A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effects of Jujube Fruit on the Concentrations of Some Toxic Trace Elements in Human Milk

Overview

This 2016 randomized controlled trial from Isfahan, Iran, evaluated whether jujube fruit (Ziziphus jujuba) supplementation reduces toxic element concentrations in breast milk of lactating mothers. The key finding was no significant reduction across lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), or arsenic (As), but the study provides baseline breast milk metal concentrations for an industrial Iranian city.

Key numbers

Baseline breast milk concentrations (µg/L, mean ± SD, n=40 total):

These baseline values (especially Pb at ~30 µg/L) reflect environmental contamination in Isfahan, an industrial steel- and petrochemical-producing city, and are elevated relative to Western European reference populations.

Intervention results: No statistically significant change in Pb, Cd, or As concentrations after 8 weeks of jujube fruit supplementation.

Methods

RCT; 40 mothers; 8 weeks; jujube 15 g/day vs control. Breast milk collected at baseline and 8 weeks. Method for metal analysis not specified in available excerpt (likely FAAS or ICP-MS). Wet weight.

Implications

Health: Isfahan maternal Pb in breast milk (~30 µg/L) is notably higher than European reference values (<5 µg/L). Industrial city environmental Pb exposure is a significant modifier of breast milk Pb.

Related evidence

• Lead
• Cadmium
• Arsenic
• Breastfeeding and metal exposure

Update history

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