Abstract
BackgroundZinc and iron deficiencies among breastfed infants during the first 6 months of life have been reported in previous studies. The amounts of zinc and iron intakes from breast milk are factors that contribute to the zinc and iron status of breastfed infants.ObjectiveThis study aims to quantitatively determine zinc and iron intakes by breastfed infants during the first 4 months of life and to investigate the factors that predict zinc and iron status in breastfed infants.MethodsPregnant women at 28 to 34 weeks of gestation were enrolled. Zinc and iron status during pregnancy was assessed. At delivery, cord blood was analyzed for zinc and iron levels. Participants and their babies were followed at 2 and 4 months postpartum. Maternal dietary intakes and anthropometric measurements were performed. The amount of breast milk intake was assessed using the deuterium oxide dose-to-mother technique. Breast milk samples were collected for determination of zinc and iron levels. The amount of zinc and iron consumed by infants was calculated. Zinc and iron status was determined in mothers and infants at 4 months postpartum.ResultsA total of 120 pregnant women were enrolled, and 80 mother-infant pairs completed the study (56 provided full breastfeeding, and 24 provided breast milk with infant formula). All data are being managed and cleaned. Statistical analysis will be done.ConclusionsThis study will provide information on zinc and iron intakes in exclusively breastfed infants during the first 4 months of life and explore predictive factors and the possible association of zinc and iron intakes with infant growth and nutrient status.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/19119
Highlights
Micronutrients are essential for infant growth and development
Some previous studies have shown that zinc and iron deficiencies are associated with delayed infant growth and development, especially when such deficiencies occur during the early period of life [2,3,4]
Our study aims to quantify zinc and iron intakes by measuring micronutrient levels in breast milk and assessing breast milk volume intake by breastfed infants using the deuterium oxide dose-to-mother technique
Summary
Micronutrients are essential for infant growth and development. During the first 6 months of life, infants obtain micronutrients from breast milk if they are exclusively breastfed, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) [1]. Zinc and iron deficiencies among breastfed infants during the first 6 months of life have been reported in previous studies. The amounts of zinc and iron intakes from breast milk are factors that contribute to the zinc and iron status of breastfed infants. Objective: This study aims to quantitatively determine zinc and iron intakes by breastfed infants during the first 4 months of life and to investigate the factors that predict zinc and iron status in breastfed infants. Conclusions: This study will provide information on zinc and iron intakes in exclusively breastfed infants during the first 4 months of life and explore predictive factors and the possible association of zinc and iron intakes with infant growth and nutrient status.
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