Comparative Methods for Determination of Mineral Content in Human Breast Milk

Abstract

The mineral content in human breast milk from five different lactating mothers was determined using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (FAAS) for macro-elements (Ca & Mg) and inductively coupled plasma emission spectrophotometer (ICP-ES) for heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn & Cu) analysis. The fresh human milk sample was digested using chloroform, trichloroacetic acid and wet digestion procedures. The concentration of the essential elements for the wet digestion varied in the sequence Ca > Mg > Fe >Mn > Zn > Cu. The concentration of the elements compared favourably with WHO standard for human nutrition except for calcium and zinc. The concentration of toxic metal, Pb was lower than the tolerance level defined by the world regulation of 1992.