Analysis of Iron (Fe) Content in Breast Milk of Breastfeeding Mothers with Level Anemia Normal, Mild and Moderate

Aims: The study aimed to determine the level of iron (Fe) in breast milk samples from breastfeeding mothers who were not anemic (normal), had mild anemia, and had moderate anemia.

Methodology: This research is descriptive in nature with a cross-sectional research design. The research subjects were 30 breast milk samples from breastfeeding mothers who had babies aged 0-6 months in TTU Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. 10 samples each in the categories of no anemia (normal), mild anemia, and moderate anemia. Analysis of Fe levels in breast milk samples using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (SSA) at the Testing, Calibration, and Certification Services Laboratory Unit, Bogor Agricultural Institute.

Results: The results of the analysis showed that the average Fe content in breast milk samples from breastfeeding mothers (normal category) was 4.17 mg/L; Fe levels in breast milk samples from breastfeeding mothers (mild anemia category) were 2.01 mg/L; while the Fe level in breast milk samples from breastfeeding mothers (moderate anemia category) was 1.05 mg/L. From the average figures, it can be seen that there is no significant difference in Fe levels between the three breast milk samples, which is confirmed by the distribution of Fe levels for the 30 samples which is not much different, even from the minimum number of Fe levels in breast milk samples from breastfeeding mothers (normal). still found at 1.03 mg/L (almost the same as the minimum Fe level for breast milk samples from breastfeeding mothers (mild anemia), namely 0.70 mg/L.

Conclusion: there were no significant differences in Fe levels in breast milk samples from breastfeeding mothers in the categories of no anemia (normal), mild anemia, and moderate anemia. However, it is still recommended that it is very important to ensure sufficient iron in breast milk to help the baby's growth and development.