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. 2025 Jun 26:30:e00443.
doi: 10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00443. eCollection 2025 Aug.

Malaria-induced dysregulation of selected micronutrients (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Zn, Fe, Co) and plasma free amino acids; implications for pathogenesis and host immunity in a Nigerian population

Chukwuma Raphael Ekeanyanwu  1 , Paul Chidoka Chikezie  1   2 , Chidinma Lynda Ekeanyanwu  1
Affiliations

Malaria-induced dysregulation of selected micronutrients (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Zn, Fe, Co) and plasma free amino acids; implications for pathogenesis and host immunity in a Nigerian population

Chukwuma Raphael Ekeanyanwu et al. Parasite Epidemiol Control. .

Abstract

Malaria remains a significant global health burden, particularly in regions like Nigeria. This study investigated the impact of malaria infection on plasma amino acid and micronutrient levels in a Nigerian population. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 participants, including malarious and healthy controls. Plasma levels of amino acids and selected micronutrients (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Zn, Fe, Co) were measured using HPLC and ICP-MS, respectively. Results revealed significant alterations (p < 0.01) in plasma amino acid profiles (except histidine and proline) with increasing malaria severity. Essential amino acids including branched-chain amino acids like leucine and valine were depleted, indicating metabolic disruptions in the diseases. Aromatic and immune-related amino acids (arginine, tyrosine, tryptophan, glutamine, methionine, and cysteine) were reduced significantly (p < 0.01) compared to the uninfected groups. Additionally, malarious individuals exhibited significant deficiencies in several micronutrients, including calcium, sodium, zinc, and iron (p < 0.01). Malaria infection induces a complex metabolic response, leading to nutrient imbalances that may contribute to disease severity. Further research is warranted to explore the potential of targeted nutritional interventions to improve patient outcomes.

Keywords: Malaria severity; Micronutrient deficiencies; Nigeria; Plasma amino acids; Plasmodium falciparum.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Boxplot of calcium concentration in malarious subjects.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Boxplot of magnesium concentration in malarious subjects.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Boxplot of sodium concentration in malarious subjects.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Boxplot of potassium concentration in malarious subjects.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Boxplot of zinc concentration in malarious subjects.
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Boxplot of iron concentration in malarious subjects.
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Boxplot of cobalt concentration in malarious subjects.
Fig. 8
Fig. 8
Radar plots of the plasma-free amino acid profiles of the study group. [A]. Mild parasitaemia density (n = 14). [B]. Moderate parasitaemia density (n = 40). [C]. Severe parasitaemia density (46). To assess the relative changes in amino acid levels, fold changes were calculated by dividing treatment group values by corresponding control group medians. These fold changes were subsequently normalized to a 0–1 scale for visual representation on radar plots.
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