Low serum copper and zinc concentrations in North Indian children with overweight and obesity

Introduction
There are limited data on the alterations of serum copper and zinc, which have been proposed to have associations among children with obesity.

Material and methods
A total of 173 children were enrolled and grouped into overweight/obese (n = 69) and non-obese (n = 104) according to CDC 2000 growth charts. Serum and whole blood zinc and copper concentrations were measured by validated ICP-MS method, and copper/zinc ratios were calculated and correlated to various anthropometric parameters.

Results
Mean BMI in obese (24.78 ±3.93) was significantly higher as compared to non-obese (16.44 ±2.34; p < 0.0001, 95% CI: 15.9873–16.8998) children. Mean serum copper levels in obese children (1099.80 ±478.67 µg/l) were significantly lower than for non-obese children (2063.77 ±1006.81 µg/l; p = 0.0001, 95% CI: 1867.9755–2259.5755). Similarly, the mean serum zinc levels in obese children (851.53 ±406.33 µg/l) were also significantly lower as compared to non-obese children (1528.72 ±796.82 µg/l; p = 0.0001, 95% CI: 1373.76–1683.6879). Mean whole blood copper levels were significantly lower in obese (929.56 ±200.15 µg/l) as compared to non-obese (1393.22 ±861.92 µg/l; p = 0.0001, 95% CI: 1225.6023–1560.8481) children. Similarly, the mean whole blood zinc levels in obese (4384.11 ±881.87 µg/l) were also significantly lower as compared to non-obese (5380.14 ±2236.77 µg/l; p = 0.001, 95% CI: 4945.1491–5815.1416) children.

Conclusions
The serum and whole blood concentrations of zinc and copper were found to be significantly lower in children with exogenous obesity as compared to controls. Additional investigations are recommended to see the underlying aspect of these elements in the development of obesity along with their co-morbidities.