To analyze the detection results of trace elements in children of different ages, and to investigate the clinical significance of trace elements detection in children.

A total of 87 children aged 0- 6 years who underwent trace element detection in the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2018 to January 2020 were selected. According to the ages of children, they were divided into infant group (under 1 year, 34 cases), small children group (aged 1- 3 years, 30 cases) and preschool group (aged 3- 6 years, 23 cases). All children were tested for trace elements, and the levels of trace elements and the rate of trace element deficiency were compared among the three groups.

Compared with infant group, the levels of calcium and iron were higher, and the levels of zinc were lower in infant group and preschool group (P<0.05). The rates of calcium and iron deficiency in infant group were 20.59% (7/34) and 35.29% (12/34), respectively, which were higher than the 3.33% (1/30) and 13.33% (4/30) in infant group, 0.00% (0/23) and 17.39% (1/23) in preschool group (P<0.05).

Infants are prone to having iron and calcium deficiency, and small children and preschool children are prone to having zinc and iron deficiency. According to the results of trace element detection, targeted nutrition and dietary guidance should be carried out, and appropriate drug treatment should be used to promote the growth and development of children.

Trace elements; Children; Detection; Calcium; Iron