Trace element concentrations in breast milk and sera: Relations with lactation

Abstract

Breast milk has unique properties; one is the variability of the compounds in ratio according to the baby’s needs for every lactation period. Iron and zinc are essential elements for life. The aim of this study is to determine Fe and Zn levels in plasma and breast milk of mothers through the first 4 months after delivery and to evaluate its relation with infants’ growth and immune system functions. The study conducted through January 2000 – April 2001 in Bursa with 27 mother-infant couples. The babies grouped into two: Group 1 (n: 16) was formed by the breast milk fed babies, and Group 2 (n: 11) included the babies fed with both breast milk and formula. Besides clinical assessment of the babies, laboratory evaluations were performed on the sera of couples and breast milk. While the comparison of Zn level in colostrum with mature and late mature breast milk demonstrated a statistical significance (p<0.05), Fe had a similar trend without significance. Fe deficiency anemia was found in high percentages in both groups; 32.5% of Group1 and 27.7% of Group2 (p>0.05). Our study affirms the suggestion for Fe supplementation for healthy, term infants beginning from 4th month regardless of nutritional model.