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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Beltsville, Maryland (BHNRC) » Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center » Food Components and Health Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #97227
Title: WATER CONTENT OF MINERALS ASSOCIATED WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS OF SAMPLES COLLECTED ON THE NAVAJO RESERVATION

Author
item Hallfrisch, Judith
item Veillon, Claude
item Patterson, Kristine
item Hill, Arland
item BENN, IRENE
item HOLIDAY, BESSIE
item ROSS, RUBY
item ZHONNIE, SYLVIA
item PRICE, FRANCES
item SORENSON, A - UTAH ST UNIV LOGAN

Submitted to: Trace Elements in Man and Animals International Symposium
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/5/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The prevalence of noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is over 40% of Navajos over 50 y and is about four times the prevalence of the United States estimate. While genetic background clearly plays a role in the high prevalence of this disease, abnormalities or deficiencies of a number of minerals including chromium, molybdenum, magnesium, manganese, cadmium, vanadium, zinc, and copper have been associated with NIDDM and may contribute to the development or control of the disease. As part of a larger study to determine the overall intake of minerals related to health, water samples were collected from 56 locations on the reservation. Duplicates were collected from wells, springs, taps, and storage barrels at least one week apart and analyzed by AA and ICP-MS. Mn and Cu levels were minimal and did not differ among chapters on the reservation. Mg and Zn levels were previously reported in relation to their contribution to bone formation. Mean values of Cr, Mo, Cd, and V are listed by chapter as amount/ 2 L of water. Cr, Cd, V and Mo varied significantly among chapters according to nonparametric one way analyses of variance and Kruskal-Wallis test (p < 0.01). V levels were highest at Red Mesa. Cr and Mo were highest in water from Oljato. Cd levels were minimal in water from all chapters except Navajo Mountain. Assuming 2 L/day usual water intake, intake of these minerals associated with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus varies widely on the Navajo Reservation, and these differences or differences in the ratios of these minerals in the water may contribute to prevalence or severity of NIDDM. Assessments of the prevalence and severity of diabetes and the contribution of overall diet including the contribution of mineral content of water are now underway.