Impact of Drug Use on Mineral Levels in Blood
Author Information
Author(s): Hossain Kazi Jahangir, Kamal Md Mustafa, Ahsan Monira, SK Nazrul Islam
Primary Institution: Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka
Hypothesis
Illicit drug use and lifestyle impair mineral status.
Conclusion
Illicit drug use impairs serum mineral value causing an increase in copper and zinc and a decrease in iron.
Supporting Evidence
- Drug dependent subjects showed significant increases in serum copper and zinc concentrations.
- Iron levels were significantly lower in drug dependent subjects compared to controls.
- Multiple sexual partnerships negatively influenced zinc status.
- Longer periods of drug abuse correlated with higher copper and iron levels.
Takeaway
Using drugs can change the levels of important minerals in your blood, making some higher and others lower.
Methodology
The study analyzed serum copper, zinc, and iron levels in 253 male drug users aged 18-45 and compared them with non-drug dependent controls.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported drug use and lifestyle factors.
Limitations
The study only included male participants and did not account for all potential confounding factors.
Participant Demographics
253 male multiple drug users aged 18-45 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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