Abstract
The ratios of ( trace- ) minerals may be of importance for their retention from human milk (HM) and formula. We determined the Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P and Zn concentrations in more than 2300 samples of HM of 10 healthy mothers collected 2,5,8,12,16 weeks post partum. Zn/(trace-) mineral ratios (median and range) are compared with an unsupplemented formula (Pre-Aptamil (PA); Zn = 1.26 mg/l).
The high Zn/Cu ratio in PA may partly be ascribed to the low copper concentration (0.12 mg/l), whereas high manganese levels leading to low Zn/Mn ratios are found in formulas without supplementation. Zn supplementation to values about twofold the present level (2-3 mg/l) would render an improved approach to ratios found in HM for Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, Na. The results are of particular concern in view of isolated supplementation of e.g. iron, which might lead to inverse ratios as found in human milk.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sievers, E., Oldigs, HD., Dörner, K. et al. 88 TRACE ELEMENT / MINERAL RATIOS IN HUMAN MILK SUPPORT ZN SUPPLEMENTATION OF INFANT FORMULA. Pediatr Res 24, 275 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198808000-00114
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198808000-00114