Aim

Breastmilk calcium concentrations can vary between lactating women and over the lactation period. This study assessed breastmilk calcium concentrations among Palestinian lactating women.

Methods

The demographic and dietary variables of the lactating women were collected using a questionnaire. The women provided a sample of about 5 mL of breastmilk using hand expression. Breastmilk calcium concentrations were quantified using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometric method.

Results

Breastmilk samples were taken from 240 lactating women. The mean breastmilk calcium concentration was 285.4 ± 115.1 mg/L. Lower breastmilk calcium concentrations were associated with age, lactating period, unemployment, dissatisfaction with income and insufficient consumption of vitamins and minerals.

Conclusion

Breastmilk calcium concentrations were affected by demographic variables of the lactating women and insufficient consumption of vitamins and minerals. The findings reported in this study are informative to healthcare providers and decision makers who might be interested in improving the health of lactating women and their infants.

Title

Acta Paediatrica

Publisher

Wiley

Publisher Country

United Kingdom

Indexing

Thomson Reuters

Impact Factor

1.4

Publication Type

Both (Printed and Online)

Volume

113

Year

2024

Pages

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