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

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Abstract

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-ray 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.

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Author notes

  1. A. Khatir Sam (IAEA fellow)

    Present address: Department of Radiation Physics, Lund University, Sweden

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sudan Atomic Energy Commission, Box 3001, Khartoum, Sudan

    A. Khatir Sam (IAEA fellow), Mustafa M. Osman & F. A. El-Khangi

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  1. A. Khatir Sam
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  2. Mustafa M. Osman
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  3. F. A. El-Khangi
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Sam, A.K., Osman, M.M. & El-Khangi, F.A. Determination of protein and trace elements in human milk using NAA and XFR techniques. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 231, 21–23 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02387999

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02387999

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