Zinc and copper concentrations in human preterm milk.

Zinc and copper are important trace elements in the nutrition of preterm infants. This study determined and compared the concentrations of zinc and copper in preterm milk of mothers receiving and not receiving zinc supplementation diets. The effects of maternal supplementation on the blood levels and anthropometric parameters were evaluated.

Zinc and copper in colostrum.

The Zn (Zinc) and Cu (Copper) contents of the first day milk from 117 Brazilian mothers were examined in relation to maternal age, parity and number of miscarriages. In parallel, household water was analyzed for the contents of the same trace elements. No significant relationship was found between levels of Zn and Cu and the aforementioned factors.