Effect of Lactation on Breast Milk Zinc and Copper Levels in Nigerian Women
Authors:
OGUNSOLA Oluseyi
Publication Type: Journal article
Journal:
ISSN Number:
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the breast milk content of zinc and copper and the effect of lactation on them in the first six months of lactation.
DESIGN: A cross-sectional study.
SETTINGS: Prenatal Diagnosis and Therapy Centre in a tertiary Hospital in Lagos.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Breast milk levels of copper and zinc were assessed in 120 healthy lactating mothers who equally had healthy babies in the first six months of lactation. The serum levels of these elements were also assessed during the period.
RESULTS: The breast milk levels of zinc declined from 1.98ug/ml at one month to 0.60ug/ml at 6 months while copper levels declined from 0.28ug/ml to 0.13ug/ml during the same period. The serum levels of these elements in both mothers and infants remained fairly constant during the study period in spite of the decreasing breast milk values.
CONCLUSIONS: The breast milk concentrations of zinc and copper declined as lactation progressed while the serum levels of these elements remained within the normal range.