Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Apr 5, 2020
Date Accepted: Oct 2, 2020
Determining the actual zinc and iron intakes in breastfed infants: Study protocol
ABSTRACT
Background:
Previous studies reported zinc and iron deficiencies among exclusively breastfed infants at the end of the first half year of life. While micronutrient concentrations in breast milk were proposed to predict zinc and iron status of breastfed infants, breast milk volume consumed by infants is essential for determining their actual zinc and iron intakes.
Objective:
This study aims to quantitatively determine zinc and iron intakes by breastfed infants during the first 4 months, and to investigate the factors that predict zinc and iron status in breastfed infants.
Methods:
This study enrolls pregnant women at 28-34 week of gestation. Maternal zinc and iron status and dietary intake are evaluated at enrollment. At delivery, we obtain cord blood for zinc and iron analysis. We will follow participants and their babies at 2 and 4 months postpartum. Maternal dietary intake and anthropometric measurements including body composition analyses are performed. At both time points, we determine infant breast milk intake by the deuterium oxide dose-to-mother technique as well as milk zinc and iron concentrations. Zinc and iron intakes are calculated from breast milk volume and micronutrient concentrations. Zinc and iron blood levels in both mother and infant are assessed at 4 months after birth.
Results:
One-hundred and twenty pregnant women were enrolled in the study. Three of them had emergency delivered their babies at other hospitals, and were excluded from the study. From delivery to 4-month visit, there were 40 participants withdrawn from the study. At the end of data collection, there were 58 participants who exclusively breastfed their babies and 22 participants who gave their babies both breast milk and formula. The data from 80 participants who completed the study is being analyzed.
Conclusions:
This study will provide information on zinc and iron intakes in breastfed infants during the first 4 months of life, and explore predictive factors and possible association of zinc and iron intakes with infant growth and nutrient status.
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Copyright
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