 0.008, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). Only serum aluminum (Al) and manganese (Mn) levels were higher in patients compared to healthy chil dren (p = 0.028 and p < 0.001). Conclusion: It was observed that the levels of many of the trace elements, which have critical roles in our body, changed during acute diarrhea. Awareness of impaired homeostasis will be important in preventing possible morbidity and mortality.
Objective: Magnesium (Mg) infusion has been used as a therapeutic option for sudden hearing loss for more than 10 years. Nevertheless, data on the actual Mg status of affected patients are lacking. This study investigated serum Mg concentrations in patients presenting with sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Materials and methods: Serum Mg concentrations were measured in all patients hospitalized for sud-den hearing loss at the ENT Department in Nordhausen, Germany. A total of 39 patients (18 female, 21 male; median age 63 years, range 27-88) were included. Serum Mg levels were correlated with calculated hearing loss (in %) and with frequency-specific hearing loss (in dB) at 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 Hz (difference compared to the unaffected ear). Results: Mean serum Mg con-centration was 0.87 +/- 0.05 mmol/L, within the normal reference range. No correlation was observed between serum Mg and over-all hearing loss (in %) or frequency-specific loss. However, a significantly higher rate of total hearing loss (defined as >= 100 dB differ-ence to the normal ear) occurred in patients with Mg levels >= 0.90 mmol/L (p = 0.002, chi(2 )= 10.04). In the >= 0.90 mmol/L group, 10 frequencies showed total hearing loss com-pared with 4 frequencies in patients with Mg < 0.90 mmol/L. Conclusion: Elevated se-rum Mg levels may represent a risk factor for sudden deafness. Further controlled studies are necessary to re-evaluate the therapeutic relevance of Mg supplementation in sudden hearing loss.
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the serum levels of homocysteine, folate, vitamin B12, magnesium, and iron in patients diagnosed with cerebrovascular disease and to evaluate the potential benefit of these parameters in the diagnosis and follow-up of the disease. Materials and methods: A total of 50 patients were included in the study: 25 patients diagnosed with cerebrovascular disease (group I) and 25 completely healthy individuals (group II). Serum homocysteine, vitamin B12, iron, and magnesium levels were assessed. Magnesium and iron levels were measured using colorimetric methods, homocysteine levels using the ELISA method, vitamin B12 and folate levels using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Results: No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of age. Homocysteine levels were statistically significantly higher in group I than in group II. Vitamin B12, folate, iron, and magnesium levels were statistically significantly lower in group I than in group II. Conclusion: Homocysteine, vitamin B12, folate, iron, and magnesium levels can be used as biomarkers in the diagnosis and follow-up of cerebrovascular disease and may also play a role in the pathogenesis of cerebrovascular disease.
Objective: This research aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of zoledronic acid (ZA) combined with elcatonin (ECT) in the treatment of osteoporosis (OP) and their effects on bone metabolism, inflammatory response, and bone mineral density. Materials and methods: A total of 108 OP patients were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 54 each). Group A received ZA plus ECT, while group B was treated with ZA alone. Outcomes assessed before and after treatment included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS), serum inflammatory markers (TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6), bone metabolism indicators (P1NP, BALP, beta-CTX, and TRACP), blood calcium and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), and T-scores of lumbar spine (L1-L4) and femoral neck bone mineral density. Clinical efficacy and adverse events were also recorded. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements after treatment; however, group A exhibited greater reductions in ODI, VAS, and inflammatory markers, alongside more favorable changes in bone turnover markers (higher P1NP and BALP, lower beta-CTX and TRACP) and higher levels of blood calcium and serum 25(OH)D. Bone density Tscores at L1-L4 and the femoral neck increased significantly in both groups, with higher gains observed in group A. The total effective rate was higher in group A (94.44%) than in group B (79.63%, p < 0.05), with no significant difference in adverse event rates. Conclusion: Combined therapy with ZA and ECT offers superior benefits over ZA alone in reducing inflammation, enhancing bone metabolism, and improving bone density in patients with osteoporosis, without increasing adverse events.