Mercury, lead and cadmium in human milk in relation to diet, lifestyle habits and sociodemographic variables in Madrid (Spain)

Breast milk contributes towards optimal nutrition for infants. However, studies showed that it can also contain different toxins and heavy metals, which reduce its health benefits. The aim of this study is to determine the level of contaminants such as aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), Pb, Cd, As, and Hg in breast milk samples from Famagusta, Cyprus. Correlations between moldy food consumption, smoking habits of the mothers, and contaminant levels in breast milk were also investigated. Breast milk samples from 50 lactating mothers in rural and urban areas of Famagusta District were analyzed for AFM1 by ELISA. Eighty percent of them were found to be contaminated with AFM1 with the mean measurement of 7.84 ± 1.72 ng/l. Socio-demographic status, moldy food consumption habits, and smoking status do not have any effect on the AFM1 levels observed in breast milk. Heavy metal levels in breast milk were examined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the mean measurements were1.19 ± 1.53 ppm for Pb, 0.73 ± 0.58 ppm for As, 0 ± 0.20 ppm for Hg, and 0.45 ± 0.23 ppm for Cd. This study indicates that the levels of these contaminants in breast milk samples obtained in Famagusta District are well within the acceptable levels. However, the presence of AFM1 and heavy metals still may pose risks for infant health.

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“…Compared to other studies, As and Hg levels measured in this study were considerably lower [37,[56][57][58][59]73].…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 70%

Assessment of Aflatoxin M1 and Heavy Metal Levels in Mothers Breast Milk in Famagusta, Cyprus

Kunter

Hürer

Gülcan

et al. 2016

Biol Trace Elem Res

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“…The special susceptibility of infants to toxic substances, especially metals, is owing to their body building formation, high intestinal absorption, and energy consumption in the first year. Several authors reported that infants are widely vulnerable in contact to heavy metals; the reason is their lack of renal evolution and low tolerance level [10,11]. Heavy metals can enter the food chain in different ways among contaminated water and crops grown on polluted soil through environmental contamination.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Nickel Concentration in Breast Milk during the First Month of Lactation in Yazd, Center of Iran

Salmani

Mozaffari‐Khosravi

Rezaei

2016

Biol Trace Elem Res

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Breastfeeding plays an important role in the growth and development of breastfed infants, especially in the first 6 months of their lives. The present study was conducted to determine the nickel concentrations in breast milk of lactating women in Yazd, Iran. One hundred fifty volunteers were selected among nursing mothers referring to health centers in Yazd. In the first month of lactation, milk samples were collected three times, on days 3 to 5 (first), 16 (Second), and 30 (third) after delivery. Nickel concentration of the samples was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Demographic variables were collected through a questionnaire which was completed by mothers. The mean age of the study group was 27.40 ± 4.66 years. The mean nickel concentrations in breast milk at the first, second, and third samples were 47.3 ± 7.40, 49.9 ± 8.05, and 54.8 ± 7.38 μg/l, respectively. The concentration of nickel in the breast milk of more than 86 % of mothers was higher than the permissible range for it. There was no significant relationship between the mean value of nickel in breast milk and education, age, and job of mothers. High level of nickel in breast milk may be attributed to consumed food and drinking water containing nickel. Monitoring the nickel level in breast milk regularly is recommended.

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“…An important issue in the bioaccumulation of some of the toxic elements present in cigarette smoke is their possible systematic release, even after smoking cessation. As previously shown, women who have formerly smoked tend to have increased cadmium and lead levels in their reproductive system (Rzymski et al 2016a; et al 2016b), and higher levels of cadmium in milk when compared to never-smokers (García-Esquinas et al 2011).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 78%

Rare-earth elements in human colostrum milk

Poniedziałek

Rzymski

Pięt

et al. 2017

Environ Sci Pollut Res

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Rare-earth elements (REEs) are used in a growing number of applications, and their release to environment has increased over the decades. Knowledge of REEs in human milk and factors that could possibly influence their concentration is scarce. This study evaluated the concentrations of 16 REEs (Ce, Eu, Er, Gd, La, Nd, Pr, Sc, Sm, Dy, Ho, Lu, Tb, Tm, Y, and Yb) in human colostrum milk collected from Polish women (n = 100) with the ICP-OES technique. The concentrations (mean ± SD) of Pr (41.9 ± 13.2 μg L −1 ), Nd (11.0 ± 4.0 μg L −1 ), La (7.1 ± 5.2 μg L −1 ), and Er (2.2 ± 0.8 μg L −1 ) were found above detection limits. The total mean ± SD concentration of detected REEs was 60.9 ± 17.8 μg L −1 . Current smokers displayed significantly increased Nd concentrations compared to women who had never smoked. No other associations between REEs in colostrum milk and age, diet in pregnancy (food supplement use and frequency of fish, meat, and vegetable consumption) or place of living (urban/rural) were found. This study adds to general understanding of the occurrence and turnover of REEs in women and human fluids.

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Mercury, lead and cadmium in human milk in relation to diet, lifestyle habits and sociodemographic variables in Madrid (Spain)

Cited by 93 publications

References 52 publications

Assessment of Aflatoxin M1 and Heavy Metal Levels in Mothers Breast Milk in Famagusta, Cyprus

Assessment of Aflatoxin M1 and Heavy Metal Levels in Mothers Breast Milk in Famagusta, Cyprus

The Nickel Concentration in Breast Milk during the First Month of Lactation in Yazd, Center of Iran

Rare-earth elements in human colostrum milk

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