The Associations of Erythrocyte Fatty Acids with Whole Blood Mineral Elements in Children

Background. Minerals play important biological roles in lipid metabolism. The primary aim of this study was to examine the relationships between erythrocyte fatty acids (FAs) levels with whole blood mineral elements concentrations among Chinese children. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 435 children aged 4–7 years were recruited. Whole blood mineral elements were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry and erythrocyte FAs composition by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer. Results. There were direct correlations between Zn and C18:2n-6 (FDR correctedp= 0.019), total n-6 PUFAs (FDR correctedp= 0.034), and total PUFAs (FDR correctedp= 0.034). Direct correlations were found between whole blood Zn and C18:1n-9 (FDR correctedp= 0.035), C24:1n-9 (FDR correctedp= 0.023), total MUFAs (FDR correctedp= 0.023), and C18:2n-6 (FDR correctedp= 0.048) in the Cu < P50 group. In the Cu ≥ P50 group, Mg was inversely related to most FAs (All FDR correctedp< 0.05). In the Zn < P50 group, Cu was directly related to C24:1n-9, total MUFAs, C20:5n-3, C22:6n-3, total n-3 PUFAs, C20:4n-6, total n-6 PUFAs, total PUFAs, and total FAs (All FDR correctedp< 0.05). Conclusions. Whole blood Cu and Zn levels were directly linked to several FAs levels in the erythrocytes of children. The interactions of Mg, Cu, and Zn with fatty acids may affect FA metabolism, in which Mg influences FA absorption.Keywords:erythrocyte;mineral elements;fatty acids;children