ABSTRACT
The effect of nutritional status of lactating women on the levels of lead and cadmium in breast milk is a critical point. Samples were chosen randomly from two sites in Alexandria representing rural and urban areas. Total samples of 84 lactating women were collected, 48 from urban areas, and 36 from rural areas. A questionnaire was prepared, containing different information about socioeconomic data, some environmental information, food habits and practices, and 24 hour dietary recall. Samples of breast milk were collected and prepared to determine the heavy metal content. The results show that, 44% of lactating women in rural areas were at risk age [under, out of normal child bearing age], while it was 20% in urban. Daily intake of protein, iron and vitamin C were higher in urban than rural. Lactating women consumed less than RDA of the studied nutrients in both areas. Levels of Pb and Cd in breast milk were higher in urban than in rural areas [0.81, 0.019 ppm, and 0.79, 0.003 ppm] respectively. The results showed that, there was a significant reverse correlation between level of Pb in breast milk and daily intake of Ca, vit. C, protein and education level in rural areas. It is concluded that, lactating women need nutrition education programs to enhance their nutritional status and avoid nutrition problems and contamination