Assessment of Micronutrient Status of Conscripts in Arctic Zone of Russian Federation

Abstract

The aim of the study is to assess the micronutrient status in the autumn and winter periods of conscripted military personnel serving in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation (Arctic); to perform a comparative analysis of the laboratory and clinical methods used to determine micronutrient insufficiency. Materials and methods of research. The study involved 154 conscripts (all male) aged 18-25 years, healthy, service experience in the Arctic – from 4 months. In the autumn (2 points) and spring (one point) phases the following issues were studied: a set of physical health indicators; laboratory indicators of 8 vitamins (A, E, D, C, B1, B2, B12, folic acid) and 8 minerals (Fe, Ca, P, Co, Mn, Cu, Se, Cr) in the blood; symptoms of vitamin deficiency. The state of health, physical fitness, morbidity and hospitalization of the subjects were evaluated. Research results and their analysis. Data were obtained on the prevalence of hidden (subclinical) forms of vitamin deficiency, including more than 50% – for folic acid, vitamins A, E, D, C, as well as all the studied minerals - in the autumn-winter period, which is more dangerous in terms of the incidence of respiratory infections in organized contingents. The classical view of the prevalence of hypovitaminosis in the spring was revised, which was only partially confirmed for vitamins C and B1. It was found that the classical methods of diagnosis based on clinical symptoms used to determine manifest forms of hypo-and avitaminosis are ineffective for early detection of subclinical forms (prehypovitaminosis). The necessity is substantiated of wider implementation of modern means of laboratory diagnostics of micronutrient deficiency in the body using a proven method of freezing transported samples in combination with already used hygienic methods.