Study of the chemical composition of human placenta by the ICP-MS technique in plancentophagy

The placenta, which supports the growth and development of the fetus, is rich in chemical micronutrients and other elements such as amino acids, peptides, fats, growth factors and other active biological components. Analysis by the ICP-MS technique shows detectable levels of the following seven elements in the dehydrated placenta of 20 female samples: arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn). The contents of these chemical elements are respectively: 0.05 ± 0.01 ppm for As; 0.03 ± 0.01ppm for Cd; 5.01 ± 1.12 ppm for Cu; 0.03 ± 0.02 ppm for Pb; 703.66 ± 174.41ppm for Fe; 1.68 ± 0.32 ppm for Se and finally 52.09 ± 6.14 ppm for Zn. The highest contents correspond to those of Fe (703.66 ± 174.41ppm), Zn (52.09 ± 6.14ppm) and Cu (5.01 ±1.12ppm). The other trace amounts correspond to micronutrients considered to be harmful (As, Cd, Pb, Se). This study shows that with the ICP-MS technique, even trace chemicals are detected in the powder of the placentas that are useful for mothers and newborns. The capsules ingested by female placenta donors are considered as a dietary supplement for lactation function. In eight weeks after giving birth, the study shows that the weights of newborns from all donors have increased by the right rate, a good breastfeeding and the babies have bowel movements several times a day.