Health Risk For Infants Research Articles

Gestational diabetes: an update sixty years after O'Sullivan and Mahan.

Sixty years after the landmark publication by O'Sullivan and Mahan, the current paper seeks to review and place into context the importance of gestational diabetes (GDM) both as a marker of increased risk of adverse maternal and fetal pregnancy outcomes and as an indicator of future maternal and infant health risks. We review the evolution of GDM as a diagnosis, the ongoing debate regarding diagnostic approaches, the underlying pathophysiology, the epidemiology and the importance of GDM in the context of the global epidemics of diabetes and obesity. Focusing on clinical management, we review lifestyle based therapy and pharmacotherapy for GDM, consider obstetric management and outline the short term and lifelong health risks posed by a GDM diagnosis.

Practice changes and infant health risks during the 2022 infant formula shortage: Results of a US healthcare provider survey.

In February 2022, an infant formula recall and closing of a major manufacturing center exacerbated a nationwide shortage initiated by COVID-19-related supply chain disruptions. The effects were far-reaching, impacting families and healthcare providers across the US. A 19-item web survey was developed to better understand how the infant formula shortage impacted healthcare provider practices, resources needed and those already used, and patient health, including malnutrition. Subjective data on providers' experience were also collected. Two hundred forty-one providers responded, primarily registered dietitians (94%) practicing in inpatient/academic hospitals in urban and metropolitan areas. Practice adjustments included increases in patient education (100%), communication with pharmacies/durable medical equipment companies (65%), and visit durations (28%). Feeding adjustments by caregivers included new infant formula (99%), toddler (55%) or homemade (23%) formula, cow's milk (46%) or milk alternatives (32%), formula dilution (41%), and early food introduction (14%). Providers indicated an increase in malnutrition (33%), related diagnoses (including failure to thrive [31%] and deceleration in z score [27%]), and associated symptoms. Of the providers who reported malnutrition and related diagnoses, 93% also reported caregiver feeding practices that are generally not recommended. Providers made practice adjustments to mitigate the consequences associated with formula unavailability and misuse yet saw an increase in malnutrition and related diagnoses or symptoms. Subjectively, providers reported frustration that greater workloads did not result in improved outcomes, contributing to burnout. These data underscore the essentiality of supporting healthcare providers as they guide families in safe infant feeding practices.

Infant and Toddler Health Risks Associated with Pesticide Residue Exposure Through Fruit- and Vegetable-Based Baby Food

This research specifically delves into the potential health risks associated with pesticide residues in fruit- and vegetable-based foods for Turkish infants and toddlers.A total of 36 baby food samples were analyzed using a validated method covering 355 pesticide residues, employing liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LCMS/ MS) and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Notably, 72.2% of the samples revealed no pesticide residues, while 10 samples exceeded the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) stipulated by the EU Directives. Specifically,pyriproxyfen had the greatest average concentration in pear fruits (0.573mg/kg). Notably, both pyrimethanil and pyriproxyfen were the most frequently detected analytes in all positive samples. The study further simulated a population, considering age-specific energy requirements for infants and toddlers. Pyriproxyfen demonstrated the highest average exposure (1.58±2.20μg/kg bw/day) across all age groups. Notably, for 6-month-old infants, the toxicological contribution as a percentage of the ADI for pesticides remained below 14.73%. It emphasizes the necessity for regulatory measures to ensure the safety of foods intended for infants and toddlers in the Turkish market. These findings support ongoing efforts to uphold pesticide levels within acceptable safety limits.

Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Window into Breastfeeding Outcomes in Varied Healthcare Systems

Varied hospital systems demonstrate diverse and often very different approaches to patient care. This may best be analyzed by looking at specific disorders and outcomes in a population with these disorders. As one such lens, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) continue to pose a severe health risk for mothers and infants, and breastfeeding outcomes play a crucial role in determining long-term maternal and fetal health. This pilot study investigated breastfeeding outcomes in two hospitals, as representatives for differing healthcare systems, among patients diagnosed with HDPs. Data were collected for 12 months at two hospitals, one private and one military, on 729 patients diagnosed with HDPs. Data were analyzed for infant maturity at birth and breastfeeding outcomes. Most participants (83.2%) stated their intention to breastfeed for the first six months of life. By hospital discharge, only 56% (p = 0.0001) of the private hospital participants were breastfeeding compared to 65% of the military hospital participants. In addition, while 69% of infants were born before term, more infants were born before term at the private hospital (71%) than at the military hospital (65%), with 37% (private) and 42% (military) of preterm infants breastfeeding at hospital discharge. Significant differences existed between these two hospital systems in the number of those initiating breastfeeding and breastfeeding at hospital discharge. The military hospital was more successful in assisting these high-risk women in meeting their breastfeeding intentions. Changes in hospital practices, such as metrics and incentivization, focusing on breastfeeding support, could improve the rate of breastfeeding at hospital discharge and impact long-term health outcomes.

Can short- and long-term maternal and infant risks linked to hypertension and diabetes during pregnancy be reduced by therapy?

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), especially preeclampsia, and diabetes during pregnancy pose significant risks for both maternal and infant health, extending to long-term outcomes such as early-onset cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. Current strategies for managing HDP focus on screening, prevention, surveillance, and timely intervention. No disease-modifying therapies exist so far for established preeclampsia; delivery remains the definitive resolution. Preventive measures-including early pregnancy screening, exercise, and low-dose aspirin-show promise. Antihypertensive treatments reduce severe hypertension risks, whereas magnesium sulfate remains the standard for preventing eclampsia. Planned delivery from gestational week 37 can balance maternal benefits and neonatal risks in women with established preeclampsia. Delivery between 34 and 37 weeks gestation in women with preeclampsia has to balance risks for mother and infant. Lifestyle interventions-particularly diet and physical activity-are pivotal in managing gestational diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes. The oral antidiabetic metformin has shown benefits in glycaemic control and reducing maternal weight gain, although its long-term effects on offspring remain uncertain. The safety of other peroral antidiabetics in pregnancy is less studied. Advancements in glucose monitoring and insulin administration present encouraging prospects for enhancing outcomes in women with diabetes types 1 and 2. Both HDP and diabetes during pregnancy necessitate vigilant management through a combination of lifestyle modifications, pharmacological interventions, and timely obstetric care. Although certain treatments such as low-dose aspirin and metformin show efficacy in risk reduction, further research is ongoing to ensure safety for both mothers and their offspring to reduce short- and long-term adverse effects.

Effect of in-line filtration in newborns: study protocol of the Intravenous Neonatal Central Access Safety (INCAS) randomized controlled trial

BackgroundParticulate contamination due to infusion therapy (administration of parenteral nutrition and medications) carries a potential health risk for infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). This particulate consists of metals, drug crystals, glass fragments, or cotton fibers and can be generated by drug packaging, incomplete reconstitution, and chemical incompatibilities. In-line filters have been shown to remove micro-organisms, endotoxin, air, and particles in critically ill adults and older infants, but its benefits in newborn remain to be demonstrated. Moreover, 50% of inflammatory episodes in the setting of NICUs are blood culture-negative. These episodes could be partly related to the presence of particles in the infusion lines.MethodsA multicenter randomized single-blind controlled trial was designed. All infants admitted to NICUs for which prolonged infusion therapy is expected will be enrolled in the study and randomized to the Filter or Control arm. All patients will be monitored until discharge, and data will be analyzed according to a “full analysis set.” The primary outcome is the frequency of patients with at least one sepsis-like event, defined by any association of suspected sepsis symptoms with a level of c-reactive protein (CRP) > 5 mg/L in a negative-culture contest. The frequency of sepsis, phlebitis, luminal obstruction, and the duration of mechanical ventilation and of catheter days will be evaluated as secondary outcomes. The sample size was calculated at 368 patients per arm.DiscussionThis is the first multicenter randomized control trial that compares in-line filtration of parenteral nutrition and other intravenous drugs to infusion without filters. Sepsis-like events are commonly diagnosed in clinical practice and are more frequent than sepsis in a positive culture contest. The risk of these episodes in the target population is estimated at 30–35%, but this data is not confirmed in the literature. If the use of in-line filters results in a significant decrease in sepsis-like events and/or in any other complications, the use of in-line filters in all intravenous administration systems may be recommended in NICUs.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05537389, registered on 12 September 2022 (https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/results/NCT05537389?view=results).

