Concentrations of Heavy Metals in Hair and Nails of Young Pakistanis: Correlation with Dietary Elements

Hair and nail samples from young Pakistani adults were separately analyzed for quantification of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn concentrations. The concentrations of these metals were also analyzed in commonly consumed local foods to evaluate potential correlation of hair and nail concentrations with diet. Pearson correlation coefficients ranged from 0.349 to 0.999, demonstrating diet to be a significant contributor for accumulation of heavy metals in humans.