Introduction: Trace element deficiency is a major nutritional problem worldwide, affecting more than two billion people, or around a quarter of the world’s population. This situation is even more acute in developing countries than in developed countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, research and recent data on trace elements (micronutrients) are scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the serum status of calcium (Ca+), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) in women of childbearing age in Kisangani. Methods: We have conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Our sample consists of 596 women of childbearing age in apparent good health. The data collection has been prospective. Concentrations of trace elements in serum were analysed using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometer (ICP-MS Agilent 7700X). Results: The mean and median concentrations were: Calcium: 2.35 mmol/l and 2.31 mmol/l, Copper: 13.55 and 13.49 μmol/l, Magnesium: 0.85 and 0.81 mmol/l, Selenium: 0.99 and 0.76 μmol/l, and Zinc: 13.85 and 13.79 μmol/l. Respondents aged 20 - 34 had mean serum concentrations of 2.4 mmol/l for calcium, 13.7 μmol/l for copper, 0.9 mmol/l for magnesium, 1.1 μmol/l for selenium and 14.0 μmol/l for zinc. Conclusion: The trace element status of women of childbearing age in Kisangani was lower than that observed by other researchers, which suggests the need for a general nutritional intervention in our environment.
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