The Role of Selenium and Copper on Placental Weight and Efficiency

Abstract

Background:    A healthy maternal diet, including essential trace elements like selenium and copper, is crucial for optimal pregnancy outcomes. Selenium acts as an antioxidant, protecting placental tissues, while copper supports mitochondrial function. Both elements influence placental weight and function, which are key determinants of fetal growth and neonatal health. Excessive or insufficient levels of these trace elements have been associated with the adverse outcomes such as gestational hypertension or impaired placental efficiency.
Objective:    To investigate the impact of maternal selenium and copper levels on placental weight and efficiency.
Methods:    A cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 mother-neonate pairs at Al-Diwaniya Obstetric Hospital (December 2024–February 2025). Maternal serum selenium and copper were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Placental weight, birth weight of the neonate, and placental efficiency (birth weight/placental weight) were assessed. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression.
Results:    Maternal selenium showed a highly significant positive correlation with placental weight (r = 0.523, p <0.001), while copper had no significant association with placental weight. Maternal serum copper showed significant negative correlation (r = -0.316, p = 0.025) with neonatal birth weight.  Both trace elements negatively correlated with placental efficiency (selenium: r = -0.418, p = 0.003; copper: r = -0.312, p = 0.027). Regression analysis confirmed selenium’s strong association with placental weight (p <0.001).
Conclusion:    Maternal selenium levels significantly associated with placental weight. Serum copper levels negatively correlated with neonatal birth weight, whereas both selenium and copper are associated with reduced placental efficiency. These findings highlight the importance of balanced trace element levels for optimal placental efficiency, though further research is needed to clarify their clinical implications.
Keywords:    Maternal, selenium, copper placental weight, placental efficiency, birth weight
Citation:    Toman SK, Ahmed MH, Nasir SA. The role of selenium and copper on placental weight and efficiency. Iraqi JMS. 2025; 23(2): 272-281. doi: 10.22578/IJMS.23.2.10