Zinc and copper concentrations in human milk and infant formulas.
OBJECTIVE
Available accurate data on the concentrations of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in human milk throughout lactation and infant formulas is important both for formulating nutritional requirements for substances and to provide a base line for the understanding the physiology of their secretion. The objective of this study was to analyze the concentrations of zinc and copper in infant formulas and human milk during prolonged lactation. Levels of these metals were examined in relation to selected parameters such as age, weight, height, education and occupation of mothers.


METHODS
Thirty mothers referred to the selected clinics in Tehran entered the study. Human milk samples were collected at 2 months postpartum. Zinc and copper concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer.


RESULTS
The mean values of Zn and Cu in human milk were 2.95±0.77mg/L and 0.36±0.11 mg/L. The mean values of Zn and Cu in infant formulas were 3.98±0.25 mg/L and 0.53±0.17mg/L.


CONCLUSIONS
No significant relationship was found between levels of trace elements in human milk and evaluated parameters such as age, weight, height, education and occupation of mothers. The concentrations of zinc and copper in breast milk were lower than those reported in the literature.
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Shahnaz
S
Khaghani
Hamid
H
Ezzatpanah
Najmeh
N
Mazhari
Mohammad Hadi
MH
Givianrad
Hossein
H
Mirmiranpour
Fatemeh Shahi
FS
Sadrabadi