The increasing incidence of anemia and overweight, especially among children and adolescents, is recognized as a serious public health problem worldwide. Although the impact of anemia and obesity on an individual’s health is well documented, the underlying metabolic dysregulation, particularly regarding trace element homeostasis, is not fully understood, especially during critical early or subclinical stages. Traditional diagnostic markers often lack the sensitivity to detect these subtle changes.
According to a study published in the KeAi journal Environmental chemistry and ecotoxicologyA group of Chinese researchers has pioneered an approach that integrates the analysis of 13 essential and non-essential trace elements with a novel application of stable isotope ratios of copper (δ⁶⁵Cu) in pediatric serum.
We demonstrated for the first time the potential of δ⁶⁵Cu as a sensitive isotope biomarker for early detection of anemia in a pediatric cohort. Although traditional hematological parameters and absolute element concentrations had limited discriminatory power, δ⁶⁵Cu values showed marginal significance between anemic and non-anemic children, suggesting that they may capture subtle metabolic changes that precede overt clinical symptoms. ”
Liu Qian Simultaneous support Author, Professor of Environmental Analytical Chemistry, Center for Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences
The research team also revealed previously unreported distinct serum metal patterns associated with body mass index (BMI), particularly a strong positive gradual association between serum lead (Pb) levels and increasing BMI.
“This finding definitively links exposure to environmental toxicants and the risk of childhood obesity,” Liu said. “Furthermore, serum metal levels indicate compensatory mechanisms in mild childhood anemia.”
Meanwhile, cobalt was identified as a potential dual biomarker for anemia and overweight children. The researchers argued that new biomonitoring strategies need to integrate multi-element and isotope data.
“Coupling detailed metalomics and isotopic analysis reveals new associations between trace element dysregulation, environmental exposures, and common childhood health conditions,” adds Liu. “We believe these discoveries offer the potential for major shifts in improving early diagnosis, understanding the pathophysiology, and guiding targeted public health actions.”
sauce:
Chinese Academy of Sciences
Reference magazines:
Chan, L. Others. (2026). Serum metallurgical profiling and copper isotope analysis in anemic or overweight children. Environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology. DOI: 10.1016/j.enceco.2026.05.015. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590182626001050?via%3Dihub