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional characteristics of commercially available plant-based meat substitutes in comparison with conventional meat products, focusing on their poroximate composition, mineral content, and dietary fiber. Materials and methods: A total of 22 plant-based meat products (patties, nuggets, and tuna types) and 24 conventional meat products were analyzed. The proximate composition was examined using nutrition labeling data, while 10 mineral elements were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and dietary fiber was analyzed using the enzymatic-gravimetric method. Results: The energy, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol contents were significantly lower in the plant-based meat substitutes than in the conventional meat products. In contrast, the levels of calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, molybdenum, and chromium were significantly higher in the plant-based meat substitutes. The zinc content was significantly lower in the plantbased patties than in the conventional meat patties. The dietary fiber content was significantly greater in all types of plant-based meats compared with their conventional counterparts. Conclusion: These findings highlight the nutritional advantages of plantbased meat substitutes, particularly in terms of mineral and dietary fiber content. However, the lower zinc levels observed in some plant-based products suggest the need for further research on zinc bioavailability and for optimization of mineral balance in plantbased meat substitutes.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, typically diagnosed in childhood and potentially persisting into adulthood. While genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors contribute to ADHD, its precise causes remain unclear. Environmental factors, including prenatal exposure to neurotoxic metals, may increase the risk of developing the disorder. This study aimed to investigate the potential association between lead and cadmium exposure, alongside other environmental risk factors, and ADHD in children from the city of Marrakech, Morocco. The study included 42 children, divided into two groups: 21 children diagnosed with ADHD according to DSM-5 criteria and Conners' scale, and 21 healthy controls with no history of psychiatric or medical conditions. Parents completed questionnaires on environmental risk factors, and hair samples were collected for analysis using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS). Our results revealed significant associations between ADHD and prenatal exposure to environmental pollutants, including proximity to industrial zones, heavy traffic, and maternal exposure to paint and toxic products. Additionally, children with ADHD had significantly higher median levels of lead (2.670 & micro;g/g) and cadmium (0.12 & micro;g/g) in their hair compared to controls. The risk of developing ADHD was 1.46 times higher for lead and 1.33 times higher for cadmium. Sex analysis showed that boys with ADHD had higher levels of these metals than girls, suggesting a potential sex influence on heavy metal accumulation and ADHD development. Our findings support previous research suggesting that heavy metals may contribute to the development of ADHD. Further research is necessary to explore the underlying mechanisms of these associations.
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the leading global causes of death and disability. Its incidence and mortality rates are on the rise, particularly in developing countries. AMI involves a complex interplay of traditional risk factors like atherosclerosis and coronary artery spasms, along with various environmental factors. Trace elements, essential for numerous physiological processes such as redox reactions, immune regulation, and enzyme activity maintenance, can influence AMI risk when their levels are abnormal. They may promote AMI development through mechanisms like inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. Studies indicate a significant link between environmental trace elements (e.g., lead, cadmium, arsenic) and cardiovascular event risk, while essential elements like copper, iron, and zinc also play crucial roles. Despite existing research, evidence remains scattered and mechanisms are not fully understood. This paper reviews recent advances in understanding the relationship between trace elements and AMI, focusing on potential mechanisms and epidemiological links, to provide a theoretical basis for AMI prevention and intervention.
Objective: Few studies have systematically analyzed how mineral content varies among unprocessed, processed, and ultra-processed foods on the basis of the degree of processing. The aim of this study was to assess changes in caloric and mineral content according to food processing levels. Materials and methods: In this study, 107,436 processed foods were classified into processed and ultra-processed categories using data from the Integrated Food Nutrient Database provided by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in Korea. Their calorie, fat, sugar, and sodium content were compared and evaluated. Additionally, processed and ultra-processed products derived from 5 unprocessed foods-tomato, banana, potato, egg, and chicken-were selected and analyzed. The caloric and nutrient content were assessed using the Association of Official Analytical Collaboration (AOAC) standard methods and nutrition labeling data, whereas 14 minerals were measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to evaluate changes associated with processing. Results: Ultra-processed foods contained significantly higher levels of energy, carbohydrates, fat, sugars, and sodium but significantly lower protein content than processed foods. The mean energy, carbohydrate, fat, and sodium content of the five selected food types varied significantly depending on the level of processing, with ultra-processed foods exhibiting significantly higher values than unprocessed or processed foods. The mineral content tended to decrease with the degree of processing, with significant reductions observed in the molybdenum content and magnesium nutrient density. Conclusion: These results suggest that as food undergoes greater processing, its nutritional quality declines, particularly in terms of mineral content.
