The importance of trace elements in infant nutrition

Summary

An increasing number of trace elements are being recognized as important in infant nutrition. Deficiency states have been identified for iron, iodine, copper, zinc and chromium. In general, nutritional requirements for the trace elements have not been well defined, and it is difficult at present to ensure that all infants receive optimal quantities in their diets. Trace deficiencies may result, for example, from otherwise desirable modifications of cow's milk in the production of infant milk formulae that may lead to an inadvertent loss of essential elements. Substantial progress in this field should be possible in the near future.

Key Words::

• Trace elements
• zinc
• copper
• infant nutrition
• milk
• human