MICROELEMENT COMPOSITION OF HAIR AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN IN THE ARAL REGION

Abstract

Aim. To study the elemental composition of hair and physical development of children in the age category of 7-11 years old in the Aral Sea region.

Material and methods. The study included 240 practically healthy schoolchildren aged 7-11 years living in the Aral Sea region (Khorezm region) and the control group consisted of 60 children of Tashkent city.

Results. The results of studies on hair composition and health status of 240 schoolchildren residing in the Khorezm region revealed functional impairments in various systems, including the musculoskeletal system, autonomic nervous system, digestive tract organs, diseases of the genitourinary system, as well as deviations in physical development. In children of the main group from the Aral Sea region, hair analysis revealed high concentrations of sodium and chlorine; other major elements, such as Co, Cu, Cr, K, Ca, and Zn, were found at low levels.

Conclusion. It was found in this study that the negative impact of environmental factors of the Aral Sea region on children's health leads to an imbalance of macro- and microelements in the body, to physical development disorders, contributes to a decrease in the immune reactivity of the body and further leads to the development of various ecopathological diseases.