Nutrition and nutrient status characteristics in mining workers

Introduction. The mining industry is one of the most hazardous sectors, where personnel is exposed to complex occupational hazards.

Aim of the study. To assess the actual nutritional status, nutritional status, and biochemical status of mine miners to support personalized prevention programs.

Materials and Methods. The study included seventy five male mine miners assigned to physical activity group 3 (physical activity index of 1.9). The average age of the participants was 56.6 ± 3.4 years, and the average occupational experience was 23.4 ± 2.3 years. Dietary frequency analysis, anthropometry (BMI), and blood biochemistry were used.

Results. Adequate protein intake was recorded in 94% of workers, while 6% had a deficiency (between 5% and 7% below the norm). Fat intake was adequate in only 25% of individuals. Fat deficiency was detected in 7% of the surveyed, while excess fat was found in 68%. Adequate carbohydrate intake was recorded in 40% of the surveyed; excess consumption was recorded in 58%, while deficiency was found in 2%. Dietary patterns were disrupted: 77.5% overindulged at dinner, while 64% had irregular meals. More than half of the workers (52%) were overweight or obese. Biochemical analysis confirmed a high prevalence of dyslipidemia: elevated LDL cholesterol (in 66.7% of the surveyed) and total cholesterol (in 54.3%).

Limitations. This study is limited by the age of the surveyed and the type of their occupational activity.

Conclusion. The study revealed that the key nutritional deficiencies among miners include excess calories from fats and carbohydrates, some vitamin (A, B1, B2), and mineral (Ca, Mg) deficiencies, eating disorders (irregular meals, excessive dinners, alcohol consumption), and a high prevalence of overweight, obesity, and atherogenic dyslipidemia. The data obtained formed the basis for the development of specialized diets.

Compliance with ethical standards. This study was conducted in compliance with biomedical ethical standards and approved by the Ethics Committee of the F.F. Erisman Federal Scientific Center of Hygiene of Rospotrebnadzor (Protocol No. 1 dated March 1, 2024). All participants provided informed, voluntary written consent to participate in the study.

Contributions:
Kuzmin S.V. – article concept and preparation,
Setko A.G. – article concept and preparation, writing;
Rusakov V.N. – material collection and processing, writing, editing.
All authors are responsible for the integrity of all parts of the manuscript and approval of the manuscript final version

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Funding. The study was conducted as part of the industry research program in hygiene No. 121090800070-6.

Received: September 11, 2025 / Revised: October 27, 2025 / Accepted: November 3, 2025 / Published: December 19, 2025

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