Correlation of Hair Mineral Concentrations with Insulin Resistance in Korean Males

The study, involving 123 Korean adult males, found that higher hair calcium to magnesium (Ca/Mg) ratios were positively correlated with insulin resistance, as measured by the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and insulin levels. Conversely, lower hair chromium concentrations were associated with metabolic syndrome and were negatively correlated with fasting blood glucose and triglycerides. The study also noted positive correlations between hair copper (Cu) concentration and fasting blood glucose and triglycerides, and a negative correlation between the hair zinc (Zn)/Cu ratio and fasting blood glucose. These findings suggest that hair mineral concentrations, particularly Ca/Mg ratios and chromium levels, may be indicative of insulin resistance. However, the study's limitations, such as its small sample size and lack of consideration for diet and physical activity, suggest that further research is needed.