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  • Title: Lacteal zinc and copper in relation to volume, total ash and energy during the first three months of lactation of Brazilian women.
    Author: Dorea JG, Horner MR, Campanate ML.
    Journal: Acta Paediatr Scand; 1985 Nov; 74(6):891-6. PubMed ID: 4090965.
    Abstract:
    The concentrations of zinc and copper were longitudinally studied during the first three months of self-determined lactation periods of nine Brazilian women. Both elements were studied in relation to volume, energy and total ash of milk. During the six bi-weekly intervals, zinc showed a significant difference between the high initial value (as mass/volume), mass/g of ash and mass/kcal) and later values toward the end of the third month, but no significant difference was observed for copper. With respect to all three of those parameters, regression analysis of zinc against length of lactation (six bi-weekly intervals) showed a significant and inverse correlation. Only when expressed as mass/g of ash was copper significantly and directly correlated with length of lactation. The data indicate that zinc secretion into human milk occurs independently of copper and mineral mass and also follows a previously identified physiological pattern. Concentrations of zinc and copper in relation to the volume, energy, and total ash of milk were longitudinally studied during the 1st 3 months of lactation in 9 Brazilian women. Sampling was conducted from 15 days postpartum and extended for 6 15-day periods thereafter. Significant differences in concentrations of zinc in relation to volume of milk were observed, with the highest value noted at 15 days postpartum, but no changes were seen for copper during the course of lactation. Regression analysis of zinc against length of lactation showed an inverse correlation. Copper was significantly and directly correlated with length of lactation only when expressed as mass/gram of ash. The change in zinc composition of human milk during early lactation is not yet understood, although both dietary and hormonal factors have been investigated. These results suggest that the present recommendations of zinc for breastfed infants cannot be met by the normal volume of milk consumed at the zinc concentrations found, especially after the 1st month.
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