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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
09:02
Breast Milk Enhances Growth of Enteroids: An Ex Vivo Model of Cell Proliferation
Published on: February 15, 2018
[Environmental toxins in breast milk]
1Institutt for laboratoriemedisin, barne- og kvinnesykdommer, Det medisinske fakultet, Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet og Barne- og ungdomsklinikken, St. Olavs hospital, 7006 Trondheim, Norway. dag.bratlid@ntnu.no
Summary
Persistent, Bioaccumulative Toxins (PBTs) in breast milk pose risks to infant health, exceeding safe limits. While breast milk offers protection, monitoring PBT levels is crucial for public health surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Infant nutrition
- Public health
Context:
- Breast milk is vital for infant nutrition but can contain environmental toxins.
- Persistent, Bioaccumulative Toxins (PBTs) are a growing concern in breast milk quality.
- Infant exposure to PBTs may have adverse health effects.
Purpose:
- To review the literature on PBTs in breast milk.
- To assess the impact of PBTs on infant health.
- To inform public health strategies regarding breast milk monitoring.
Summary:
- Infants may exceed safe daily intake limits for PBTs due to their position in the food chain.
- Animal and human studies suggest PBTs can cause neurotoxicity and endocrine disruption in offspring.
- Breast milk's inherent composition may offer some protection against long-term PBT toxicity.
Impact:
- International consensus supports monitoring breast milk for PBTs.
- Breast milk surveillance can indicate general population exposure to PBTs.
- Monitoring helps identify at-risk groups who may need to limit breastfeeding duration.
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