CALCIUM CONCENTRATION IN DIFFERENT STAGES OF LACTATION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

This study aimed to quantify the concentration of calcium at different stages of human lactation, comparing it to infant formulas, and bovine milk. Samples of human milk were collected along five stages (newborn, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months), besides infant formulas (0–6, 6–12, and 12–36 months) and bovine milk. Laboratory analyses followed the method recommended by Adolfo Lutz Institute. It was possible to verify that human milk presents minimum variations along the lactation period, with average result equals to 30.87±2,20 mg/100g within the evaluated period. In comparison to human milk, industrialized formulas, UHT milk and powdered milk presented calcium concentrations equals to 58.76%, 247.43% and 299.445% above human milk, respectively