Multiple regression statistics were used to estimate the effects of nutrient concentration in human milk on linear and ponderal growth of breast-fed babies. Eight mothers and their breast-fed infants were followed during 6 months and evaluated by anthropometric indicators at intervals of 15/30 days when samples of milk were collected and analyzed for zinc, total nitrogen, and lipids. Infants grew normally during the study period. The length and weight of infants and concentrations of nutrients (zinc, total nitrogen, and fat) in milk were analyzed by multiple regression. Concentrations of zinc and nitrogen, but not fat, were significant (P=0.0006, P=0.025, P=0.215 respectively) predictors of weight gain in breast-fed infants. Similar results of lesser magnitude (P=0.02, P=0.07 respectively) where also found for linear growth and zinc, and nitrogen. Based on covariance analysis it is speculated that zinc is a first limiting nutrient in breast-milk.
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