Serum levels of some Metallic Elements among students of a tertiary institution with different ABO Blood Groups in Nigeria

Abstract

The clinical importance of ABO blood group system extends beyond immunohaematology and has been associated with diseases, criminal tendencies, personal characteristics and intelligence. Serum copper level was reported to be higher in some blood group type than the others in experimental animals. This study evaluates the serum levels of copper, zinc, magnesium and calcium levels in apparently healthy students in relation to their ABO blood group types. The possible health implications are discussed. ABO blood group and serum levels of copper, zinc, magnesium and calcium were determined using commercially available anti-sera and colorimetry test kits. The mean values were compared between blood group types using ANOVA and Student’s-t-test. Of the 200 apparently healthy students (100 males and 100 females) evaluated, 80 belong to blood group O, 56 blood group A, 52 group B and 12 blood group AB. Serum copper levels in the study participants according to their ABO blood types followed the order A>AB>B>O. Copper/zinc ratio also followed similar order A>AB>B>O. Serum level of copper was significantly higher (p<0.001) and calcium lower in individuals with blood group A compared with other blood group types.