INFLUENCE OF DIETARY HABITS ON ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS AND LEAD LEVELS IN FINGER NAILS AND SCALP HAIR OF ADULT MALES IN KENYA

Abstract

The influence of dietary habits on levels of Pb and essential elements Zn, Fe, Ca and Mg was evaluated on finger nails and scalp hair of exposed and unexposed males in Kenya using AAS. In recent years studies have shown that there are increased human health disorders due to negligible concentration of essential elements in the body. This could be due to the poor eating habits especially exhibited by the male population who in addition work in areas that expose them to lead pollution. Lead levels are known to influence essential element levels. The factors that were found to have significant influence on Pb and essential element levels in hair and nails included: use of glazed ceramics, consumption of canned and highly processed foods, consumption of exposed foods and sources of water among others. The study also observed that high levels of Pb in the inger nail or scalphair had a negative correlation with Ca and Zn. The results of this study will be used to recommend the use of hair and nails as bio-indicators of essential element status as well as environmental exposure to lead instead of blood.