ABSTRACT
Minerals are inorganic substances
present in all body tissues and fluids. They play important roles in the body.
The present study was aimed at evaluating the mineral contents (zinc, calcium
and iron) of the serum of male and female undergraduates in Michael Okpara
University of agriculture, Umudike. The mean ± standard error of mean (SEM)
were calculated for the individual minerals for both the male and female
groups. Zinc (male = 1.55 ± 51.3, female = 1.11 ±23.9); calcium (male= 1.23 ±
2.42, female 1.14 ± 2.67); iron (male = 2.81 ± 251.0, female = 2.10 ± 202.8).
The zinc content of the serum was significantly increased (P< 0.05) compared
to the normal reference range whereas the other minerals: chloride, calcium and
iron were non- significant (P>0.05) compared to the normal reference range.
This variation in the serum level of zinc may be attributed to environmental
and dietaiy factors. Furthermore, it is widely recognized and accepted that
minerals are inorganic substances required in the body for maintenance of
certain physiochemical processes. Zinc is found in moist foods and its
deficiency results in growth retardation, low blood pressure, retarded bones,
loss of appetite, loss of sense of smell and taste, weight loss, and fatigue.
Consuming low levels of zincrich foods- chicken, beef, oysters, cabbage and
other vegetables- results in these disease conditions, so consumption of these
foods will help eliminate these conditions arising from zinc deficiency.
AHABA, O (2021). Determining And Compare The Mineral Levels In Male And Female Undergraduates Of Michael Okpara University Of Agriculture, Umudike Abia State.. Repository.mouau.edu.ng: Retrieved Nov 24, 2024, from https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/determining-and-compare-the-mineral-levels-in-male-and-female-undergraduates-of-michael-okpara-university-of-agriculture-umudike-abia-state-7-2
O, AHABA. "Determining And Compare The Mineral Levels In Male And Female Undergraduates Of Michael Okpara University Of Agriculture, Umudike Abia State." Repository.mouau.edu.ng. Repository.mouau.edu.ng, 26 Oct. 2021, https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/determining-and-compare-the-mineral-levels-in-male-and-female-undergraduates-of-michael-okpara-university-of-agriculture-umudike-abia-state-7-2. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
O, AHABA. "Determining And Compare The Mineral Levels In Male And Female Undergraduates Of Michael Okpara University Of Agriculture, Umudike Abia State.". Repository.mouau.edu.ng, Repository.mouau.edu.ng, 26 Oct. 2021. Web. 24 Nov. 2024. < https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/determining-and-compare-the-mineral-levels-in-male-and-female-undergraduates-of-michael-okpara-university-of-agriculture-umudike-abia-state-7-2 >.
O, AHABA. "Determining And Compare The Mineral Levels In Male And Female Undergraduates Of Michael Okpara University Of Agriculture, Umudike Abia State." Repository.mouau.edu.ng (2021). Accessed 24 Nov. 2024. https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/determining-and-compare-the-mineral-levels-in-male-and-female-undergraduates-of-michael-okpara-university-of-agriculture-umudike-abia-state-7-2