Abstract
This chapter discusses major minerals and ionic constituents of human and bovine milks. The major ionic constituents of milk consist of the monovalent ions sodium, potassium, and chloride and the divalent species calcium, magnesium, citrate, phosphate, and sulfate. Major changes in the concentrations of the major monovalent cations in milk are associated with conditions that promote opening of the tight junctions between epithelial cells. The major pathological process that alters monovalent cation content is mastitis or localized inflammation of breast tissue. The divalent ions, calcium, magnesium, citrate, phosphate, and sulfate are the second most abundant mineral components of human milk, next to the monovalent ions. The standard method for determination of chloride in biological samples is potentiometric titration with silver; this method is satisfactory for use with undiluted milk samples and gave similar values as ion-selective electrodes used after ashing in a closed flask to prevent volatilization. There is considerable evidence that calcium, phosphate, and citrate all enter milk via the exocytotic pathway. Calcium and magnesium have been assayed by atomic absorption spectrometry after wet or dry ashing or simple dilution.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
