Association between plasma and dietary trace elements and obesity in a rural Chinese population

Abstract

Trace elements may play an important role in obesity. This study aimed to assess the plasma and dietary intake levels of four trace elements, manganese, copper, zinc and selenium in a rural Chinese population and analyse the relationship between trace elements and obesity. A cross-sectional study involving 2587 participants was conducted. Logistic regression models were used to analyse the association between trace elements and obesity; Restricted cubic spline(RCS) models were used to assess the dose-response relationship between trace elements and obesity; The Weighted Quantile Sum(WQS) model was used to examine the potential interaction of four plasma trace elements on obesity. Logistic regression analysis showed that plasma selenium concentrations in the fourth quartile(Q4) exhibited a lower risk of developing obesity than the first quartile(Q1)(central obesity: OR=0.634, P=0.002; general obesity: OR=0.525, P=0.005). Plasma zinc concentration in the third quartile(Q3) showed a lower risk of developing obesity in general obesity compared to the first quartile(Q1)(OR=0.625, P=0.036). In general obesity, the risk of morbidity was 1.727 and 1.923 times higher for the second and third(Q2, Q3) quartiles of dietary manganese intake than for Q1, respectively. RCS indicated an inverse U-shaped correlation between plasma selenium and obesity. WQS revealed the combined effects of four trace elements were negatively associated with central obesity. Plasma zinc and selenium were negatively associated with obesity and dietary manganese was positively associated with obesity. The combined action of the four plasma trace elements had a negative effect on obesity.