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Zinc, copper, selenium and manganese blood levels in preterm infants

Lynne D Marriott1, Keith D Foote, Alan C Kimber

  • 1MRC Epidemiology Resource Centre, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, Hampshire SO16 6YD, UK. ldm@mrc.soton.ac.uk

Archives of Disease in Childhood. Fetal and Neonatal Edition
|May 1, 2007
PubMed

Insights

This study measured trace element blood levels in preterm infants, finding copper levels at term were linked to head circumference growth. Overall, results offer new insights into trace element status for this vulnerable group.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Trace Element Metabolism
  • Neonatal Health

Background:

  • Preterm infants represent a vulnerable population with unique nutritional requirements.
  • Understanding trace element status is crucial for optimizing growth and development in neonates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify blood levels of zinc, copper, selenium, and manganese in preterm infants.
  • To investigate potential associations between these trace elements and infant growth or dietary intake.

Main Methods:

  • Blood samples were collected from 68 preterm infants at term-equivalent age and 6 months later.
  • Atomic absorption spectrometry and mass spectrometry were used to analyze serum zinc, plasma copper, whole blood manganese, and plasma/red cell selenium.
  • Growth and dietary intake data were previously published.

Main Results:

  • Mean blood levels for zinc, copper, selenium, and manganese were established at both time points.
  • No significant correlations were found between zinc or copper levels and their respective dietary intakes.
  • Copper levels at term showed a significant association with head circumference growth (r = 0.31; p = 0.05).

Conclusions:

  • The study provides novel data on the trace element status of preterm infants.
  • Findings highlight a potential link between early copper levels and head growth in this population.
Abstract

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