Mineral composition and marker enzymes status of children on daily multivitamins intake

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of routine intake of multivitamin minerals supplements (MVMS) as children's routine drugs on serum marker enzymes, mineral components and their general wellness. Blood samples were obtained from 40 children within age range of 1 and 5 years old at Ekiti State Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti. Serum was obtained from the samples and the level of Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Zinc (Zn), Magnesium (Mg), Iron (Fe), Sodium (Na), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and Acid phosphatase (ACP) in the serum were determined using spectrophotometry method. Anthropometric parameters such as sex, age, weight, height as well as packed cell volume (PCV) were also determined. All values were expressed as the mean± standard error of mean (mean ±SEM). The significance of the result was calculated using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Values were considered statistically significant at P<0.05. The results showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in the children's weight, height and PCV. K, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Na levels were higher in children on routine MVMS than in children who do not. There is no significant difference in the levels of ALP and ACP in both groups of children (P>0.05). The results, therefore, suggest that routine intake of MVMS Improves the proper growth and development of children.