European Journal of Scientific Research ISSN 1450-216X Vol. 86 No 4 September, 2012, pp.573-579 © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2012 http://www.europeanjournalofscientificresearch.com Effect of Malaria Infection on Serum Copper, Iron and Beta-Carotene Levels in Nigerian Children Uwah, A. F. Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Science College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo P.M.B. 1017, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria Tel: +2348038888814 Otitoju, O. Corresponding Author, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science Federal University Oye-Ekiti Ekiti State Nigeria E-mail: olawale.otioju@fuoye.edu.ng, otitojuolawale@yahoo.com Tel: +2348033622480 Ndem, J. I. Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Science College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo P.M.B. 1017, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. E-mail: jessndem@yahoo.com Tel: +2347032356850 Akpanabiatu, M. I. Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, College of Health Sciences University of Uyo, P.M.B. 1017, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria E-mail: akpanabiatu@yahoo.com Tel: +2348034552247 Akpanyung, E. O. Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, College of Health Sciences University of Uyo, P.M.B. 1017, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria Tel: +2347037917688 Abstract The present study aimed to estimate the micronutrient status of malaria infected children in Uyo metropolis Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria using as a model. Serum copper, iron, beta-carotene levels of malaria infected and non-infected children aged 0-10 years were determined. Micro-nutrients play significant roles in some biochemical processes, leading to modification of the course of many diseases and also influence susceptibility to infection by malaria parasite in particular. Our findings showed that the copper level of malaria infected children was significantly lower (p<0.05) than that of non-malaria infected children (47.6%). Serum iron was found to be 50.0% lower in malaria infected children compared to the non-malaria infected children. Also, β-carotene level was 48.0% lower in malaria infected when compared with the non-malaria infected children. The micronutrients reduction may be due to reduced intake, increased demands by infants and