Demographic, Reproductive, and Dietary Determinants of Perfluorooctane Sulfonic (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Concentrations in Human Colostrum

Abstract

To determine demographic, reproductive, and maternal dietary factors that predict perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) concentrations in breast milk, we measured perfluorooctane sulfonic (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) concentrations, using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, in 184 colostrum samples collected from women participating in a cohort study in eastern Slovakia between 2002 and 2004. During their hospital delivery stay, mothers completed a food frequency questionnaire, and demographic and reproductive data were also collected. PFOS and PFOA predictors were identified by optimizing multiple linear regression models using Akaike’s information criterion (AIC). The geometric mean concentration in colostrum was 35.3 pg/ml for PFOS and 32.8 pg/ml for PFOA., In multivariable models, parous women had 40% lower PFOS (95% CI: −56 to −17%) and 40% lower PFOA (95% CI: −54 to −23%) concentrations compared with nulliparous women. Moreover, fresh/frozen fish consumption, longer birth intervals, and Slovak ethnicity were associated with higher PFOS and PFOA concentrations in colostrum. These results will help guide the design of future epidemiologic studies examining milk PFAS concentrations in relation to health endpoints in children.

A Critical Review on Transplacental Transfer of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Prenatal Exposure Levels, Characteristics, and Mechanisms

“…By determining the level of PFASs in umbilical venous blood, amniotic fluid and meconium, the remaining level of PFASs in the fetus can be deduced, and the ability of fetus to metabolize PFASs in the uterus can then be evaluated. Moreover, multiple studies have demonstrated − that the presence of PFASs in breast milk is an indicator that breastfeeding infants are still exposed to PFASs. Therefore, a systematic toxicokinetic model for the intrauterine and lactation periods should be established to assess the risk of PFASs exposure in fetuses/infants, which are the most biologically sensitive populations.…”

Mothers living with contamination of perfluoroalkyl substances: an assessment of the perceived health risk and self-reported diseases

“…Therefore, prolonged breastfeeding could decrease maternal serum PFAS concentration but increase PFAS concentration in infants (Kim et al, 2020), resulting in toddlers with higher total PFAS blood concentrations than their mothers (Papadopoulou et al, 2016). Furthermore, parous women have 40% lower PFOA (95% CI: -54% -− 23%), colostrum concentration (Jusko et al, 2016), and 70% lower PFOA plasma concentration, compared to nulliparous women (Brantsaeter et al, 2013); previous pregnancies probably contribute to the elimination of PFAS in lactating mothers (Manzano-Salgado et al, 2016). The effect of breastfeeding on PFAS levels in infants is particularly relevant as it is strongly recommended worldwide to breastfeed infants for the rst six months after childbirth for their optimal growth (WHO, 2002).…”

Menstrual cycle characteristics as determinants of plasma concentrations of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort (MoBa study)

“…PFAS concentrations are on average lower in parous women compared to nulliparous women (Berg et al, 2014; Brantsaeter et al, 2013; Jusko et al, 2016; Kato et al, 2014; Lewin et al, 2017; Ode et al, 2013; Sagiv et al, 2015). Brantsaeter et al (2013) suggest mechanisms for this elimination include placental transfer, aggregation in the placenta, higher glomerular filtration rate during the pregnancy, and breastfeeding.…”

“…Other explanations for lower PFAS levels in parous women may include bleeding during delivery and the post-partum period. In multiparous women, lower PFAS concentrations are linked to longer duration of previous breastfeeding (Brantsaeter et al, 2013; Jusko et al, 2016; Kato et al, 2014; Lauritzen et al, 2016; Manzano-Salgado et al, 2016; Sagiv et al, 2015; Timmermann et al, 2017). It is possible that more frequent menses may be associated with a greater percent decrease in PFHpS concentration and PFOS concentration among parous women because their baseline levels of these compounds are lower than levels in nulliparous women.…”