ASSESSMENT OF SERUM IRON AND COPPER IN INDIAN SMOKERS

Abstract

Background: Tobacco smoking is one of largest public health problem throughout the world which has altered essentialminerals including serum iron and coppers those affecting important metabolic reactions. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out to determine the effect of cigarettes/beedis smoking on serum iron and copper on 50 smokers and 50 nonsmokers aged 18 to 45 years, both sex and BMI ? 25were enrolled.

Results:  statistical analysis revealed that serum iron and copper were significantly higher in smokers than nonsmokers (p<0.05).Serum iron showed significant correlation with number of cigarettes/beedis smoked per day but doesn’t with duration of smoking.  Serum copper showed that no correlation with number of cigarettes/beedis smoked per day and duration of smoking.

Conclusion: Our study concluded that smoking increases the serum iron and copper which leads to altered metabolism and hazards to overall health. 

Keywords: Smoking, Metabolism, Iron and Copper.