The association between selected elements and body mass index and age in male subjects

The number of obese people is increasing at a frightening rate around the globe. Metals play crucial roles in virtually all body functions, in particular in lipid metabolism. In this study, we investigate the association between calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, and manganese and body mass index (BMI) and age. In this study, 160 male individuals were enrolled. The subjects were divided into three groups based on body mass index (healthy BMI = 18.5 - 24.9, overweight BMI = 25 - 29.9, and obese = 30 BMI. Each group was subdivided into two subgroups based on age: 18 - 39 years and 40 - 60 years. The elements were measured using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The level of serum magnesium and zinc were significantly lower in the obese group (p = 0.0002, 0.0189, respectively), whereas serum copper was significantly higher in the obese group (p = 0.0019). The age factor had a significant effect on the data of serum iron and magnesium (p = 0.0019, 0.0006, respectively). There are significant associations between BMI and the elements; magnesium, zinc, and copper. In addition, age affects the levels of serum iron and magnesium.