Copper, iron, zinc, and selenium dietary intake and status of Nepalese lactating women and their breast-fed infants
Moser, P.B.; Reynolds, R.D.; Acharya, S.; Howard, M.P.; Andon, M.B.; Lewis, S.A.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 47(4): 729-734
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9165 PMID: 3354498 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/47.4.729Document Number: 352731
The dietary intake of copper, iron, zinc, and selenium of 26 Nepaleae lactating mothers was estimated from chemical analysis of 24-h food and beverage composites. Fasting blood and milk samples were obtained from the mothers and blood samples were obtained from the infants. The Nepalese mothers consumed significantly more Cu, significantly less Fe and Se, and similiar amounts of Zn as compared with American lactating women. Blood Fe status indices and plasma concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Se were lower in the Nepalese mothers than in the American mothers. These lower values may in part be related to the high neutral detergent fiber and phytate content of the Nepalese diet, which could makethese minerals less available for absorption. The high exposure to infections in Nepal may also depress Fe status indices and plasma Zn concentrations. The lower dietary Se intake of the Nepalese mothers was reflected in lower milk concentrations.(author)