Objective To assess the prevalence of haemal minerals(Fe,Cu,Zn,Ca,Mg) among preschool children in Jintan and provide basic information to further identify risk factors and health outcome associated with minerals in this cohort.Method A total of 1 353 male and female preschool children,aged 4-6 years,from 3 kindergarten cohorts(central city,suburbs,and countryside) in Jintan city participated in the study.Blood concentrations of Fe,Cu,Zn,Ca and Mg were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer.Results There were high deficiency rates in Zn(38.14%),Ca(34.29%),and Fe(24.32%),but only 0.67% and 0.61% have Cu and Mg deficiency respectively.Conclusion The data show that preschool children in Jintan city have in adequate mineral status which should be improved.Further study on identifying risk factors and health outcome associated with minerals is needed. |