Journal of Food, Nutrition and Population Health Open Access

Zinc content in breast milk: report from Latvia

2^nd EuroSciCon Conference on Food Technology

May 14-16, 2018 Rome, Italy

L Aumeistere, I Ciprovica, D Zavadska, K Bavrins and A Borisova

Latvia University of Agriculture, Latvia Riga Stradins University, Latvia Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment â�?�?BIORâ�?, Latvia

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Food Nutr Popul Health

Abstract:

Zinc is essential component and plays crucial role in metabolism processes; therefore insufficient zinc intake at young age can detrimentally affect growth and development. More than half of the infants in Latvia (~57%) are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life. The aim of this research was to determine zinc content in mature breast milk among lactating women in Latvia.  The study was conducted from November 2016 until December 2017. In total, 64 mature milk (at least 1 month postpartum) samples pooled within 24 h were collected. Participants (64 mothers with singleton deliveries of 34 boys and 31 girl) were 23 to 38 years old. Babies were 1.5 to 21 month old. More than half of the participants (n=39) were exclusively breastfeeding during the study, while 25 mothers had started the weaning. Zinc content was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS Agilent 7700x, Japan). In total, zinc content in breast milk varied from 0.01 to 0.34 mg 100 ml-1 with a mean content 0.12±0.08 mg 100 ml-1. Arranging results according to child’s age, we observed that zinc content in breast milk significantly decreases after six months (see Table 1). Comparing our data to prescribed AI (adequate intake) and RDA (recommended daily allowance) for zinc (see Table 1), we conclude that infants in Latvia might not receive sufficient zinc intake with breast milk. To draw further conclusion, mother’s dietary habits during lactation period should be analysed as they may reveal some influence on zinc content in breast milk. In addition, zinc serum levels should be assessed, both mothers and children.
 

Biography :

L Aumeistere has a professional Bachelor's Degree in Health Care (Dietitian) and also earned a Master of Engineering Degree in Food Science (Mg.Sc.ing.). Currently she is a PhD student in Food Science programme at Latvia University of Agriculture and also a Researcher in the Research Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR”.
Email:liva.aumeistere@bior.lv