Trace element (zinc, copper, iron and magnesium) concentrations in human placenta and their relationship to birth weight of babies
1990
Mbofung, C.M.F. | Subbarau, V.V.
Information in the literature on the trace element content of human placenta is limited. In the present study, the trace element content of human placenta tissue was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and the results examined in relationship to foetal birth weight and sex. The placentas varied in their content of the trace element Zinc, Copper, Iron and Magnesium. The mean values (ug/gm) for the various elements were: Zinc (66.6 +/- 14.4); Copper (6.3 +/- 1.8); Iron (84.3 +/- 18.9) and Magnesium (125.0 +/- 22.0). Although the concentrations for Zinc, Iron and Magnesium were relatively higher in the placenta of female than male babies, the differences were not significant. The Copper content of the placenta of male babies was higher than that of female babies. The mean birth weight of the babies was 3.01 +/- 0.49Kg with male babies weighing more than female babies (3.23 +/- 0.30 vs 2.83 +/- 0.56Kg). Correlation analyses show a significant relationship between placental Zinc concentration and birth weight of all babies (r=-0.43; P less than 0.05); placental Copper and birth weight (r=0.54;P less than 0.05); placental Zinc/Copper ratio and birth weight (r=-0.75;P less than 0.01) Zinc/Iron ratio and birth weight of male babies (r=-0.69; P less than 0.05). The results seem to suggest that the concentration of these elements and in particular those of zinc and copper in the human placenta may have an influence on the outcome of pregnancy.
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