Longitudinal Study in Biochemical Composition of Human Milk During First Year of Lactation

Abstract

The composition (total solids, total protein, casein, coagulable proteins, lactose, fat, and ash) and mineral content (calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and copper) of human milk was estimated longitudinally for the first year of lactation. Concentration of various nutrients, except zinc and copper, remained nearly constant throughout the first year of lactation and did not show any specific trend of variation. Zinc and copper decreased linearly in the first 6 months. Milk composition was found identical to the data reported from developed countries.