Multiple geochemical factors may cause iodine and selenium deficiency in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Shariati, Ahmad; Bailey, Elizabeth H.; Arshad, Muhammad; Ahmed, Shafiq U.; Watts, Michael J.; Young, Scott D.

doi:10.1007/s10653-021-00936-9

Cited by 15 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 118 publications

(220 reference statements)

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“…Overcollection by pharmaceutical organizations and the growing population have contributed to the % of method of uses increased use of these plants, endangering their existence. Additionally, natural and human-induced factors like climate change, overgrazing (Ahmad et al, 2021), and unsustainable harvesting practices pose threats to the medicinal plants in the study area (Rambey et al, 2020).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Utilization of Medicinal Plants for Healthcare Purposes by the Residents of Turmik Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistan

Hussain,

Zahra

et al. 2024

Pak. J. Biotechnol

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People in Turmik valley, which is located in one of the more isolated areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, continue to rely on natural treatments to fulfill their main healthcare requirements. However, the folk wisdom that has been passed down through generations is gradually disappearing as a result of the development of contemporary allopathic medicines. For this reason, it is essential to document the indigenous wisdom for the benefit of children and grandchildren. The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of medicinal plants in the investigation area for the treatment of a variety of illnesses. The research findings revealed the presence of 27 plant species belonging to 17 distinct families in the studied area. Among these, the Asteraceae family was found to be the most prevalent, comprising seven different species. Leaves and flowers emerged as the most frequently utilized plant parts, constituting 40% of the overall usage, and were typically prepared as decoctions (accounting for 24% of preparations). In terms of species dominance, Thymus emerged as the most prominent, followed by Cicer microphyllum Royle, while Sassurea graminifolia was identified as the least dominant species. However, it is important to note that the medicinal plants in the region face a range of threats, including overgrazing, uprooting, unsustainable harvesting practices, and the adverse effects of climate change. These challenges underscore the pressing need for conservation efforts, which should involve both government agencies and local communities, in order to safeguard these crucial medicinal species. The study recommends implementing awareness sessions and training programs, ideally through academic institutions, to raise awareness about the importance of conserving these medicinal plants and to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed for sustainable practices. Notably, Thymus, Benth, Hippophae rhamnoides ssp., and Convolvulus arvensis L. were identified as the most commonly used medicinal plants in the region, emphasizing their significance in traditional healing practices.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Utilization of Medicinal Plants for Healthcare Purposes by the Residents of Turmik Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistan

Hussain,

Zahra

et al. 2024

Pak. J. Biotechnol

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“…It has been found that iodine deficiency is common for terrains where the population consumes local agricultural products grown on soils poor in iodine. [ 51 , 52 ]. Formal studies to determine the dietary intake of iodine in western Kazakhstan have not been performed yet.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Essential Trace Elements in Scalp Hair of Residents across the Caspian Oil and Gas Region of Kazakhstan

Umarova

Batyrova

Tlegenova

et al. 2022

Toxics

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Most of the country’s oil and gas fields are situated in West Kazakhstan, mainly on the Caspian Sea coast, causing significant damage to the local environment and contributing to an imbalance in the trace element composition of the human body. The study is aimed to evaluate the relationship between the concentration of essential trace elements in scalp hair of the western Kazakhstan adult population and the remoteness of their residence from oil and gas fields. The concentration of essential trace elements (Co, Cu, Fe, I, Mn, Se, Zn) in the hair of 850 individuals aged 18–60 years was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. In residents of settlements located at a distance of >110 km from oil and gas fields, the concentration of Cu and I in hair was significantly higher than in those closer to 110 km (p < 0.001). The content of Cu and I were associated with the distance to oil and gas fields (0.072 (95%CI: 0.050; 0.094)) and (0.121 (95%CI: 0.058; 0.185)), respectively. We detected a significant imbalance in the distribution of some essential trace elements in residents’ scalp hair from the Caspian region of western Kazakhstan, living near oil and gas fields. The concentrations of Cu and I were significantly interrelated with the distance to oil and gas fields. The level of copper in the hair of both inhabitants of the area most remote from oil and gas facilities and the entire population of western Kazakhstan as a whole remains significantly low. The data obtained provide evidence of the possible impact of pollutants generated by the oil and gas facilities on a shortage of essential trace elements and associated subsequent health risks.

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Environmental and human iodine and selenium status: lessons from Gilgit-Baltistan, North-East Pakistan

Shariati

Bailey

Arshad

et al. 2021

Environ Geochem Health

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Iodine and selenium deficiencies are common worldwide. We assessed the iodine and selenium status of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. We determined the elemental composition (ICP-MS) of locally grown crops (n = 281), drinking water (n = 82), urine (n = 451) and salt (n = 76), correcting urinary analytes for hydration (creatinine, specific gravity). We estimated dietary iodine, selenium and salt intake. Median iodine and selenium concentrations were 11.5 (IQR 6.01, 23.2) and 8.81 (IQR 4.03, 27.6) µg/kg in crops and 0.24 (IQR 0.12, 0.72) and 0.27 (IQR 0.11, 0.46) µg/L in water, respectively. Median iodised salt iodine was 4.16 (IQR 2.99, 10.8) mg/kg. Population mean salt intake was 13.0 g/day. Population median urinary iodine (uncorrected 78 µg/L, specific gravity-corrected 83 µg/L) was below WHO guidelines; creatinine-corrected median was 114 µg/L but was unreliable. Daily selenium intake (from urinary selenium concentration) was below the EAR in the majority (46–90%) of individuals. Iodine and selenium concentrations in all crops were low, but no health-related environmental standards exist. Iodine concentration in iodised salt was below WHO-recommended minimum. Estimated population average salt intake was above WHO-recommended daily intake. Locally available food and drinking water together provide an estimated 49% and 72% of EAR for iodine (95 µg/day) and selenium (45 µg/day), respectively. Low environmental and dietary iodine and selenium place Gilgit-Baltistan residents at risk of iodine deficiency disorders despite using iodised salt. Specific gravity correction of urine analysis for hydration is more consistent than using creatinine. Health-relevant environmental standards for iodine and selenium are needed.

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Multiple geochemical factors may cause iodine and selenium deficiency in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Cited by 15 publications

References 118 publications

The Utilization of Medicinal Plants for Healthcare Purposes by the Residents of Turmik Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistan

The Utilization of Medicinal Plants for Healthcare Purposes by the Residents of Turmik Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistan

Essential Trace Elements in Scalp Hair of Residents across the Caspian Oil and Gas Region of Kazakhstan

Environmental and human iodine and selenium status: lessons from Gilgit-Baltistan, North-East Pakistan

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