Variation in Zinc, Calcium, and Magnesium Concentrations of Human Milk within a 24-Hour Period from 1 to 6 Months of Lactation

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Longitudinal changes in nutrient levels of human milk have been observed with the progression of lactation, but less is known about changes at different feedings during a 24-h period. In this study, calcium, magnesium, and zinc levels were examined in milk obtained from 49 women at every breast feeding during one 24-h period each month for the first 6 months of lactation. Magnesium and zinc concentrations showed significant diurnal variation at each stage of lactation examined, whereas calcium levels were relatively constant. Maximum variations of 7.5, 17, and 48% were observed within a 24-h period in mean levels of calcium, magnesium, and zinc, respectively. Irrespective of variability, zinc and magnesium concentrations in a single milk sample obtained between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. were highly correlated with the mean value of samples collected at each feeding during a 24-h period.