Children under 3 years with iron-deficiency anaemia in Bulgaria and Ukraine were tested for serum trace elements. Serum chromium was measured only in the Bulgarian group, where the mean sat near the lower reference limit and 73% of children were below the reference range.
Key numbers
- Serum chromium, Bulgarian group (n = 30): 0.83 ± 0.69 µmol/L against a cited reference range of 0.95 to 9.5 µmol/L (Table 1, p. 3).
- Below-reference subgroup: 0.47 ± 0.14 µmol/L (73%, n = 22); within-reference subgroup: 1.83 ± 0.61 µmol/L (27%, n = 8) (Results, p. 3).
Methods (brief)
Cross-sectional hospital study; serum chromium by a modified spectrophotometric method (Hach Lange DR2800) in the Bulgarian group; other elements by spectrophotometry or atomic absorption spectrometry.
Evidence fitness
Supports a statement that low serum chromium values were reported in many young children with iron-deficiency anaemia in one Bulgarian hospital. It does not identify exposure sources or establish a causal role.
Limitations
Small sample; no chromium measurement in healthy controls; spectrophotometric method without reported detection limit or quality control; reference range taken from the literature.
Related evidence
Update history
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