Profile of trace element concentrations in the feto‐placental unit in relation to fetal growth

Abstract

Among the trace elements evaluated, magnesium, copper, zinc, and selenium showed elevated concentrations in umbilical cord arterial blood, or elevated umbilical cord arterial vs. umbilical cord venous blood concentration ratios in intrauterine growth restriction cases. Reduced consumption efficiency of these four essential trace elements may be closely associated with retarded fetal development.