Body elemental composition of the neonate: New reference data

The total body elemental content of seventeen neonates at postmortem was examined; deaths had occurred within 10 days of birth. Body weights ranged from 510 to 4,050 g at examination; gestational ages at birth ranged from 24 to 42 weeks. Nondestructive in situ procedures were used: 40 K counting and delayed‐gamma neutron activation analysis. The total body content of K, Ca, P, Na, and Cl was measured and compared with estimates for the reference fetus model. Body elemental contents were significantly correlated with body weight ( r = 0.92−0.98, P < 0.001). These data will be useful in determining postnatal nutritional needs.