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Dietary cyanogen exposure and early child neurodevelopment: An observational study from the Democratic Republic of

Espérance Kashala-Abotnes1, Marie-Thérèse Sombo2, Daniel L Okitundu2

  • 1Centre for International Health, Department of Global Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.

Plos One
|April 18, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Dietary cyanogen exposure from toxic cassava negatively impacts child neurodevelopment, affecting cognitive and motor skills. Interventions in cassava processing and nutrition are crucial for affected children.

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional Neuroscience
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Bitter cassava consumption in sub-Saharan Africa poses a risk of neurological impairments due to dietary cyanogen exposure.
  • Early child neurodevelopmental outcomes in regions with high cassava intake require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the association between dietary cyanogen exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes in young children (12-48 months).
  • To identify predictors of early child neurodevelopmental outcomes in the context of cassava consumption.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional neurodevelopmental assessment using the Mullen Scale of Early Learning (MSEL) and Gensini Gavito Scale (GGS).
  • Screening for maternal depression-anxiety using HSCL-10 and GDAS.
  • Biomarkers included cyanogen content in cassava flour and urinary thiocyanate (SCN).
  • Multivariable generalized linear models (GLM) were employed to analyze predictors.

Main Results:

  • Cassava flour cyanogen levels exceeded WHO safety limits, indicating widespread exposure.
  • Urinary thiocyanate levels in mothers and children confirmed high cyanogen exposure.
  • Cassava cyanide concentration was significantly associated with neurodevelopment, motor, and cognitive abilities (p < 0.05).
  • Fine motor proficiency and overall neurodevelopment remained significant predictors associated with cassava cyanide levels after adjustments (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

  • Dietary cyanogen exposure is linked to impaired early child neurodevelopment, cognitive abilities, and motor development, even without overt paralysis.
  • Community-wide interventions focusing on cassava detoxification, nutrition, and neuro-rehabilitation are essential for exposed children's optimal development.
Abstract

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