Effects of mercury contamination on the absorption of essential nutrients for physical development in juvenile athletes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v67.115114Keywords:
Adolescent nutrition, environmental pollution, mercury, micronutrients, miningAbstract
Introduction: Mercury contamination represents a growing threat to public health, especially in areas where mining activity is carried out without environmental controls. Its bioaccumulation affects neurological, immunological, and nutritional functions, particularly in vulnerable populations such as adolescents.
Objective: The objective of this research was to analyze the relationship between mercury exposure and essential micronutrient levels in adolescent athletes from the provinces of Esmeraldas and Napo, Ecuador.
Methodology: A quantitative, correlational, and non-experimental design was used. The sample consisted of 120 adolescents aged 14 to 18. Laboratory analyses were conducted to measure mercury and micronutrient levels, and linear regression was applied to evaluate variable relationships.
Results: The results indicated a significant inverse relationship between mercury levels and the micronutrients iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D. Higher mercury levels were found in adolescents from Esmeraldas and in females, with statistically significant differences.
Discussion: The findings are consistent with previous studies that warn about the risks of mercury exposure in mining areas and reinforce evidence of its effects on adolescent nutritional health. Research by Gualapuro et al. (2024) and Galarza et al. (2023) supports these results.
Conclusions: It is concluded that mercury exposure negatively affects the nutritional status of adolescent athletes, and it is recommended to implement environmental control measures and preventive nutritional programs., or bibliographical citations.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Herminia Johanna Morales Murillo, Annie Elizabeth Orellana Zapata, Rafael Noberto Calle Chumo, Daniel Oswaldo Cabrera Casillas, José Ricardo Ochoa Loor
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