Levels of calcium, aluminium and chromium in serum of exclusively breastfed infants at six months of age in Savannah region of Nigeria.

This study was undertaken to determine the levels of calcium, aluminium and chromium in the serum of apparently healthy exclusively breastfed infants at the sixth month of lactation. Forty-five infants (with a male:female ratio 2:1) were studied. They were of an average age six months and one week, weighed 6.8-10.0 kg. The mean calcium levels of 83.92 ug/ml (2.1 mmol/L) obtained is within the reference range (2.1-2.5 mmol/L) in this area. The mean level of chromium was 0.11 u/ml while that of aluminium is significantly (P < 0.001) higher than the toxic level reported by some workers, yet none of the subject was manifesting any obvious signs of toxicity. We can then infer from our data that the exclusively breastfed infants are able to extract enough calcium, aluminium and chromium from the maternal breastmilk.

Factors influencing exclusive breast-feeding in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

A study to elucidate the factors that influence successful Exclusive Breast Feeding (EBF) was carried out by administering a structured interview questionnaire prospectively on three hundred and thirty three nursing mothers attending Family Health Clinic, Jos University Teaching Hospital from October 1997 to June 1998. 136 (40.9%) of their 333 babies were exclusively breast fed for six months from birth. Mothers' literacy level of 75.6% had a statistically significant positive effect on the practice of EBF (P < 0.05). A high percentage (97.6%) attended Ante-natal clinic but 44% delivered at home. Home delivery was found to have a statistically significant negative effect on the practice of EBF P > 0.001. The drop-out rate on EBF for working nursing mothers was 58% (Discontinued EBF on resumption of duty from maternity leave). Students who had babies during school sessions also recorded a similar drop-out rate (57%). Although there was no statistically significant association between mothers occupation and the practice of EBF, full-time house wives practiced EBF least. The reason was attributed to environment (family influence). The study highlighted the need to get the mothers and mothers-in-law of nursing mothers involved in the promotion of EBF. They are known to command much respect and their opinion is well respected in the family when a new baby arrives. The extension of maternity leave to six months for a working mother is very necessary if she is expected to breast feed for six months and at the same time work to earn a living in an ailing economy.

Aberrations in serum proteins and thyroid size in Nigerians on the Jos Plateau and their relation to thyrometabolic function.

Controlled serum protein and thyroid function studies were carried out among 208 African patients with endemic goitre. The changes seen in the serum protein constituents were studied and evaluated in relation to thyroid hormone levels, goitre grade and the clinical state of the patient. Mean serum TBG and thyroglobulin values rose sharply in the early phase of goitre, and remained elevated throughout. Although the mean serum total T4 was statistically and significantly higher in endemic goitre compared with the normal subjects (t = 3.72. P = 0.005), the free thyroxine index was significantly lower and serum T4 fell progressively (r = 0.975) with increasing thyroid grade. In contrast, mean serum T3 rose continuously (r = 0.910) but appeared inflated due to a proportionate increase in TBG in several cases, giving a misleading picture of T3--thyrotoxicosis in otherwise clinically normal subjects. An increase in T3/T4 ratio and consequently in thyroid function, therefore occurs with advancing thyroid size. Inconsistent binding of T4 to TBG causes wide variations in thyroxine index. Mean serum albumin and betalipoprotein appeared inversely related to thyroid function. These changes imply that in order to evaluate a patient with endemic goitre accurately a detailed biochemical investigated of the thyroid may be necessary.