Microbiological Quality and Antibiotic Resistance of Home-made and Commercial Complementary Foods: A Comparative Pilot Study

Objective The study aims to compare the microbiological quality and antibiotic resistance profiles of homemade and commercial infant foods. Materials and Methods: A variety of both homemade and commercially available infant foods were collected and analyzed for microbial content and antibiotic resistance patterns using standard microbiological methods. Findings: The study observed that prolonged storage significantly impacted the microbiological quality of infant foods. It was found that both homemade and commercial products showed an increase in microbial growth over time. Notably, the presence of pathogenic bacteria was detected in several samples, indicating potential health risks for infants. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for better awareness and standards in the preparation and selection of infant foods, considering the microbiological safety and emerging antibiotic resistance issues.

Shallow groundwater quality and health risk assessment of fluoride and arsenic in Northwestern Jiangsu Province, China

Assessing groundwater quality is critical to regional water resource conservation and human health safety, especially in areas with co-existence of toxic constituents fluoride (F−) and arsenic (As). In this study, fourteen groundwater samples were collected in Feng County, Northwestern Jiangsu Province to identify dominant contaminants and their spatial distribution and health risk. The composition and variation characteristics of major ions (K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl−, SO42−, HCO3−, and NO3−) and trace elements (F−, As, and Mn) were analyzed. The hydrochemical results revealed that high F− groundwater was mainly distributed in the northern areas whereas As-riched groundwater was primarily distributed in southern areas. Notably, over 85.7% and 21.4% of the shallow groundwater samples exceeded the drinking water quality standard of 1.5 mg/L for F− and 10 µg/L for As, respectively. Based on the water quality index (WQI) appraisal result, 71.4% of the groundwater in the study area is classified as “poor”, and thus unsuitable for drinking directly. We assessed the human non-carcinogenic health risk of F− (HQFluoride) and As (HQArsenic) and the carcinogenic health risk of As (CRArsenic). The calculated hazard quotient (HQ) for F− indicated nearly all groundwater samples have an unacceptable risk (HQ > 1) for each age group. However, HQArsenic values revealed that 28.6%, 21.4%, 21.4%, and 21.4% of groundwater samples posed potential non-carcinogenic health risks for infants, children, females, and males, respectively. The calculated results of CRArsenic showed that 0%, 21.4%, 28.6%, and 28.6% of groundwater samples posed unacceptable health risks (CR > 1.0 × 10−4) to infants, children, females, and males, respectively. The groundwater irrigation suitability assessment results showed that 21.4% of samples were doubtful to unsuitable for irrigation, and 85.7% owed magnesium hazards. The findings of this study will assist policymakers in formulating proper remedial policies and mitigation strategies to ensure the safety of drinking and irrigation water.

Health risk assessments of heavy metals and trace elements exposure in the breast milk of lactating mothers in the Northeastern Iran.

Mother's breast milk is a natural and complete food for infants but can be a main source of exposure to toxic pollutants. These pollutants can negatively affect the health of the infant. Therefore, conducting biomonitoring surveys is essential to evaluate such health effects in toxicological research. This study aimed to estimate the probable health risks for infants exposed to essential and non-essential trace elements through breast milk ingestion. This descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study was performed on 90 breastfeeding mothers referred to the health centers in Mashhad, Iran in January 2021. The health risk assessments (carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk) were estimated using chronic daily intake (CDI), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and lifetime carcinogenic risk (CR), which were recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). The results of the HQ values of trace elements through ingestion exposure for arsenic (90%), copper (90%), zinc (40%), and iron (10%) exceeded the threshold of HQ, and arsenic (66.59%), copper (16.91%), and zinc (9.68%) and iron (4.57%) had the highest contribution to increasing the HI index. The average value of CR was 5. 08 × 10-3. Chromium and iron showed significant relationships (P<0.05) with education level and disease background in this study, and the concentration of chromium, iron, and zinc in the breast milk samples significantly changed during lactation stages (P<0.05). Overall, the risk of carcinogenicity through exposure to breast milk for infants was higher than the safety level of US EPA risk. Therefore, there could be a potential health risk of trace elements, particularly arsenic, copper, and zinc for infants in Mashhad, Iran through the consumption of mothers' breast milk. More efforts are required to control and reduce routes of receiving trace elements in breastfeeding mothers by the competent authorities.

