Trace element deficiencies in Gambia

(1) There are in Gambia, deficiencies of certain trace elements in the soil, and an attempt was made to determine whether or not trace element deficiencies could be demonstrated in the Gambian population. There is an adequate amount of available iron in the Gambian water. (2) The haemoglobin levels of four groups each of 50 children were estimated and the following solutions administered to test-groups: analar citric acid (control group); analar iron alone; analar iron + trace elements (Cu, Mn, Zn and Co); trace elements alone. After 5 weeks' treatment the haemoglobins were again estimated. (3) There were greater increases in the haemoglobin levels of the two groups given trace elements than in the other two groups; but the differences were not statistically significant. (4) It is suggested that trace element deficiencies in man may be shown in the future to be of considerable importance.