Current knowledge on the effects of environmental contaminants in early life nutrition

Abstract

Breast milk represents the optimal source of feeding for newborns, in terms of nutritional compounds and as it provides immunological, metabolic, organic, and neurological well-being. As a complex biological fluid, it consists not only of nutritional compounds but also contains environmental contaminants. Formulas through production, contact with bottles and cups, and complementary feeding can also be contaminated. The current review focuses on endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and made-man xenoestrogens present in the environment and both commonly present in food sources, agricultural practices, packaging, consumer products, industry, and medical care. These contaminants are transferred by passive diffusion to breast milk and are delivered during breastfeeding. They mainly act by activating or antagonizing hormonal receptors. We summarize the effects on the immune system, gut microbiota, and metabolism. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and indirect food additives may induce tissue inflammation and polarize lymphocytes, increase proinflammatory cytokines, promote allergic sensitization, and microbial dysbiosis, activate nuclear receptors and increase the incidence of allergic, autoimmune, and metabolic diseases. Breast milk is the most important optimal source in early life. This mini-review summarizes current knowledge on environmental contaminants and paves the way for strategies to prevent milk contamination and limit maternal and infant exposure during pregnancy and the first months of life.

Influence of feeding practices in the composition and functionality of infant gut microbiota and its relationship with health

“…The CF group showed a reduced level of specific VOCs, such as pentadecane [ 21 ] and propylbenzene [ 19 ], compared with the FF group, which were related to disorders and diseases of the gut. The findings of our study highlight the need for larger studies to provide insights into the exposure of the infant population since these compounds may alter the human microbiota [ 43 ], and the exposure to these compounds should be limited during the early first months of life [ 44 ].…”

The impact of environmental factors and contaminants on thyroid function and disease from fetal to adult life: current evidence and future directions

“…Others can interfere with hormone production, transport, metabolism, or clearance. In addition, they may have other modes of action, as causing oxidative stress, genetic susceptibility, and epigenetic modifications (e.g., DNA methylation, miRNA) ( 17 , 62 , 63 ), ultimately resulting in gene expression changes ( 62 , 64 , 65 ) in particular when exposure occurs during prenatal and early postnatal life.…”

Pollutants in Breast Milk: A Scoping Review of the Most Recent Data in 2024

“…This scenario underscores the necessity for ongoing epidemiological and biological studies to deepen our understanding of pollutant variations over future decades. Given the passive diffusion mechanism by which most contaminants, owing to their high lipophilicity, reach breast milk, the importance of scrutinizing their presence becomes paramount [ 3 ].…”