BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Literature and practice have always showed the undeniable benefits of breast milk. Breastfeeding in early infancy is beneficial at different levels such as growth, weight gain, long term prevention of diseases… This study aimed to i) evaluate total mineral content in breastmilk, ii) determinate specifically iron and calcium content iii) appreciate the nutritional habits of breastfeeding mothers.
METHODS: The study included a nutritional survey of sixty-four (64) consenting breastfeeding mothers of 0 to 6 months infant babies. Breastmilk was withdrawn after the survey and submitted to different analysis: i) total mineral content by ash determination, ii) iron and calcium values by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Analysis of these values in relationship with the breastfeeding mothers’ alimentation was thus performed. 
RESULTS:  The study showed that alimentation of these breastfeeding mothers was varied, containing food from at least four to six groups of the food pyramid. Mean total mineral content in samples was 211.06 mg. 100mL-1. Iron (0.093 mg. 100mL-1) and Calcium (24.01 mg. 100mL-1) did not vary significantly between breastfeeding mothers. These values were not very different though slightly lower than those reported by literature. The results of the nutritional survey could partly explain the mineral’s content found. Local food frequently consumed, particularly milk, vegetables and fruits, most reported by mothers are known sources of minerals.
CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study must be pursued to investigate other micronutrients content in breastmilk such as other essential minerals and vitamins. The evaluation of breastmilk total composition is useful for the management of infant nutritional needs.

IRON AND CALCIUM CONTENT OF BREASTMILK FROM BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS OF 0 TO 6 MONTHS INFANT BABIES IN ABIDJAN, COTE D'IVOIRE