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The effects of zinc supplementation in lactating mothers on the linear growth of breast-fed infants
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H Mozaffari Khosravi   , SA Keshavarz , F Siyasi , R Eshraghyan , R Majdzade , R Shaikholeslam |
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Abstract: (30734 Views) |
| Introduction: Over the last 20 years various studies have been conducted investigating the effect of zinc supplementation on breast milk zinc status the relation however between zinc supplementation and breast milk zinc concentration, specially in areas with marginal zinc deficiency and its effect on growth trends of breast-fed infant is not yet clear. Our aim is to determine the effect of zinc supplementation during the first 6 months of lactation on maternal plasma and breast milk zinc status and the growth trend of these breast-fed infants. Materials and Methods: This study was a double blinded field trial that was performed in Yazd city. 139 lactating mothers between 5th the 10th day after delivery were randomly categorized in two groups zinc (ZS) and placebo supplemented (P). ZS group received two zinc sulphate capsules weekly, each containing 50 mg zinc element. Blood samples were obtained at the 1st and 6th month of lactation and milk samples were collected monthly up to the 6th month postpartum. Infant anthropometric measurements and the mother’s 24 dietary recalls were also recorded monthly. Milk and plasma zinc concentrations were analyzed by the atomic absorption spectrophotometer method. Data was processed by Spss Win software. Results: Overall maternal compliance for intake of capsules was 92.9% and corresponding figures for the ZS and P groups were 91.1 and 94.4% respectively. The means of mother plasma zinc in the ZS group at 1st and 6th month of lactation were 124.9±52.8
(X ± SD) and 121±27.1 μg /dl (p=0.38) respectively and corresponding means for the P group 134±49. 1 and 115.6±23 μg /dl (p=0.005). The means of milk zinc concentration from months 1-6 in the Z group were 310±138, 226±84, 182±79, 159±73, 111±54, and 118±64 μg /dl respectively and corresponding means for P group were 322±161, 212±90, 152±69, 129±57, 103±66, and 109±70 respectively. The mean monthly milk zinc in each group had a descending trend, but the rate of this decline in the P group had a higher slope than did the ZS group, so that differences between two the groups in the 3rd and 4th months of lactation were significant. Daily zinc and energy intakes for mothers in the Z group were 97% and 76.5% correspinding recommended daily allowonces (RDA) respectively and the corresponding figures for P group were 99% and 74%. In infants of the ZS group 28.3% and in those of the P group, 26.4% of zinc RDA were obtained. In general, during the first 6 months of lactation, infants of the ZS group were 3.6 cm taller than infants of the P group. The relative risk for stunted malnutrition in the two groups after the 3rd month was significant. Conclusion: In this study, zinc supplementation for lactating women increased plasma and milk zinc concentration and linear growth velocity. Therefore, zinc supplementation in the first 6 months of lactation, especially in marginally zinc deficienct areas, can be recommended. |
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| Keywords: Zinc supplementation, Lactating mothers, Zinc Deficiency, linear growth, Breast-fed infants |
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Full-Text [PDF 580 kb]
(3085 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Original |
Subject:
Endocrinology
Received: 2006/11/18 | Published: 2005/03/15
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