Zinc Concentrations in Breast Milk Samples from Palestinian Lactating Women: A Cross-Sectional Study on Deficiency Signs and Dietary Zinc Consumption

This study assessed zinc concentrations in breast milk from 58 Palestinian lactating women and explored the relationship between these concentrations, dietary zinc intake, and signs of zinc deficiency. The median zinc level in breast milk was 0.091 mg/100 mL. Symptoms of zinc deficiency included hair loss (12.1%), dermatologic issues (19.0%), and changes in weight (19.0%). Higher breast milk zinc levels were associated with younger age, urban living, employment, and high consumption of zinc-rich drinks. The study highlights the need for healthcare providers to educate lactating women on maintaining adequate zinc levels and suggests further research on zinc supplementation's effects on breast milk.