Skip to main content
Key Specialties
Cardiology Diabetology Endocrinology Gastroenterology Geriatrics and Gerontology Gynecology and Obstetrics Hematology Infectious Disease Internal Medicine Nephrology Neurology Oncology Pediatrics Respiratory Medicine Rheumatology Surgery
Congress Coverage
2024 ACC Congress 2023 ESMO Congress 2023 EASD Congress 2023 ERS Congress 2023 ESC Congress
Clinical Collections
Advances in Alzheimer’s

At a glance: The STEP trials

A round-up of the STEP phase 3 clinical trials evaluating semaglutide for weight loss in people with overweight or obesity.
ADVANCED SEARCH
Log in
Top
BMC Pediatrics
Published in: BMC Pediatrics 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research article

Copper, zinc and iron levels in infants and their mothers during the first year of life: a prospective study

Authors: Tülin Ayşe Özden, Gülbin Gökçay, M. Serdar Cantez, Özlem Durmaz, Halim İşsever, Beyhan Ömer, Günay Saner

Published in: BMC Pediatrics | Issue 1/2015

Login to get access

Abstract

Background

Essential micronutrients are important for maintenance of life. Deficiency of micronutrients is more likely to be encountered in children, and women studies are required to investigate the status of micronutrients in children and women. This study aimed to longitudinally evaluate changes in zinc, copper, and iron levels in breastfed infants and their mothers during the first year of life.

Methods

Serum and hair samples were obtained from 35 healthy breastfed infants (51 % males, 49 % females) and their mothers 2, 6, and 12 months after delivery. All of the samples were assessed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Serum iron levels were determined by a Roche/Hitachi/Modular analyzer. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS-PC (Version 21.00) software.

Results

Hair zinc (p < 0.05) and serum iron (p < 0.001) levels of infants were significantly decreased towards the end of the first year. Infants’ serum copper levels were increased towards the end of the first year. Maternal serum and hair copper levels and serum iron levels were significantly decreased towards the end of the first year. There were no significant correlations between dietary zinc, copper, iron intake, and trace element levels of infants and their mothers.

