The effect of dietary habits on mineral composition of human scalp hair

Katarzyna Chojnacka; Agnieszka Zielińska; Izabela Michalak; Henryk Górecki

doi:10.1016/j.etap.2010.06.002

The effect of dietary habits on mineral composition of human scalp hair

Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2010 Sep;30(2):188-94. doi: 10.1016/j.etap.2010.06.002. Epub 2010 Jun 26.

Authors

Katarzyna Chojnacka¹, Agnieszka Zielińska, Izabela Michalak, Henryk Górecki

Affiliation

¹ Institute of Inorganic Technology and Mineral Fertilizers, Wrocław University of Technology, ul. Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372 Wrocław, Poland.

PMID: 21787651
DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2010.06.002

Abstract

In the present work, hair mineral analysis of 117 individuals was carried out. The subjects were asked to fill a questionnaire concerning their dietary habits. The content of minerals in hair was determined by ICP-OES (macroelements) and ICP-MS technique (micro-, toxic and other trace elements). The results were elaborated statistically by Statisticaver. 8.0. It was found that consuming highly processed food causes increased levels of e.g. Na and P in hair, intake of slimming preparation resulted in increased content of Al, Cr, Ti, taking in laxative agents caused lower level of Pb (this element was probably eliminated by other excretory routes). Individuals which declared the use of analgesic agents had more Si in their hair. Drinking coffee was related with higher level of Al, Ni, S and Ti and lower Pb in hair. Drinking tea caused reduction in the level of Hg. These results show that hair mineral content reflects exposure of elements from the diet.