Analysis of bioelements in the hair of adolescents in Mongolia

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the content of 23 bioelements in the hair of 110 adolescents aged 13-17 years in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. The bioelements were categorized into macroelements (MaE), microelements (MiE), and ultramicroelements (UMiE). Participants, including birth parents, guardians, and teachers of Mongolian high schools from 2000 to 2003, were involved with consent from the school administration. A total of 111 individuals were enrolled in the study, with 110 providing hair samples. Hair analysis was employed as a convenient, non-invasive, and painless method to evaluate the concentrations of bioelements and toxic metals in adolescents. Micronutrients were classified as essential or toxic. Statistical analysis was conducted using mean values, t-tests, standard deviations, and comparative methods.