The element status was studied in students with different levels of adaptation determined by the parameters of cardiointervalography. The content of chemical elements in the hair was measured by atomic emission and mass spectrometry. In students whose autonomic status was characterized by sympathicotonia, the level of cobalt in the hair was significantly higher, while the levels of manganese and magnesium were lower than normal. The content of selenium in the hair was 2.3 times lower in the study group in comparison with the median level in Russia. The content of toxic elements did not exceed the normal. Significant positive correlations between hair content of magnesium and calcium and between potassium and sodium were revealed. © 2017, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.