The actual zinc and iron intakes among breastfed infants during the first 4 months of life

Dumrongwongsiri, Oraporn (2022): The actual zinc and iron intakes among breastfed infants during the first 4 months of life: zinc and iron intakes in breastfed infants. Dissertation, LMU München: Faculty of Medicine

Abstract

Background: During exclusive breastfeeding period, breast milk is only source for zinc and iron intakes of breastfed infants. The adequacy of zinc and iron intakes should be ensured to prevent deficiencies in breastfed infants. Method: A longitudinal study followed pregnant women to lactation period. Maternal nutrient intakes were assessed during pregnancy and lactation. Anthropometric assessment of mothers and infants were performed. To estimate nutrient intakes, zinc and iron concentration in breast milk were determined at 2 and 4 months postpartum, together with assessment of the breast milk volumes. Adequacy of zinc and iron intakes were determined comparison to average requirements. Cord blood zinc and ferritin were determined as nutrient stores at birth. Maternal and infant serum zinc and ferritin were analysed at 4 months postpartum. Results: 120 mothers were enrolled, and 56 mother-infant pairs who continue breastfeeding to 4 months postpartum. Pre-pregnancy BMI and mode of delivery were associated with cord blood zinc and ferritin level. Zinc intake from breast milk significantly decreased from 2 to 4 months. Inadequacy of zinc intake was found in 14.5% and 40% of infants aged 2 and 4 months, respectively. Iron intake was adequate. Maternal dietary intakes and anthropometric measurement were not associated with breast milk nutrient concentrations. Zinc (serum zinc < 9.9 micromol/L) and iron deficiency (serum ferritin < 20 mcg/L) were found in 76.4% and 10.9% of infants at 4 months, respectively. We found a positive association between zinc intake with infant weight parameters, and iron store at birth with serum ferritin of 4-month-old infants. Conclusion: High proportion of infants had inadequate zinc intake and zinc deficiency. Iron intake among breastfed infants was adequate during the first 4 months. Iron status was influenced by iron store at birth, but not the breast milk iron intake during birth to 4 months.

• Item Type: Theses (Dissertation, LMU Munich)
• Keywords: Zinc deficiency, iron deficiency, breastfeeding, breast milk zinc concentration, breast milk iron concentration, zinc intake, iron intake
• Subjects: 600 Technology, Medicine; 600 Technology, Medicine > 610 Medical sciences and medicine
• Faculties: Faculty of Medicine
• Language: English
• Date of oral examination: 27. July 2022
• 1. Referee: Koletzko, Berthold
• Signature of the printed copy: 0700/UMD 20668