The present work aimed to study the zinc content of human and cow milk as
well as some plant products which are used for preparing some natural foods and
juices for feeding infant as food supplement. Also, the present study calculated the
dietary zinc intake to ensure normal growth and good health for infants. Ten lactating
mothers supplied monthly samples of human milk allover the year (2003). Milk
samples from cows were taken from 5 governorates allover the same year. Samples
of eggs, vegetables (potatoes and green peas), fruits (apple, banana and orange),
cereals (wheat and rice) and legumes (lentil) were collected from the same 5
governorates. Skim milk was prepared from cows. Belila, boiled rice, lentil, potatoes,
green peas and eggs were prepared. Orange juice was prepared. Zinc concentration
was determined in all the above mentioned products. Results showed that zinc concentration in human milk ranged from 0.63 to 3.8
I-1g 1 ml, while, cow's milk contained the lowest zinc concentration ranged from 0.007
to 0.017 I-1g 1 ml. on the contrary, zinc concentration was relatively high in whole boiled
eggs ranged from 1 to 1.5 mg. Zinc concentration was 5 mg/100g in lentil, 3 mg 1100
gm in belila, ,0.4 mg 1100 g in boiled rice, 4 mg 1100g in green peas, 0.3 mg 1100g
in potatoes and 0.2 mg 1100g in banana. Orange juice has the lowest recorded value
of 0.02 mg 1100 g. Since the recommended dietary allowances set by the Food and Nutrition
Board (1980) was 3-5 mg 1 day of zinc as intake for infants during the first year of age,
five regimes were suggested. The calculation of these regimes based on the age of
infants and the requirements of k call day and protein ( gl day) and calculation of
zinc concentration of each regime to supply the infants with the satisfied nutrients and
recommended zinc concentration.