Blood zinc, calcium and lead levels in Chinese children aged 1-36 months

The aim of the study is to evaluate the blood lead (Pb), total blood calcium (Ca) levels and blood zinc (Zn) levels among children. A cross-sectional study was designed to collect healthy children age 1-36 months (Mean +/- SD: 1.4 +/- 0.3 age, 55% boys) in the study from January 2012 to September 2013. The overall mean blood Pb, Zn and Ca levels were (41.18 +/- 11.13) mu g/L, (62.18 +/- 13.33) mu mol/L and (1.76 +/- 0.13) mmol/L, respectively. The prevalence of elevated blood Pb levels and low blood Ca levels were 1.5% and 5.2%, respectively. The prevalence of Zn deficiency varied from42% to 49% among different age group. Biomonitoring trace element levels have a significant important to children health. Our findings suggest that parents should pay more attention to the nutrition status, especially for Zn status among children.