Mineral Concentrations in Breast Milk across Infant Birth Weight
Abstract
Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the mineral concentrations of calcium, zinc and iron in breast milk based on infant birth weight. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional study that used random sampling. The sample included 37 nursing mothers, consisting of 31 mothers with normal weight babies and six mothers with low birth weight (LBW) babies. Data were collected using a questionnaire and 30 mL breast milk samples were analyzed using anatomical absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Results: There were differences in micronutrient levels between LBW and normal weight infants. Calcium and zinc levels were higher in LBW infants, while iron content tended to be higher in normal weight infants. Conclusion: Despite some differences, the micronutrient content was similar in the breast milk of mothers who gave birth to LBW and normal weight infants.
Keywords:
Breast milk, infant, low birth weight, micronutrients, nutritionArticle Metrics
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