Conclusions

Infants’ hair zinc levels, maternal and infants’ hair copper levels, and infants’ and maternal serum iron levels declined towards the end of the first year. Infants need more zinc after 6 months of age. Infants’ and mothers’ daily iron intake was less than the recommended intake.
Literature
1.
Hegazy AA, Zaher MM, Abd El-Hafez MA, Morsy AA, Saleh RA. Relation between anemia and blood levels of lead, copper, zinc and iron among children. BMC Res Notes. 2010;3:1–9.CrossRef
2.
ESPGHAN. Iron, minerals and trace elements. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2005;41:S39–46.CrossRef
3.
Voskaki I, Arvanitidou V, Athanasopoulou H, Tzagkaraki A, Tripsianis G, Giannoulia-Karantana A. Serum copper and zinc levels in healthy Greek children and their parents. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2010;134:136–45.CrossRefPubMed
4.
Schneider JM, Fujii ML, Lamp CL, Lönnerdal B, Zidenberg-Cherr S. The prevalence of low serum zinc and copper levels and dietary habits associated with serum zinc and copper in 12-to 36-month-old children from low-income families at risk for iron deficiency. J Am Diet Assoc. 2007;107:1924–9.CrossRefPubMed
5.
Burjonrappa SC, Miller M. Role of trace elements in parenteral nutrition support of the surgical neonate. J Pediatr Surg. 2012;47:760–71.CrossRefPubMed
6.
Kleinman RE. Trace elements in pediatric nutrition handbook. 5th ed. Elk Grove: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2004. p. 313–21.
7.
Kodama H. Trace element deficiency in infants and children. JMAJ. 2004;47:376–81.
8.
Hambidge KM, Facog WD. Changes in plasma and hair concentrations of zinc, copper, chromium and manganese during pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 1974;44:666–72.
9.
Lind T. Iron and zinc in infancy: Results from experimental trials in Sweden and Indonesia. Umeå University Medical Dissertations. 2004;87:1–108.
10.
Abrams SA. New approaches to iron fortification: Role of bioavailability studies. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004;80:1104–5.PubMed
11.
Lönnerdal B. Bioavailability of copper. Am J Clin Nutr. 1996;63:821S–9.PubMed
12.
Wu X, Liu Z, Guo J, Wan C, Zhang T, Cui H, et al. Influence of dietary zinc and copper on apparent mineral retention and serum biochemical indicators in young male mink (Mustela vison). Biol Trace Elem Res. 2015;165:56–66.CrossRef
13.
Jacks B, Sall M, Jacks G. A first assessment of zinc intake in Niger Inland Delta, Mali. Sight and Life. 2008;2:27–32.
14.
Ece A, Uyanik BS, Iscan A, Ertan P, Yigitoglu MR. Increased serum copper and decreased serum zinc levels in children with iron deficiency anemia. Biol Trace Elem Res. 1997;59:31–9.CrossRefPubMed
15.
Lönnerdal B. Dietary factors influencing zinc absorption. J Nutr. 2000;130:1378–83.
16.
Gibson RS. Trace element deficiencies in humans. Can Med Assoc J. 1991;145:231.
17.
Jones AA, Di Silvestro RA, Coleman M, Wagner TL. Copper supplementation of adult men: effect on blood copper enzyme activities and indicators of cardiovascular disease risk. Metabolism. 1997;46:1380–3.CrossRefPubMed
18.
Zlotkin SH, Schauer C, Agyei SO, Wolfson J, Tondeur MC, Asante KP, et al. Demonstrating zinc and iron bioavailability from intrinsically labeled microencapsulated ferrous fumarate and zinc gluconate sprinkles in young children. J Nutr. 2006;136:920–5.PubMed
19.
L’Abbe MR, Friel JK. Copper status of very-low-birth-weight infants during the first 12 months of infancy. Pediatr Res. 1992;32:183–8.CrossRefPubMed
20.
Cordano A, Baertl JM, Graham GG. Copper deficiency in infancy. Pediatrics. 1964;34:324–36.PubMed
21.
Levy Y, Zeharia A, Grunebaum M, Nitzan M, Steinherz R. Copper deficiency in infants fed cow milk. J Pediatr. 1985;106:786–8.CrossRefPubMed
22.
Shazia Q, Mohammad ZH, Rahman T, Shekhar HU. Correlation of oxidative stress with serum trace element levels and antioxidant enzyme status in beta thalassemia major patients: A review of the literature. Anemia. 2012;2012:270923.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
23.
Worwood M. Iron and other trace metals. In: Jacobs A, Worwood M, editors. Iron and biochemistry and medicine. London and New York: Academic; 1974. p. 335–62.
24.
Monajemzadeh SH, Zarkesh MR. Iron deficiency anemia in infants aged 12–15 months in Ahwaz, Iran. Indian J Path Microbiol. 2009;52:182–4.CrossRef
25.
Brown KH. Effect of infections on plasma zinc concentration and implications for zinc status assessment in low-income countries. Am J Clin Nutr. 1998;68:425S–9.PubMed
26.
Hinks LJ, Clayton BE, Lloyd RS. Zinc and copper concentrations in leucocytes and erythrocytes in healthy adults and the effect of oral contraceptives. J Clin Pathol. 1983;36:1016–21.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
27.
Hotz C, Brown KH. Overview of zinc nutrition in assessment of the risk of zinc deficiency in populations and options for its control. Food Nutr Bull. 2004;25(1 Suppl 2):96–203.
28.
McMaster D, Lappin TR, Halliday HL, Patterson CC. Serum copper and zinc levels in the preterm infant. A longitudinal study of the first year of life. Biol Neonate. 1983;44:108–13.CrossRefPubMed
29.
Bundak R, Furman A, Günöz H, Darendeliler F, Baş F, Neyzi O. Body mass index references for Turkish Children. Acta Pediatric. 2006;95:194–8.CrossRef
30.
31.
Emmett PM, North K, Noble S. Types of drinks consumed by infants at 4 and 8 months of age: a descriptive study. Public Health Nutr. 2000;3:211–7.CrossRefPubMed
32.
Chou PP. Zinc. In: Pesce AJ, Kaplan LA, editors. Methods in clinical chemistry. St. Louis, Missouri: The C.V. Mosby Company; 1987. p. 596–602.
33.
Taylor A, Bryant TN. Comparison of procedures for determination of copper and zinc serum by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Clin Chim Acta. 1981;110:83–90.CrossRefPubMed
34.
Alcock NW. Copper. In: Pesce AJ, Kaplan LA, editors. Methods in clinical chemistry. St. Louis, Missouri: The C. V. Mosby Company; 1987. p. 527–38.
35.
