Zinc Content in Breast Milk and Its Association with Maternal Diet.

Background: Zinc is an indispensable element, being involved in many biological processes. Correspondingly, insufficient zinc intake in early youth can detrimentally affect the function of a growing body. The aim of this study was to determine zinc content in breast milk among lactating women in Latvia and factors (maternal diet; mother's and baby's characteristics; breastfeeding pattern) affecting it.

Mycotoxins, pesticides and toxic metals in commercial spices and herbs.

A total of 300 samples representing six condiments (black pepper, basil, oregano, nutmeg, paprika, and thyme) were analysed for 11 mycotoxins, 134 pesticides and 4 heavy metals by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Mycotoxins were detected in 4%, 10% and 30% of all nutmeg, basil and thyme samples, respectively. The residues of 24 pesticides were detected in 59% of the analysed condiments.