Microelement deficiencies in perimenopausal women and their impact on metabolic and physical performance: Potential applications of VIS–NIR tissue spectrophotometry and the SO/CHECK platform

Authors

• Izabela Pabin, Faculty of Physical Culture, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, PolandFollow
• Damian M. Dudek, Department of Perioperative Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz, PolandFollow
• Łukasz Jaworski, Specialized Hospital in Wejherowo, Cardiac Surgery DepartmentFollow
• Ewa Maria Kłodzińska, Faculty of Physical Culture, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, PolandFollow

Abstract

Background: The perimenopausal period, typically occurring between the ages of 40 and 55 years, represents a critical transitional stage in women’s physiology characterized by profound hormonal, metabolic, and systemic adaptations. While the endocrine aspects of this transition have been extensively investigated, increasing attention has recently been directed toward the role of micronutrient homeostasis in maintaining metabolic health and physical performance during this period. Therefore, the aim of this narrative review is to summarize current knowledge regarding microelement deficiencies in perimenopausal women and their potential impact on metabolic health and physical performance. Additionally, the review discusses the potential applications of VIS–NIR tissue spectrophotometry, including diagnostic platforms, such as SO/CHECK, as innovative tools for functional metabolic assessment. Materials and methods: This narrative review is based on literature concerning perimenopause, micronutrient deficiencies, mitochondrial bioenergetics, oxidative stress, intestinal barrier function, physical performance, and visible and near-infrared (VIS–NIR) tissue spectrophotometry. The reviewed literature includes experimental, clinical, and review studies addressing essential microelements and functional diagnostic approaches, including platforms such as SO/CHECK. Results: Essential microelements such as magnesium, zinc, selenium, iodine, and phosphorus participate in numerous biochemical processes including mitochondrial energy production, enzymatic regulation, antioxidant defense, and hormonal metabolism. Deficiencies in these elements may contribute to impaired mitochondrial function, increased oxidative stress, disturbances in intestinal barrier integrity, and reduced exercise tolerance. Functional metabolic disturbances may develop before measurable changes in blood parameters. VIS–NIR tissue spectrophotometry represents a promising non-invasive approach for assessing metabolic status at the tissue level. Conclusions: Micronutrient status plays a key role in metabolic health during perimenopause. Integration of functional diagnostic approaches, including VIS–NIR-based systems, such as the SO/CHECK platform, may support early detection of metabolic disturbances and personalized interventions.

Recommended Citation

Pabin I, Dudek D, Jaworski L, Klodzinska E. Microelement deficien-cies in perimenopausal women and their impact on metabolic and physical performance: Potential applications of VIS–NIR tissue spectrophotometry and the SO/CHECK platform. Balt J Health Phys Act. 2026;18(2):Article9. DOI: 10.29359/BJHPA.18.2.09

Author ORCID Identifier

Izabela PABIN, ORCID 0000-0003-2817-5251

Damian DUDEK, ORCID 0000-0002-2451-6250

Łukasz JAWORSKI, ORCID 0009-0009-8024-0648

Ewa KŁODZIŃSKA, ORCID 0000-0002-9931-5808

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.