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

Abstract

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.

Concentration of Aflatoxin M 1 and selected heavy metals in mother milk samples from Pakistan

“…The maximum permissible level for Cd proposed by WHO is 1 µg/L (World Health Organization, 1989), comparing this level with our results 87 % samples were found to exceed the limit. The mean level of Cd in mother milk samples from Spain (García-Esquinas et al, 2011) and Cyprus (Kunter et al, 2017) are 0.45 and 1.31 µg/L, respectively and these values are much lower than our findings. Mansour, Hassan, El-Aal, & Ebrahem (2015) reported mean Cd level in mother milk samples from Egypt as 0.025 mg/L (0.001 -0.061 mg/L) that is almost in line to our findings.…”

“…Mansour, Hassan, El-Aal, & Ebrahem (2015) reported mean Cd level in mother milk samples from Egypt as 0.025 mg/L (0.001 -0.061 mg/L) that is almost in line to our findings. (Goudarzi, Parsaei, Nayebpour, & Rahimi (2013) Cyprus (Kunter et al, 2017) and Taiwan (Chao et al, 2014) were 0.72 and 0.16 -1.6 µg/L and these values are almost in line with our study. Mean As concentration in mother milk samples from Ghana reported by Bentum et al (2010) is 1.54 µg/L that is slightly higher than our studies.…”

Determination of Aflatoxin M1 and Heavy Metals in Infant Formula Milk Brands Available in Pakistani Markets

“…The permissible limit for AFM 1 in animal milk (0.05 μg/L) set by European Commission (2006) is 40 times stricter than the total aflatoxins limit in food and feed items (20 μg/L) while more stringent permissible limits are adopted for AFM 1 in IFM i.e., 0.025 μg/L. Infants health may also be adversely affected due to the prolonged feeding on aflatoxin M 1 contaminated food i.e., milk, infant formulas and related products (Ismail et al , 2016; Kunter et al , 2016). The elevated levels of aflatoxin M 1 may also result in hepatocellular carcinoma, immunosuppression as well as teratogenic and mutagenic effects including impairment of kidney and liver (Afum et al , 2016; Clarke et al , 2015; Giolo et al , 2012; Zheng et al , 2013).…”

The impact of environmental pollution on the quality of mother's milk

“… (Castro et al 2014 ) Santiago (11), control area 0.23** (0.08–0.61) Taiwan Days 1–4 1.50 As lactation period progressed, the amount of arsenic in milk was decreasing. (Chao et al 2014 ) Days 5–10 0.68 Days 30–35 0.27 Days 60–65 0.16 Sweden Days 14–21 (60) 0.55* (0.041–4.6) – (Björklund et al 2012 ) Japan Month 3 (9) (0.18–4.20) – (Sakamoto et al 2012 ) Cyprus 50 samples 0.73* (0.03–1.97) No significant correlation between moldy food consumption or the residential area (Kunter et al 2017 ) Lebanon 74 nursing mothers (3–8 weeks of delivery) *2.36 (0.08–11.32) Arsenic was found in 63.51% of samples and this contamination was associated with cereal and fish intake. (Bassil et al 2018 ) …”

“… Intentional introduction of salmon into the diet (on day 75 of lactation) caused an increase in concentration of this metal in milk. (Cunha et al 2013 ) Day 15 THg 6.66* Day 30 6.03 Day 45 6.02 Day 60 5.31 Day 74 6.01 Day 75 6.52 Day 76 7.29 Day 90 7.89 Cyprus 50 samples 0 (0–0.01) No significant correlation between moldy food consumption or the residential area (Kunter et al 2017 ) Brazil 224 samples THg 2.56* (< 0.76–8.40) The limitation of this research was lack of information about time of sample collection, lack of food consumption information, or the number of amalgams of mothers. The levels of mercury including MeHg aren’t dangerous.…”