Abstract
Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is an important biomarker that can be used to evaluate aflatoxin exposure in both humans and animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the exposure degree of infants to AFM1 through consumption of breast milk and infant powdered milk in Brazil. For this purpose, the estimated daily intake (EDI) for infants was calculated based on the AFM1 levels analyzed in 94 breast milk (BM) samples collected in Southern Brazil, and 16 infant powdered milk (IPM) samples commonly commercialized in Brazil. AFM1 was detected in 5.3% (n = 5) and 43.8% (n = 7) of BM and IPM samples, with mean levels of 0.003 ng/g and 0.011 ng/g, respectively. All the IPM samples showed AFM1 levels lower than those established by the Brazilian guidelines (5 ng/g), and in most of the samples (81.25%) levels were below the maximum limit tolerated by the European Commission (0.025 ng/g). The EDI of AFM1 for infants aged zero to 12 months old showed values from 0.018 to 0.069 ng/kg body weight/day for BM, and 0.078 to 0.306 ng/kg body weight/day for IPM. Hazard index (HI) values for BM and IPM were less than one, except for IPM intended for infants up to one month. In conclusion, the exposure of infants to AFM1 was low, but continuous monitoring of mycotoxin levels is essential to minimize infant health risk.
Highlights
Human breast milk (BM) is recommended for the first six months of life for infants along with continued breastfeeding for up to two years
There is a special concern for infants about some trace toxins, such as aflatoxin M1 (AFM1 ) which is a monohydroxylated derivative of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1 ), present in milk
Based on the potential hazard to infant health due to carry-over of the aflatoxin biomarker (AFM1 ) into milk, the aim of this study was to evaluate the exposure of infants to AFM1 through consumption of breast milk and infant powdered milk
Summary
Human breast milk (BM) is recommended for the first six months of life for infants along with continued breastfeeding for up to two years. Breastfeeding promotes the mother-child relationship and ensures better growth and development of the newborn, providing nutrients, antibodies and leukocytes [1]. Many infants and children do not receive optimal food, wherein only 38% of infants aged zero to six months worldwide and 41% of Brazilian infants of the same age are exclusively breastfed [1,2,3]. There is a special concern for infants about some trace toxins, such as aflatoxin M1 (AFM1 ) which is a monohydroxylated derivative of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1 ), present in milk. Aflatoxins (AFs) are fungal secondary metabolites that are primarily produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus.
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