Assessment of the minerals copper, iron and zinc in hair, blood and urine of patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis were conducted to investigate the role of trace elements in the aetiology and pathogenesis of this condition.
There were two groups aged 46 to 60 and 61 to 75 years of age, including males and females compared to age matched healthy control groups. Results of the study revealed significantly lower levels of iron, copper and zinc in blood and scalp hair samples in arthritis patients compared to the health control groups.
Conclusions of the study stated, “These data present guidance to clinicians and other professionals investigating deficiency of essential trace metals in biological samples (scalp hair and blood) of RA patients.
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Source: Afrisi, HI, et al. Evaluation of status of zinc, copper and iron levels in biological samples of normal and arthritis patients in age groups 46-60 and 61-75 years. Clin.Lab. 58, 2012