Concentrations of four essential trace elements in breast milk of mothers from two socio-economic groups: Preliminary observations

Abstract

Concentrations are reported for Cu, Mn, Mo and Zn in human milk samples obtained from mothers belonging to low and middle per capita family income groups. The trace element levels in milk of both groups are compared for samples obtained at two stages, viz. 3–5 days and 4–6 weeks post partum. Although the Mn level during the first stage appears to be lower in samples from the low income group, the difference is not statistically significant ( p ⩽ 0.1). However, at 4–6 weeks post partum, Zn is significantly lower ( p ⩽ 0.01) in milk of mothers belonging to this group.