A new Polish study indicates that by following a diet that is rich in zinc and iron, breastfeeding mothers produce milk with a higher concentration of these trace minerals.
Norwegian scientists looking at vitamin D levels in mothers and children during pregnancy, and up to six months after birth, have found over 30% of infants had inadequate levels of the vitamin at three months of age.
Using prebiotics to manipulate the microbiota of breastmilk is possible, says researchers, who also find that the mother’s age can influence this response with these changes varying for each individual.