Evaluation of Some Essential Minerals among Military Cigarette Smokers and Alcohol Users in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption disrupt essential mineral homeostasis, causing oxidative stress and inflammation. Military personnel, exposed to occupational stress and elevated substance use, require urgent evaluation of their mineral status. Aim of the Study: To evaluate the levels of some essential minerals in military cigarette smokers and alcohol users in Abuja, Nigeria. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Army Command and Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) Hospital, Asokoro, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria, between February and September 2024. Methodology: This study randomly recruited 160 male military personnel aged between 25 to 64 years, 25 were cigarette smokers, 45 alcohol consumers and 45 individuals who both smoke and consume alcohol, and 45 non-exposed controls, with exposure status determined based on self-reported history of cigarette use and alcohol intake. Blood samples were collected by venipuncture and used for analysis. Serum Ca, Mg, inorganic phosphate, Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Fe²⁺ levels were estimated using colorimetric method. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 25. and results were considered statistically significant at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Results obtained from this study revealed significant increases p<0.05 in Mg²⁺ (1.03 ± 0.07mmol/L), Zn²⁺ (136.27 ± 13.11ug/dL), and Cu²⁺ (18.59 ± 3.85umol/L) levels, alongside a significant reduction p<0.05 in serum Ca²⁺(2.11 ± 0.11mmol/L), among smokers when compared with non-smokers. Among alcohol users, Mg²⁺ (1.00 ± 0.07mmol/L), Zn²⁺(135.54 ± 7.32ug/dL), and Fe²⁺ (20.11 ± 7.70umol/L) were significantly elevated p<0.05, while Ca²⁺(2.10 ± 0.17mmol/L), and Cu²⁺(13.25 ± 5.35umol/L) levels were significantly reduced. In the group that both smoked and consumed alcohol, PO₄²⁻(1.23 ± 0.22mmol/L), Zn²⁺(137.95±9.84ug/dL), and Fe²⁺(27.76 ± 13.28umol/L) levels were significantly elevated p<0.05, while Ca²⁺ (2.18 ± 0.14mmol/L) was significantly decreased. Analysis based on age revealed that Zn²⁺ levels varied significantly with age. Conclusion: These findings emphasize the potential health risks of smoking and alcohol use on some essential minerals and systemic health in a vulnerable, physically active population.