Majallah-i ̒Ilmī-i Dānishgāh-i ̒Ulūm-i Pizishkī-i Simnān (Aug 2009)
Effect of iron supplementation on zinc and magnesium concentrations in maternal milk and plasma
Abstract
Introduction: Iron in the diet can influence the absorption of certain elements including zinc (Zn)and magnesium (Mg). In this study the effect of iron supplementation on zinc and magnesiumconcentrations in maternal milk and plasma at puerperal period were evaluated.Materials and Methods: Ninety nine non anemic mothers with single pregnancy and normaldelivery were randomly enrolled in two groups (iron and placebo group); blood samples werecollected at the time of delivery and also 140 mid 40 days after delivery. Milk samples were collectedtwice; at two weeks (transient milk) and 40 days after the delivery (mature milk). They weresupplemented orally with either 150mg ferrous sulfate or placebo from the time of delivery for 40days. Zinc and magnesium concentrations were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry.Results: The maternal dietary intake for zinc and magnesium were similar between two groups.Mean iron indexes (ferritin, serum iron and TIBC) were not significantly different between two groupsat the time of delivery. No significant differences in Zn and mg levels were detected in maternal milkbetween two groups but in plasma although there was no significant difference in plasma magnesiumconcentrations; The zinc concentrations was significantly (p<0.001) decreased in the group receivingiron supplementation (0.076±0.047mg/dL) compared with the group receiving placebo (0.163±0.137)until 40 days after delivery.Conclusion: Data from this study suggest that iron supplementation does not affect the contents ofthese elements in maternal milk but despite the possible improvement in body iron status, it candecrease the plasma zinc concentrations, so the zinc supplementation may be needed with iron.
