Serum Zinc, Copper, Magnesium and Selenium Levels in Children with Helicobacter Pylori Infection

Helicobacter pylori infection can cause disease from mild to severe that may be accompanied by micronutrient deficiencies. We aimed to investigate serum zinc, copper, magnesium and selenium levels in Helicobacter pylori positive children. Thirty-four children, with chronic abdominal pain and diag-nosed to be Helicobacter pylori-positive and 20 healthy children with the same demo-graphic characteristics were included in the study. Serum zinc, copper and magnesium levels were measured in the flame unit of atomic absorption spectrophotometer, selenium levels were measured in the graphite unit of the same atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Serum zinc levels were significantly higher and serum magnesium levels were significantly lower (p0.05). There was no significant difference between serum selenium levels of two groups. We concluded that in Helicobacter pylori-positive children, many trace elements and mineral metabolism may change.