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Determining the aflatoxin M1 levels in breast milk
E Ünlü1, G Turna Saltoğlu, G Ünlü
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, Kırşehir, Turkey. unlu.erdal@gmail.com.
Objective:
Mycotoxins are different toxic substances at relatively smaller molecular weight produced by some types of fungi. Aflatoxin is the most common type of mycotoxin easily reproducing in food stored for a long time in unsuitable conditions. This study determined the aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) levels in breast milk samples collected from mothers who gave birth in Kırşehir, Turkey.
Materials And Methods:
A total of 82 breast milk samples to be analyzed to determine the AFM1 levels were collected from voluntary breastfeeding mothers who gave birth in the Kırşehir Training and Research Hospital and who were randomly selected. The AFM1 levels were determined using the competitive ELISA kit.
Results:
The AFM1 levels in the breast milk samples of mothers who did not consume milk were lower than those of other mothers. The AFM1 levels in the breast milk samples of mothers consuming fabrication milk were lower than mothers consuming homemade milk (p<0.01). Additionally, the AFM1 levels in the breast milk samples of mothers consuming homemade or self-made bread were lower (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
This study found that the nutritional habits of breastfeeding mothers affected the AFM1 levels in breast milk.
Insights
Breastfeeding mothers' dietary habits significantly impact aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) levels in breast milk. Consuming homemade milk and bread was associated with lower AFM1 levels, highlighting the importance of nutritional choices.
Area of Science:
- Food safety
- Toxicology
- Public health
Background:
- Mycotoxins, such as aflatoxins, are toxic fungal byproducts commonly found in improperly stored food.
- Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a significant concern in breast milk due to potential infant exposure.
- Understanding factors influencing AFM1 levels in breast milk is crucial for infant health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) levels in breast milk samples from mothers in Kırşehir, Turkey.
- To investigate the relationship between maternal nutritional habits and AFM1 levels in breast milk.
Main Methods:
- Collected 82 breast milk samples from breastfeeding mothers in Kırşehir, Turkey.
- Quantified AFM1 levels using a competitive ELISA kit.
Main Results:
- Mothers who avoided milk consumption had lower AFM1 levels.
- Consumption of homemade milk and bread was correlated with reduced AFM1 levels in breast milk (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively).
- Fabrication milk consumption was associated with lower AFM1 levels compared to homemade milk.
Conclusions:
- Maternal nutritional practices demonstrably influence AFM1 contamination in breast milk.
- Dietary choices, particularly regarding dairy and bread, play a role in regulating AFM1 exposure through breastfeeding.
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