Zinc and Copper Concentrations in Breast Milk During the First Nine Months of Lactation: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

A wide variation in the composition of breast milk has been reported from various countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) concentrations in the breast milk of lactating mothers as a function of lactation time and the relationship between these concentrations and the characteristics of mother–infant dyads. Mother–infant dyads were recruited immediately at the second week postpartum. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) gestational age ≥37 weeks; (2) birth weight ≥2500 g; and (3) no chronic illness in the infant or mother. Anthropometric measurements of …