Short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins in breast milk in Shanghai, China: Occurrence, characteristics, and risk assessment

As novel contaminants, short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) have been of great concern in the past several years. Shanghai was one of the provinces with the largest chlorinated paraffins (CPs) emission in China; nevertheless, there is currently little information on the human exposure to SCCPs and MCCPs, particularly MCCPs. In this study, 25 breast milk samples were collected in Shanghai from 2016 to 2017. The concentrations of SCCPs and MCCPs were determined using two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (GC × GC-orbitrap-HRMS) to investigate their characteristics and assess the associated health risks for breast-fed infants. Compared with the previous studies in other areas, the current study presented the higher CPs concentrations, with median concentrations of SCCPs and MCCPs up to 771 and 125 ng/g lipid weight (lw), respectively. The exposure profiles of the CPs were characterized by C10 and Cl6-7 as the predominant congeners of SCCPs, while C14 and Cl7–9 were identified as the dominant groups of MCCPs. CP-42 and CP-52 were identified as potential sources of CPs found in breast milk samples collected in Shanghai. The concentrations of MCCPs exhibited a positive correlation (p value < 0.05) with the dietary consumption of meat and poultry. No significant positive correlations were observed for SCCPs and MCCPs with polychlorinated dibenzodioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs) congeners. A preliminary exposure assessment showed that SCCPs in breast milk potentially posed high risks to the breast-fed infants in Shanghai.

Hydrogeochemical characterization, quality assessment, and potential nitrate health risk of shallow groundwater in Dongwen River Basin, North China.

Assessing groundwater geochemical formation processes and pollution circumstances is significant for sustainable watershed management. In the present study, 58 shallow groundwater samples were taken from the Dongwen River Basin (DRB) to comprehensively assess the hydrochemical sources, groundwater quality status, and potential risks of NO3- to human health. Based on the Box and Whisker plot, the cation's concentration followed the order of Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > K+, while anions' mean levels were HCO3- > SO42- > NO3- > Cl-. The NO3- level in groundwater samples fluctuated between 4.2 and 301.3mg/L, with 67.2% of samples beyond the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria (50mg/L) for drinking. The Piper diagram indicated the hydrochemical type of groundwater and surface water were characterized as Ca·Mg-HCO3 type. Combining ionic ratio analysis with principal component analysis (PCA) results, agricultural activities contributed a significant effect on groundwater NO3-, with soil nitrogen input and manure/sewage inputs also potential sources. However, geogenic processes (e.g., carbonates and evaporite dissolution/precipitation) controlled other ion compositions in the study area. The groundwater samples with higher NO3- values were mainly found in river valley regions with intense anthropogenic activities. The entropy weight water quality index (EWQI) model identified that the groundwater quality rank ranged from excellent (70.7%) and good (25.9%) to medium (3.4%). However, the hazard quotient (HQ) used in the human health risk assessment (HHRA) model showed that above 91.38% of groundwater samples have a NO3- non-carcinogenic health risk for infants, 84.48% for children, 82.76% for females, and 72.41% for males. The findings of this study could provide a scientific basis for the rational development and usage of groundwater resources as well as for the preservation of the inhabitants' health in DRB.

