Determination of protein and trace elements in human milk using NAA and XFR techniques

The principal objective pursued in this study is to establish the base-line data on protein content and on the status of elemental composition in human milk from Sudanese subjects. The protein content was derived by multiplying the nitrogen content by a factor 6.25. The nitrogen was determined using a 14 MeV neutron generator. The median values for crude protein and the total dry matter found in this study were 1.23% (volume) and 104 g/l, respectively. Some minor and trace elements of biological significance namely, Cl, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr, Co and Mo were determined using energy dispersive X-my fluorescence spectrometry. The results obtained show good compatibility with the data reported by the WHO on elemental composition of human milk from different geographical regions.