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A comparative study of elemental composition of human breast milk and infant milk substitutes

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Abstract

Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and protoninduced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis have been employed to determine the concentration of 13 elements in human breast milk, various infant formulas, and locally produced cereals from Nigeria, as well as from various infant formulas and natural cow and goat milk available in the UK. The study shows that if the locally produced cereal is to be used on a regular basis for babies in Nigeria, then their diet must be supplemented with essential trace elements. Furthermore, parents should be discouraged from giving their infants cow and goat milk because of the high concentration of major elements compared to human breast milk.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CERD, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

    F. A. Balogun

  2. Physics Department, University of Surrey, GU2 5XH, Guildford, England

    O. A. Akanle & N. M. Spyrou

  3. Paediatrics Department, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

    J. A. Owa

Authors
  1. F. A. Balogun
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  2. O. A. Akanle
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  3. N. M. Spyrou
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  4. J. A. Owa
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Balogun, F.A., Akanle, O.A., Spyrou, N.M. et al. A comparative study of elemental composition of human breast milk and infant milk substitutes. Biol Trace Elem Res 43, 471–479 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02917349

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