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Predictors of Breast Milk Zinc Levels Among Breastfeeding Women in Palestine: a Cross-Sectional Study

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Abstract

Zinc is one of the most important essential micronutrients that is needed for the normal growth, development, and maintaining the health of human beings. Previous studies showed that zinc deficiency was highly prevalent among pregnant and lactating women. This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine breast milk zinc levels among breastfeeding women in Palestine and to identify the predictors of breast milk zinc levels. Breast milk samples were obtained from breastfeeding women who visited maternity and primary healthcare centers. Zinc levels were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Breast milk zinc levels were determined in 390 breast milk samples. The mean breast milk zinc level in all samples was 0.15 ± 0.09 mg per 100 mL. Breast milk zinc levels declined with postpartum time from 0.22 ± 0.011 at ≤ 1 month postpartum to 0.09 ± 0.009 mg per 100 mL at > 9 months postpartum (p-value < 0.001). Multiple linear regression showed that high breast milk zinc levels were predicted by younger maternal age, postpartum time, being employed, frequent consumption of multivitamins/minerals, and practicing exclusive breastfeeding. In conclusion, the breast milk zinc levels quantified among breastfeeding women in Palestine were comparable to those previously reported among non-malnourished women elsewhere. The findings of this study are informative to pediatricians, gynecologists, nurses/midwives, breastfeeding advisors/counselors, nutritionists, and policymakers who might be interested in designing and implementing interventions to improve breast milk zinc levels.

Highlights

  • Breast milk zinc levels were determined in 390 samples obtained from Palestinian women.

  • Associations between breast milk zinc levels and demographic, breastfeeding practices, and dietary variables were investigated.

  • Breast milk zinc levels were predicted by younger maternal age, postpartum time, being employed, frequent consumption of multivitamins/minerals, and practicing exclusive breastfeeding.

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Data Availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

The women who provided breast milk samples are thanked for their participation in this study. The An-Najah National University is acknowledged for making this study possible.

Funding

This study did not receive any specific funding. The costs of analysis were covered by the An-Najah National University.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, An-Najah National University, New Campus, Building: 19, Office: 1340, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine

    Ramzi Shawahna

  2. An-Najah BioSciences Unit, Centre for Poisons Control, Chemical and Biological Analyses, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine

    Ramzi Shawahna

Authors
  1. Ramzi Shawahna
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Contributions

RS was involved in the conception and design of the work, data acquisition, analysis and interpretation of data, drafting, and final approval of the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ramzi Shawahna.

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Ethics Approval

Ethics approval was obtained from the Institutional Board Review (IRB) of the An-Najah National University. The breastfeeding women provided written informed consent before they took part in the present study. Approval was obtained from the Ministry of Health to access the healthcare centers.

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Not applicable.

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Not applicable.

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The author declares no competing interests.

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Shawahna, R. Predictors of Breast Milk Zinc Levels Among Breastfeeding Women in Palestine: a Cross-Sectional Study. Biol Trace Elem Res 200, 4632–4640 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-022-03347-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-022-03347-8

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