2 Trace element metabolism in the fetus and neonate

The effects of trace metal nutrition on the fetus and neonate have been described. Since very little research has been done with the human fetus and neonate, much of our knowledge must be extrapolated from animal studies. In addition, most of the work centres around the effects of copper and zinc nutrition. Nutritional requirements (when known) for both enteral and total parenteral feeding of certain trace metals, as well as the bioavailability, have been discussed. Finally, methods of assessment of trace metal nutritional status have been discussed. These include direct measurement of metal concentrations and determination of biochemical indicators, such as metal-dependent enzyme activities—both of which are static indicators of nutritional status, and functional assessment of nutritional status which is a dynamic measure of trace metal nutrition and includes tests measuring the effects of metal nutrition on the function of cells, tissues, organs, and the host in general.