Objective: 

In this study, we investigated the possible negative effects of long term smoking on some blood mineral levels.

Methods: 

Twenty five non-smokers (control group) and fifty long-term cigarette smokers (for at least fifteen years; smoker group) have participated in the study. Subjects were aged between 25–40 years old. Control and smoker groups were matched for age, sex and body mass index status. The blood samples were taken from smokers and non-smokers after twelve hours of fasting period. Student's t-test was used to compare the control and smoker groups, and P< 0.05 indicated a significant difference. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to demonstrate the relationship among parameters in smoker and control groups.

Results: 

Although there was not any statistical difference (P > 0.05) between the groups regarding to the levels of K, P, Mg, Na, Cl, Zn, Fe, Ca and Cu, some positive correlations, which was not observed in smokers, were observed in controls.

Conclusions: 

It was concluded that smoking may negatively affect some important positive correlations among minerals observed in healthy individuals.