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Assessment of Aflatoxin M1 in human breast and powdered milk in Tehran, Iran
Mohammadhossein Movassaghghazani1, Nazanin Shabansalmani2
1Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shabestar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shabestar, Iran.
Aim And Background:
Aflatoxins, produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, are among the most toxic mycotoxins. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a hydroxylated metabolite of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), found in milk and dairy products from animals fed AFB1-contaminated feed. Consumption of AFM1 has related adverse effects on human health. Breast milk can be a source of contamination for infants due to the presence of AFM. AFM1 can also contaminate powdered milk, a significant product of the milk industry. Consequently, monitoring dairy products for these toxins is imperative.
Study Method:
A total of 50 samples (25 samples of breast milk and 25 samples of powdered infant milk formula) were collected in Tehran from December 2021 to February 2022. HPLC method was used for the determination of AFM1 in samples.
Results:
and Discussion: AFM1 was detected in 72% of breast milk samples and 96% of powdered milk samples. AFM1 levels varied significantly between the two sample types (p < 0.05). The average amount of AFM1 in breast milk samples was 25.82 ± 4.72 ng/kg, while the average amount in powdered milk samples was 40.59 ± 7.76 ng/kg. Moreover, 44% of the breast and 68% of powdered milk samples exceeded the AFM1 content limit of the European Union and the Iranian national standard. This study concludes that given the importance of breast milk and formula to maternal and infant health, monitoring and regulating the toxin levels in these products in Tehran is crucial.
Insights
Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) was detected in most breast milk and powdered infant formula samples in Tehran. Many samples exceeded safety limits, highlighting the need for monitoring these critical infant nutrition sources.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Aflatoxins are highly toxic mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus species.
- Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a metabolite found in milk and dairy products, posing health risks.
- Breast milk and powdered milk are significant sources of AFM1 exposure for infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and levels of AFM1 in breast milk and powdered infant formula in Tehran.
- To assess compliance with established AFM1 safety limits.
Main Methods:
- Collected 50 samples (25 breast milk, 25 powdered infant formula) in Tehran (Dec 2021-Feb 2022).
- Utilized High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for AFM1 quantification.
Main Results:
- AFM1 detected in 72% of breast milk and 96% of powdered milk samples.
- Mean AFM1 levels were 25.82 ng/kg in breast milk and 40.59 ng/kg in powdered milk.
- 44% of breast milk and 68% of powdered milk samples exceeded EU and Iranian safety limits.
Conclusions:
- High prevalence of AFM1 in infant nutrition products necessitates regulatory oversight.
- Monitoring AFM1 levels in Tehran's breast milk and powdered formula is crucial for infant health.
- Urgent action is needed to mitigate infant exposure to AFM1 from contaminated dairy products.
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