Analytical approach to obtaining reference values for minor and trace elements in human milk

Abstract

An investigation was undertaken in order to assess reference values for various minor and trace elements in human milk of urban and rural population groups, sub-divided in their turn into smokers and non-smokers. Eligibility criteria were defined and strictly adhered to. An over-all strategy was worked out to guarantee reliability and representativity of experimental data, in particular by minimising all possible sources of chemical contamination or loss. The study was carried out mainly by means of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry given its inherent multi-elemental nature. For a total of 59 subjects the following median values were obtained (µg g^–1): Al, 0.161; Ba, 0.026; Cd, 0.002; Cd, 0.019; Cu, 0.387; Fe, 0.661; Li, 0.004; Mg, 29.41; Mn, 0.006; Ni, 0.032; Pb, 0.014; and Zn, 3.29. Possible correlations with specific living conditions of subjects were also attempted.