Determining the aflatoxin M1 levels in breast milk

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.