Benzotriazole Ultraviolet Absorber Contamination in Breast Milk and the Infant Health Risk

Benzotriazole Ultraviolet Absorber Contamination in Breast Milk and the Infant Health Risk

Health Risk Assessment of Nitrate in Drinking Water with Potential Source Identification: A Case Study in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Infant mortality in Kazakhstan is six times higher compared with the EU. There are several reasons for this, but a partial reason might be that less than 30% of Kazakhstan's population has access to safe water and sanitation and more than 57% uses polluted groundwater from wells that do not comply with international standards. For example, nitrate pollution in surface and groundwater continues to increase due to intensified agriculture and the discharge of untreated wastewater, causing concerns regarding environmental and human health. For this reason, drinking water samples were collected from the water supply distribution network in eight districts of Almaty, Kazakhstan, and water quality constituents, including nitrate, were analyzed. In several districts, the nitrate concentration was above the WHO and Kazakhstan's maximum permissible limits for drinking water. The spatial distribution of high nitrate concentration in drinking water was shown to be strongly correlated with areas that are supplied with groundwater, whereas areas with lower nitrate levels are supplied with surface water sources. Based on source identification, it was shown that groundwater is likely polluted by mainly domestic wastewater. The health risk for infants, children, teenagers, and adults was assessed based on chronic daily intake, and the hazard quotient (HQ) of nitrate intake from drinking water was determined. The non-carcinogenic risks increased in the following manner: adult < teenager < child < infant. For infants and children, the HQ was greater than the acceptable level and higher than that of other age groups, thus pointing to infants and children as the most vulnerable age group due to drinking water intake in the study area. Different water management options are suggested to improve the health situation of the population now drinking nitrate-polluted groundwater.

Consequences of a cesarean section on the neonatal gut microbiome and future outcomes: a qualitative analysis of the literature

Objective This study aims to evaluate the impact of cesarean section delivery on the neonatal intestinal microflora compared to vaginal deliveries. Design A mini-review. Methods A comprehensive search strategy was implemented, primarily using PubMed, to identify relevant studies published in English within the past 10 years. Selected studies were appraised by three independent reviewers using JBI critical appraisal and data extraction forms. Four articles were included in the analysis, encompassing systematic reviews and a retrospective cohort study. Primary and secondary outcome data were combined across these studies. Results Selected studies revealed consistent trends in bacterial colonization differences between cesarean and vaginal deliveries. Vaginally delivered infants exhibited higher populations of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Bacteroides. Cesarean-delivered infants, on the other hand, showed greater colonization of Enterococcus, Klebsiella, Clostridium, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Corynebacterium. Statistically significant differences were observed in two studies. All articles explored the potential health implications of these microbiome differences, with associations found between cesarean deliveries and various health outcomes. Conclusion This review demonstrates that cesarean section delivery influences the composition of the neonatal gut microbiota. The presence of certain bacterial species more prevalent in vaginally delivered infants, such as Bifidobacterium, is associated with improved infant health, while species found in cesarean-delivered infants, such as Clostridium, increase the risk of certain infections. Recognizing the increased health risks for cesarean-born infants enables clinicians to implement early screening, treatment, or prevention strategies, potentially reducing future morbidity and mortality.

Persistent organic pollutants in Croatian breast milk: An overview of pollutant levels and infant health risk assessment from 1976 to the present.

This review article summarizes our research of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in human milk from Croatian mothers over the last few decades. Our studies make up the bulk of all POPs research in human milk in Croatia and show a state-of-the art in the research area. The first investigations were made in 1970`s. Aim of our review article is to document the comprehensive results over several decades as the best tool to: 1.) contribute to understanding of POPs and their potential health risks, 2.) evaluate effectiveness of legislative bans and restrictions on human exposure to POPs in Croatia, and 3.) to suggest further actions. In our review we discuss: 1.) Human milk between 2011 and 2014 - evaluation of interrelations of organochlorine pesticides (OCP) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) in human milk and their association with the mother's age and parity using artificial intelligence methods; and our yet unpublished research data on health risks for infants assessed through daily PCB and OCP intake. 2.) Time trends of PCB and OCP in human milk between 1976 and 2014.3.) polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) in human milk in 2000., and yet unpublished data on PCDD/F and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) in 2014.

