Study of effect of maternal nutrition on breast milk trace elements in malnourished versus well-nourished mothers

Abstract

Background: Minerals and trace element content of human milk have been a matter of concern among nutritionist in relation to the availability of the essential elements to the new born. Mineral and trace elements occur in the body in a number of chemical forms, such as inorganic ions and salts, or as constituents of organic molecules, for example proteins, fats, carbohydrates and nucleic acids. There is a paucity of data on the effect of nutrition on the composition of trace elements in milk and its effect on the infant. Hence a comparison made between the trace element and mineral such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, calcium in milk of malnourished and well-nourished mothers in order to determine the effect of maternal nutrition on the quality of milk and its effect on the growth and physical development of the new-born.Methods: Around 100 mothers were enrolled in the study after obtaining prior informed consent. They were divided into 2 groups-group I had 50 malnourished mothers and group II had 50 well-nourished mothers. The pre-fed milk sample which was collected was stored at - 20℃ until it was processed. It was thawed and analysed for copper, zinc, iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium and calcium.Results: The mean levels of trace elements (iron and zinc) and minerals (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) were slightly more among well-nourished than malnourished women. Values of only copper were significantly higher in the colostrum of well-nourished as compared to that of the malnourished mothers.Conclusions: The parameters of weight, height weight/height ratio and hemoglobin varied significantly between the well-nourished and malnourished mothers. The difference in milk content of malnourished and well-nourished mothers is not significant for sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc. However, copper levels were significantly higher in well-nourished mothers.

Pesticide Residues in Human Milk: Health Impacts on Infants and Nursing Mothers

“…Milk has been known as nature's most complete food and play an important role in the diet of over 6 billion people in the world (Widyastuti and Febrisiantosa, 2021). WHO (2003) noted that, human milk is the first food received by the baby since breast milk is well adapted to the needs of the infant and it was recommended universally to breast feed the baby at least for first 4-6 months of life (Mane et al, 2018). Human breast milk provides complete nutrition and many bioactive health factors.…”