Minerals and trace elements
The most prevalent monovalent ions in human milk are sodium,potassium,and chloride;the most prevalent divalent ions are calcium,magnesium,citrate,phosphate,and sulfate.Numerous factors affect the levels of these minerals in human milk.During pregnancy,involution,and mastitis,the junctions between the alveolar cells remain open,allowing sodium and chloride to enter the milk space,drawing water along with them.