A Pilot Study of Family-Integrated Care (FICare) in Critically Ill Preterm and Term Infants in the NICU: FICare Plus.

Family-integrated care (FICare) is associated with improved developmental outcomes and decreased parental mental health risks in stable preterm infants. However, less is known about its application in critically ill infants who are at greater risk for adverse outcomes. The objective of this study was to assess the safety and feasibility of implementation of an augmented FICare program, FICare Plus, in critically ill infants in the first few weeks of life. Resources were specifically developed for staff and parents to support earlier parental engagement in infant care. Infant health outcomes and standardized measures of parental stress, anxiety and parenting self-efficacy were also collected using standardized questionnaires: State -Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Parental Stressor Scale: NICU (PSS: NICU), Perceived Parenting Self-Efficacy Tool and Family Centered Care Survey. The t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test were used to compare continuous variables, while the Chi-square or Fisher exact test were used for categorical variables, respectively. In this prospective cohort study, 41 critically ill infants were enrolled: 17 in standard care (SC) and 24 in the FICare Plus group. The tools and procedures developed for FICare Plus successfully supported greater engagement in the care of their infants with no increase in adverse events and no increase in parental stress. Parents in the FICare Plus cohort felt confident to participate in their infant's care. The staff also found this model of care acceptable and well adopted. Preliminary measures of infant efficacy were similar in both groups. Total anxiety scores were high among all parents at enrollment (87 (67-94) vs. 70.5 (66-86); p-value 0.22). However, the scores prior to discharge were lower in FICare Plus group (78 (71-90) vs. 63 (52-74.5); p-value 0.02). This pilot study showed that it is feasible and safe to implement family-integrated care in critically ill infants.

CAUSES OF COMPLEMENTARY FOODS GIVEN TO BABIES AGED 0-6 MONTHS IN PAYA PASIR, MEDAN MARELAN DISTRICT

The majority of experts accept that complementary foods shouldn't be introduced before 4 months of age, despite inconsistent advice regarding the best time to do so. Regardless of recommendations, studies show that 20% to 40% of infants in the US start eating before they are 4 months old. Previous research was non-representative of the country and concentrated on the introduction of solid foods. While baby-led weaning (BLW) is a popular complementary feeding practice, evidence supporting the potential benefits and/or risks for infant growth, development, and health could be considered. The research method is qualitative with a phenomenological approach. Thematic analysis was used with the help of the Nvivo 12 Plus software. The findings of this study indicated three major themes regarding the causes of complementary feeding: inadequate knowledge, working mothers, and slow baby growth. The purpose of this study is to provide evidence-based guidelines and increase mothers' knowledge about the benefits of complementary foods in infants aged 0–6 months

Brominated flame retardants in breast milk from the United States: First detection of bromophenols in U.S. breast milk

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are a class of compounds with many persistent, toxic, and bioaccumulative members. BFRs have been widely detected in breast milk, posing health risks for breastfeeding infants. Ten years after the phaseout of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the United States, we analyzed breast milk from 50 U.S. mothers for a suite of BFRs to assess current exposures to BFRs and the impact of changing use patterns on levels of PBDEs and current-use compounds in breast milk. Compounds analyzed included 37 PBDEs, 18 bromophenols, and 11 other BFRs. A total of 25 BFRs were detected, including 9 PBDEs, 8 bromophenols, and 8 other BFRs. PBDEs were found in every sample but at concentrations considerably lower than in previous North American samples, with a median ∑PBDE concentration (sum of 9 detected PBDEs) of 15.0 ng/g lipid (range 1.46–1170 ng/g lipid). Analysis of time trends in PBDE concentrations in North American breast milk indicated a significant decline since 2002, with a halving time for ∑PBDE concentrations of 12.2 years; comparison with previous samples from the northwest U.S region showed a 70% decline in median levels. Bromophenols were detected in 88% of samples with a median ∑12bromophenol concentration (sum of 12 detected bromophenols) of 0.996 ng/g lipid and reaching up to 71.1 ng/g lipid. Other BFRs were infrequently detected but concentrations reached up to 278 ng/g lipid. These results represent the first measurement of bromophenols and other replacement flame retardants in breast milk from U.S. mothers. In addition, these results provide data on current PBDE contamination in human milk, as PBDEs were last measured in U.S. breast milk ten years ago. The presence of phased-out PBDEs, bromophenols, and other current-use flame retardants in breast milk reflects ongoing prenatal exposure and increased risk for adverse impacts on infant development.

