Correlation Of Trace Element Levels In Drinking Water With Body Composition Of Children

Drinking water is a significant source in mineral intake due to the fact that waterborne minerals are present in ionic form and are instantly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. However, up until now, no comprehensive research has been encountered about how levels of trace elements in drinking water are related with body compositions of the children. Thereupon, in this study, it was aimed to assess the relationship between clinically important trace element levels in public drinking water and body composition of the children in Batman. The universe of the study consisted of female children, at the age range of 13-18 (mean age 15.9±1.68), who were divided into overweight, obese and normal weight groups of 20 participants, according to body mass index (BMI) and percentile curves, and who applied to Batman Regional State Hospital Diet Policlinic. The levels of lithium (Li), nickel, lead (Pb), silicon, stannum, strontium (Sr), boron, aluminium (Al), barium and rubidium were measured in water samples obtained from municipality and individual wells by employing inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. Body composition measurements were performed by means of bioelectrical impedance analysis (Tanita BC 418). Li levels in drinking water showed significantly positive correlations with BMI, fat mass and fat percentage in all children. Similarly, Pb levels in drinking water showed significantly positive correlations with BMI, fat mass and fat percentage in children. Finally, Al and Sr levels in drinking water showed significantly positive correlations with body weight, BMI, fat percentage and several variables of body composition in children. According to the findings obtained, it may be suggested that there is a relationship between Li, Pb, Al and Sr contents in drinking water and body composition of children aged 13-18.