To estimate serum zinc, copper, magnesium and antioxidant levels in children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT).

Cross-sectional study, enrolling children with TDT aged 3–14 years and age-matched healthy children without thalassemia. Serum zinc, copper, magnesium and total antioxidant capacity were estimated by direct colorimetric method and ELISA, respectively.

72 children (24 females; mean (SD) age 8.5 (3.2) years) were enrolled. Mean (SD) values of micronutrients in the study group and control group children were: serum zinc [89.4 (26.9) vs 93.5 (41.6) mg/dL; P=0.496], copper [118.3 (36.6) vs 123.3 (29.8) mg/L; P=0.133], magnesium [1.9 (0.3) vs 2.0 (0.2) mg/dL; P=0.015]. Total oxidant capacity level was not different in both the groups [median (range) 124.8 (16.0–501.7) vs 146.8 (14.0–641.7) mg/mL; P=0.605]. 24 (33%) children with TDT had low serum zinc levels (<65 mg/dL), and 31 (43%) had high serum copper levels (≥121 mg/L).

Children with TDT were found to have significantly lower magnesium levels compared to healthy children.