The Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Vanadium, and Iodine Content of Hair from 38 Canadian Neonates

Abstract

Summary: Instrumental neutron activation analysis was used to establish “normal values” for the zinc, copper, manganese, vanadium, and iodine concentrations in washed hair samples from Canadian neonates. Sixteen males and 22 females (mean gestation of 40 wk; mean birthweight 3590 g) were included in the study. Their respective mean concentrations ± SE (parts per million) were 224.0 ± 6.29; 12.6 ± 0.61; 0.24 ± 0.04; 0.05 ± 0.01; 24.3 ± 4.76. All the trace elements were normally distributed. No correlations of hair copper, zinc, and manganese with the variables sex, parity, and maternal socioeconomic status were found. A positive correlation for zinc with manganese (0.32; P = 0.024) was apparent, suggesting that the concentrations of these two elements at birth were interrelated. It is concluded that neonatal hair concentrations of copper, manganese, and vanadium were lower than most reported values for older children and adults. In contrast, the hair zinc concentration of the neonates in this study was higher than that of Denver neonates, and may reflect higher body zinc concentrations, perhaps due to regional differences in the trace metal content of the ground water. Speculation: The establishment of normal values for the zinc, copper, manganese, vanadium, and iodine concentrations of neonatal hair samples is essential before one can assess whether the hair levels reflect body concentrations at birth. Hair trace metal levels may provide an index for the detection of trace metal deficiencies at birth.