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[Study of infant hair specimens for trace element contents under different conditions of feeding]
Insights
Zinc levels in infant hair were significantly higher with breast milk feeding compared to milk feeding. Breast milk adequately provides selenium for infants, though formula alternatives are available.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Trace Element Analysis
Background:
- Infant nutrition is critical for development.
- Breast milk and formula are primary infant nutrition sources.
- Trace elements play vital roles in infant health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare microelement content in breast milk and infant hair.
- To analyze the impact of different feeding methods on infant trace element levels.
- To assess the adequacy of breast milk and formula for essential trace elements.
Main Methods:
- Measured 11 microelements (Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ca, Mg, Al, P, Ba, Se, Sr).
- Analyzed breast milk from 53 mothers and infant hair from 278 infants (72 days old).
- Utilized statistical analysis to compare feeding groups (breastfeeding vs. milk feeding).
Main Results:
- Infant hair showed significantly higher zinc (Zn) levels in the breastfed group (P < 0.01).
- Breast milk provided sufficient selenium (Se) for the studied infants.
- Commercial milk formulas were deemed satisfactory substitutes.
Conclusions:
- Breast milk feeding is associated with superior zinc status in infants.
- Breast milk is a sufficient source of selenium for infants.
- Current milk formulas are adequate alternatives for infant nutrition.
Abstract:
The contents of 11 microelements (Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ca, Mg, Al, P, Ba, Se, Sr) in breast milk of 53 postpartum feeding mothers and the hair specimen of 278 healthy infants with different feeding forms (breast feeding, milk and milk mixture) had been measured. The age of the infants was 72 days, the statistical analysis was shown that Zn value of infant hair specimen with breast feeding was significantly higher than the milk feeding (P < 0.01). Breast milk can provide enough Se for the infants. The dispensing milk and the dispensing milk powder were the satisfactory milk feeding substitute in the market now. The improved opinions were suggested.
