Determination and Analysis of Heavy Metals in Human Breast Milk Concentration in Lactating Mothers

Abstract

Breast milk is a unique biological matrix that contains essential micronutrients. Breast milk contains both essential and non-essential trace elements. Lead, Cadmium and Arsenic are non-essential elements. Potentially, it contains toxic heavy metals with hematoxic, neurotoxic and mephortoxic properties even at very low concentration. The objective of this study is to determine the concentration of heavy metals in healthy lactating women. In this research, 8 essential elements and 2 heavy metals were analyzed after micro wave digestion. The concentrations of these heavy metals have the important implication that is not affected by its environment pollution in the area. Exposure of newborns to toxic metals is of special interest due to their reported contaminations in breast milk and potential harm. Another main aim of this exercise was to assess the occurrence factor associated with Lead, Cadmium, and Arsenic contamination in breast milk collected from these nursing mothers. A total number of 30 breast milk samples were collected. Dietary habits were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. The milk samples were analyzed for the presence of Arsenic, Lead and Cadmium using a microwave assisted digestion. This research is the first in Okwelle to report toxic metal contamination in breast milk. Although estimated weekly infant intake of these metals from breast milk was found to be lower than the limit set by international guidelines, the results highlight the need for developing strategies to protect infants from exposure to these hazardous substances.