Persistent organic toxicants in the breast milk of women in the south and north of the Far East of Russia and infant health risk assessment

Introduction. National programs for monitoring organochlorine compounds (OCs) in the human body are being implemented in different countries. According to WHO, one of the most reliable indicators of the impact of POPs on human health is the determination of their content in women’s breast milk.&#x0D; In this regard, the purpose of the study was to study the accumulations of organic pollutants (OCPs and PCBs) in the breast milk of women in the south and north of the Far East region of Russia and to assess the environmental risk for infants.&#x0D; Material and methods. Breast milk samples (n=94) was collected in several healthcare institutions in the region (Primorsky Krai and Chukotka Autonomous Okrug) with the written consent of the participants in the experiment. The women’s age ranged from 15 to 49 years. The concentrations of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in breast milk samples were studied by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. &#x0D; Results. The concentrations of POPs (∑HCH+∑DDT+∑PCB) in the samples in women’s breast milk of Primorye varied from 23 to 878 (median (Ме) 128) ng/g and from 13 to 621 (Ме 58) ng/g of lipids in the samples of women from the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, respectively. The range of concentrations of OCPs (∑HCH+∑DDT) and ∑PCBd for residents of Primorye was 3–291 (Ме 72) and 3–720 (Ме 52) ng/g of lipids, for CAO – 7–275 (Ме 27) and 1–431 (Ме 28) ng/g lipid, respectively.&#x0D; Limitation of the study. The limitation of the study is a small sample sample. However, this does not prevent us from conducting an assessment and making preliminary conclusions for the subsequent in-depth analysis of the state of these regions.&#x0D; Сonclusion. Persistent organic contaminants were found in all breast milk samples. The total content of POPs in women’s breast milk of Primorye is higher than in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug in all age groups. Calculations to assess the risk of not exceeding the estimated daily intake (EDI) in breastfed infants in two regions. As follows from the results of the calculation of EDI, the level of PCB intake in newborns in Chukotka is 1.6 times higher than in Primorsky Krai. Since the action of PCBs is associated with effects that have a negative impact on the development of the child and the risk of possibility of developing various pathologies, this situation is alarming.&#x0D; Keywords: POPs; HOP; PCBs; breast milk; risk assessment; Primorsky Krai; Chukotka Autonomous Okrug &#x0D; Compliance with ethical standards. The study was approved by the ethics committee of the School of Biomedicine of the Far Eastern Federal University, case No. 4, protocol No. 5 dated December 19, 2017.&#x0D; Patient consent. Each participant of the study (or his/her legal representative) gave informed voluntary written consent to participate in the study and publish personal medical information in an impersonal form in the journal “Toksikologicheskiy vestnik (Toxicological Review)”.

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Persistent Organic Pollutants in Infant Formulas and Baby Food: Legislation and Risk Assessments.

Human milk is the healthiest option for newborns, although, under specific circumstances, infant formula is a precious alternative for feeding the baby. Except for the nutritional content, infant formulas and baby food must be pollutant-free. Thus, their composition is controlled by continuous monitoring and regulated by establishing upper limits and guideline values for safe exposure. Legislation differs worldwide, although there are standard policies and strategies for protecting vulnerable infants. This work presents current regulations and directives for restricting endocrine-disrupting chemicals and persistent organic pollutants in infant formulas. Risk assessment studies, which are limited, are necessary to depict exposure variations and assess the health risks for infants from dietary exposure to pollutants.