Smoking, cereal consumption, and supplementation affect cadmium content in breast milk

Abstract

Breast milk might be a source of potentially toxic metals such as cadmium (Cd). The purpose of the present study is to provide data pertaining to the influence of maternal lifestyles on Cd concentrations in breast milk in the Austrian setting. Breast milk was obtained from 124 Austrian women. Each participant provided 10 ml of milk. A second group of eight mothers were recruited to investigate changes in their milk cadmium levels at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 weeks post partum. The study participants filled a questionnaire concerning nutrition, supplementation, and smoking habits. The samples were analyzed using GF-Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The mean Cd content in breast milk was among the lowest in Europe (0.08670.085 mg/l, 95% CI: 0.07-0.10; n ¼ 124). Increased Cd levels in breast milk were found to be significantly associated with frequent cereal consumption and smoking. Smokers had a two-fold higher concentration than did non-smokers (0.15 versus 0.07 mg/l; P ¼ 0.000). In contrast, low Cd levels in breast milk were associated with the intake of supplements containing trace elements or vitamins and trace elements (Po0.05). This protective effect of supplements on Cd levels was only observed in non-smokers. The Cd levels registered in the present investigation were far below critical levels. We conclude that the current maternal Cd levels in Austria signify no risk for the breastfed infant of a healthy mother. Further research will have to focus on the specific effects of supplementation and smoking on Cd concentrations.

Cadmium, Environmental Exposure, and Health Outcomes

“…Gundacker et al (2007) showed that breast milk samples of Austrian subjects contained, on average, a cadmium content of 0.086 μg/L and that breast milk cadmium content was lower among nonsmokers who took vitamins and mineral supplements ( p < 0.05). In a study by Kippler et al (2008), the median cadmium level in breast milk from Bangladeshi subjects was 1.6-fold higher than was the level from Austrian subjects.…”

Cadmium, environmental exposure, and health outcomes

“…Gundacker et al 46 showed that breast milk samples of Austrian subjects contained, on average, a cadmium content of 0.086 μg/L and that breast milk cadmium content was lower among nonsmokers who took vitamins and mineral supplements (p < 0.05). In a study by Kippler et al 49 , the median cadmium level in breast milk from Bangladeshi subjects was 1.6-fold higher than was the level from Austrian subjects.…”

Breast milk contamination with lead and cadmium and its related factors in Kerman, Iran

“…However, recent studies have raised the concern that human breast milk might be contaminated with heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). Lead and/or cadmium have been recently measured in breast milk or colostrum of lactating mothers in many countries including Saudia Arabia [1], Brazil [2], Austria [3], Bangladesh [4] and Japan [5, 6].…”