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The concentrations of trace elements in blood from healthy newborn infants

S Meurling, L O Plantin

    Acta Chirurgica Scandinavica
    |January 1, 1981
    PubMed

    Insights

    Newborn infants show distinct trace element levels compared to adults, with lower zinc and copper, and higher calcium. Intracellular to extracellular ratios for sodium and potassium were also elevated in infants.

    Area of Science:

    • Biochemistry
    • Pediatrics
    • Trace Element Analysis

    Background:

    • Understanding elemental concentrations in newborns is crucial for assessing nutritional status and development.
    • Maternal trace element status can influence neonatal levels, necessitating analysis of both mother and infant.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To quantify the concentrations of 14 elements in the red blood cells and serum of healthy newborn infants.
    • To compare these elemental concentrations and their distribution (intracellular vs. extracellular) with adult values.
    • To investigate potential correlations with maternal trace element levels.

    Main Methods:

    • Neutron activation analysis (NAA) was employed to determine elemental concentrations.
    • Samples analyzed included red cells and serum from 23 healthy newborn infants and whole blood from 7 mothers.
    • Comparative analysis was performed against established adult reference ranges.

    Main Results:

    • Newborns exhibited significantly lower red blood cell zinc and serum copper concentrations compared to adults.
    • Elevated serum calcium levels were observed in newborns relative to adults.
    • Higher intracellular to extracellular ratios for sodium and potassium were noted in infants versus adults.
    • Iron and rubidium levels were comparable to adults, while chromium ratios were similar but levels were lower.

    Conclusions:

    • Neonatal trace element profiles, including zinc, copper, calcium, sodium, potassium, and chromium, differ notably from adult profiles.
    • These differences highlight specific physiological adaptations or nutritional requirements during infancy.
    • Further research is warranted to elucidate the long-term implications of these neonatal elemental variations.

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