Chen XC, Yin TA, He JS, Ma QY, Han ZM, Li LX. Low levels of zinc in hair and blood, pica, anorexia and poor growth in Chinese preschool children. Am J Clin Nutr. 1985;42:694–700.PubMed
36.
Wu AHB. General clinical tests. In: Wu AHB, editor. Tietz clinical guide to laboratory tests. 4th ed. St. Louis,Missouri: WB Saunders Company; 2006. p. 32–1202.
37.
Lehmann HP, Henry JB. SI units. In: Henry JH, editor. Clinical diagnosis and management by laboratory methods. 20th ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders Company; 2001. p. 1426–41.
38.
Lin CN, Wilson A, Church BB, Ehman S, Roberts WL, McMillin GA. Pediatric reference intervals for serum copper and zinc. Clin Chim Acta. 2012;413:612–5.CrossRefPubMed
39.
Tietz NW. Tables of normal values in fundamentals of clinical chemistry. Philadelphia: WB Saunders Company; 1976. p. 1207–27.
40.
Moser PB, Reynolds RD, Acharya S, Howard MP, Andon MB, Lewis SA. Copper, iron, zinc and selenium dietary intake and status of lactating women and their breast-fed infants. Am J Clin Nutr. 1988;47:729–34.PubMed
41.
Dijkhuizen MA, Wieringa FT, West CE. Concurrent micronutrient deficiencies in lactating mothers and their infants in Indonesia. Am J Clin Nutr. 2001;73:786–91.PubMed
42.
Fung EB, Ritchie LD, Woodhouse LR, Roehl R, King JC. Zinc absorption in women during pregnancy and lactation: A longitudinal study. Am J Clin Nutr. 1997;66:80–8.PubMed
43.
Krebs NF, Westcott J. Zinc and breastfed infants: If and when is there a risk of deficiency. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2002;503:69–75.CrossRefPubMed
44.
Krebs NF, Reidinger CJ, Hartley S, Robertson AD, Hambidge KM. Zinc supplementation during lactation: effects on maternal status and milk zinc concentrations. Am J Clin Nutr. 1995;61:1030–6.PubMed
45.
Nakamori M, Ninh NX, Isomura H, Yoshiike N, Hıen VTT, Nhug BT, et al. Nutritional status of lactating mothers and their breast milk concentration of iron, zinc and copper in rural Vietnam. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol. 2009;55:338–45.CrossRefPubMed
46.
Macdonald LD, Gibson RS, Miles JE. Changes in hair zinc and copper concentrations of breast fed and bottle fed infants during the first six months. Acta Pediatr Scand. 1982;71:785–9.CrossRef
47.
Taneli B. Zinc in Anatolian population. Ege J Med. 2005;44:1–10.
48.
Dolphin AE, Goodman AH. Maternal diets, nutritional status and zinc contemporary Mexican infants’ teeth: Implications or reconstructing paleo diets. Am J Physic Anthrop. 2009;140:390–409.
49.
50.
Sian L, Krebs NF, Westcott JE, Fengliang L, Tong L, Miller LV, et al. Zinc homeostasis during lactation in a population with a low zinc intake. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002;75:99–103.PubMed
51.
Gibson RS. Content and bioavailability of trace elements in vegetarian diets. Am J Clin Nutr. 1994;59:1223S–32.PubMed
52.
Park HS, Shin KO, Kim JS. Assessment of reference values for hair minerals of Korean preschool children. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2007;116:119–30.CrossRefPubMed
53.
Dongarra G, Lombardo M, Tamburo E, Varrica D, Cibella F, Cuttitta G. Concentration and reference interval of trace elements in human hair from students living in Palermo, Sicily (İtaly). Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2011;32:27–34.CrossRefPubMed
54.
Eatough DJ, Christensen JJ, Izatt RM, Hartley C. Level of selected elements in human hair. In: Brown AC, editor. The first human hair symposium. New York: Medcom Press; 1974.
55.
Salmenpera L, Perheentupa J, Pakarinen P, Siimes MA. Cu nutrition in infants during prolonged exclusive breast-feeding: low intake but rising serum concentrations of Cu and ceruloplasmin. Am J Clin Nutr. 1986;43:251–7.PubMed
56.
Committee on Dietary Allowances. Food and Nutrition Board. National Research Council. Recommended dietary allowances. 10th ed. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 1989.
57.
Feely RM, Eitenmiller RR, Jones JB, Barnhart H. Copper, iron and zinc contents of human milk at early stages of lactation. Am J Clin Nutr. 1983;37:443–8.
58.
Valkovic V. The role of trace elements. In: Valkovic V, editor. Trace elements in human hair. New York and London: Garland STPM Press; 1977. p. 89–141.
59.
Raiten DJ, Ashour FAS, Ross AC, Meydani SN, Dawson HD, Stephensen CB, et al. Inflammation and Nutritional Science for Programs/Policies and Interpretation of Research Evidence (INSPIRE). J Nutr. 2015;145:1039S–108.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
Metadata
Title
Copper, zinc and iron levels in infants and their mothers during the first year of life: a prospective study
Authors
Tülin Ayşe Özden
Gülbin Gökçay
M. Serdar Cantez
Özlem Durmaz
Halim İşsever
Beyhan Ömer
Günay Saner
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Pediatrics / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2431
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-015-0474-9

Other articles of this Issue 1/2015

BMC Pediatrics 1/2015 Go to the issue

Research article

Prevention of peripherally inserted central line-associated blood stream infections in very low-birth-weight infants by using a central line bundle guideline with a standard checklist: a case control study

Research article

Low case notification rates of childhood tuberculosis in southern Ethiopia

Research article

The NeBoP score - a clinical prediction test for evaluation of children with Lyme Neuroborreliosis in Europe

Research article

Predictors of treatment failure for non-severe childhood pneumonia in developing countries – systematic literature review and expert survey – the first step towards a community focused mHealth risk-assessment tool?

Research article

Are parents and adolescents in agreement on reporting of recurrent non-specific low back pain in adolescents? A cross-sectional descriptive study

Research article

Social, dietary and clinical correlates of oedema in children with severe acute malnutrition: a cross-sectional study