Zinc and copper concentrations in human milk and in serum from exclusively-breast-fed infants during the first 3 months of life.

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Zn and Cu concentrations in human milk and in serum from exclusively breast-fed infants born at full-term were serially determined during the first 3 mo. of life by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Zn and Cu concentrations of human milk decreased as the stage of lactation progressed. The mean value of the concentration of serum Zn at birth was just below the value previously reported for school children, significantly decreased at 1 mo. of age (P < 0.02), returned to the level at birth at 2 mo. of age, and reached at the level of school children 3 mo. of age. The mean value of serum Cu at birth was markedly low, rapidly increased until 2 mo. of age and then gradually increased until 3 mo. of age. These changes in serum Zn and Cu concentrations during early infancy suggested that human milk can provide sufficient Zn and Cu for full-term infants during the first 3 mo. of life. Calculated daily Zn and Cu intakes in infants fed on human milk were lower than recommended values. It is necessary to reconsider the appropriateness of previously recommended values for breast-fed infants.