title: Trace element changes in hair during pregnancy: preliminary study.
abstract: Using neutrons activation analysis, the changes in concentrations of Cu, Zn and Mn in hair during pregnancy are studied. Scalp and pubic hair samples from both non-pregnant and pregnant female subjects were analysed. The results of this preliminary study are presented. Cu, Zn and Mn levels in scalp hair obtained from pregnant subjects were not significantly different from those of non-pregnant subjects. However, pubic hair samples obtained from subjects in the ninth month of pregnancy showed significantly lower Zn levels whereas Cu and Mn levels remained normal. Studies on two subjects in the last trimester showed a steady fall in Cu and Zn levels in pubic hair with advancement of pregnancy; Mn level did not, however, show any change. The reliability of analysis was checked using standard reference materials, such as Bovine Liver and Orchard Leaves (U.S. NBS).
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005836:Genitalia, Female; D006197:Hair / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D012016:Reference Values; D012535:Scalp; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D014131:Trace Elements