AUTHOR=Han Soo Min , Devaraj Surabhi , Derraik José G. B. , Vickers Mark H. , Huang Fang , Dubascoux Stephane , Godfrey Keith M. , Chan Shiao-Yng , Pang Wei Wei , Thakkar Sagar K. , Cutfield Wayne S. , NiPPeR Study Group , Albert Benjamin B , Barton Shelia J , Cavanagh Mary , Chang Hsin Fang , Chong Yap Seng , Chong Mary F , Conlon Cathryn , Cooper Cyrus , Costello Paula , Cox Vanessa , Creagh Christine , Depczynski Marysia , El-Heis Sarah , Hammond Judith , Harvey Nicholas C , Jagtap Mrunalini , Kenealy Timothy , Nield Heidi , O'Sullivan Justin M , Satianegara Gernalia , Silva-Zolezzi Irma , Soh Shu E , Tay Vicky , Taylor Rachael , Tham Elizabeth , Titcombe Philip , Wall Clare , Wong Ray , Woon Gladys TITLE=A nutritional supplement containing zinc during preconception and pregnancy increases human milk zinc concentrations JOURNAL=Frontiers in Nutrition VOLUME=9 YEAR=2023 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.1034828 DOI=10.3389/fnut.2022.1034828 ISSN=2296-861X ABSTRACT=Introduction

During pregnancy and lactation minerals such as zinc are required to support maternal and infant health. Zinc is involved in various cellular processes, with requirements increasing in pregnancy and lactation. In the setting of a randomized trial, we investigated the effects on human milk (HM) zinc concentrations of a micronutrient-containing supplement including zinc in the intervention (but not control) group, started preconception and taken throughout pregnancy until birth. Additionally, we characterized longitudinal changes in HM concentrations of zinc and other minerals (calcium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and sodium).

Methods

HM samples were collected across 7 time points from 1 week to 12 months from lactating mothers from Singapore (n = 158) and New Zealand (n = 180). HM minerals were quantified using sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Potential intervention effects on HM mineral concentrations were assessed using linear mixed models with a repeated measures design and time-weighted area-under-the-curve analyses.

Results

Over the first 3 months of lactation, HM zinc concentrations were 11% higher in the intervention group compared to the control group (p = 0.021). Higher HM zinc concentrations were most evident at 6 weeks of lactation. The intervention had no effect on HM concentrations of other minerals, which were not differently supplemented to the control and intervention groups. Temporal changes in HM minerals over 12 months of lactation were studied in the New Zealand mothers; HM zinc and copper concentrations progressively decreased throughout 12 months, while iron, potassium, sodium, and phosphorus decreased until 6 months then plateaued. HM calcium and magnesium initially increased in early lactation and iodine remained relatively constant throughout 12 months. HM manganese and selenium fell over the initial months of lactation, with a nadir at 6 months, and increased thereafter. The contrasting patterns of changes in HM mineral concentrations during lactation may reflect different absorption needs and roles at different stages of infancy.

Discussion

Overall, this study indicates that HM zinc concentrations are influenced by maternal supplementation during preconception and pregnancy. Further studies are required to understand the associations between HM zinc and other minerals and both short- and long-term offspring outcomes.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT02509988, Universal Trial Number U1111-1171-8056. Registered on 16 July 2015. This is an academic-led study by the EpiGen Global Research Consortium.