Trace Element Deficiency and Cot Deaths

Abstract

The level of 10 trace elements (As, Br, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Se, Zn) in infant tissues (5 cot deaths, 4 other causes) are presented. These levels are compared with the normal adult levels for the same area or with the levels presented in the literature. The concentrations of 5 trace elements (As, Cu, Hg, Mn, Se) in human milk and 4 brands of artificial milks are also given and the intake of these trace elements from human and artificial milk for infants up to the age of 6 months is calculated. It is concluded that some artificial milks contain less of some essential trace elements (e.g. Cu and Se) and are richer in toxic trace elements (e.g. Hg and As). The suggestion of deficiency of the reported trace elements as a cause of cot deaths is rejected.