Trace Mineral Levels in Postmenopausal Women Compared to Premenopausal Women Living Within Port Harcourt Metropolis

Aim: The physiological transformation of women from pre to post-menopause is often accompanied with many changes in biochemical parameters which instigates some physiological alterations in the body system of the women. Research has shown some alterations in trace mineral nutrition and metabolism following attainment of menopause. This study was aimed at investigating the trace mineral status in premenopausal and postmenopausal women in Port-Harcourt metropolis.

Methods: This study was carried out among fifty (50) apparently healthy postmenopausal women aged between 45-65 years and twenty (20) premenopausal women aged between 22-38 years. Five milliliters (5 mL) of venous blood was withdrawn from each participant after an informed consent was obtained. Blood samples were emptied into a plain tube and allowed to clot. Samples were spun and serum separated into separate tubes and stored at -200C until analysis. Serum levels of trace mineral magnesium, calcium, zinc and copper were evaluated using Atomic absorption Spectrophotometer ELICO, India, Model No. SL173. Data generated were analyzed using Graph-Pad Prism version 8.0.2 and p < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Result reveal a significant reduction in serum levels of magnesium in post-menopausal women (0.39± 0.29 mmol/L) when compared with the premenopausal women (1.14 ± 0.54 mmol/L) (P< 0.0001). Similarly, the serum zinc declined in postmenopausal women 6.12 ± 6.42mmol/L compared with the premenopausal women 23.02± 12.25mmol/L (P< 0.0001). However, serum levels of copper and calcium were not statistically different in the two groups (p> 0.05).

Conclusion: The findings in this work suggests a decrease in serum zinc and magnesium levels in postmenopausal women, hence dietary supplements of these trace minerals is advocated for post-menopausal women.