Maternal Aflatoxin Exposure, Birth Outcomes, and Infant Growth in Uganda
Lynne M Ausman1,2, Grace Namirembe1, Julieta Mezzano1
1Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Summary
Maternal aflatoxin exposure was linked to lower infant birth weight and weight-for-age scores. However, infant aflatoxin levels did not impact early growth, suggesting a need for policies to reduce food contamination.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Toxicology
- Maternal and Child Health
Background:
- Aflatoxins are toxic compounds found in food that can harm human health.
- Maternal exposure to aflatoxins during pregnancy may affect infant development.
- Understanding the impact of aflatoxins on birth and early growth is crucial for child health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between maternal aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) exposure and infant anthropometric birth and growth outcomes.
- To assess the relationship between infant aflatoxin concentrations and growth from 3 to 6 months of age.
- To identify potential policy actions to mitigate aflatoxin exposure.
Main Methods:
- A birth cohort study enrolled 1,210 pregnant women in Uganda.
- Serum AFB1-lysine adducts, environmental enteric dysfunction markers, and inflammation markers were measured.
- Generalized estimating equations and multivariable regressions analyzed associations between aflatoxin levels and growth metrics.
Main Results:
- Maternal serum aflatoxin concentrations at parturition were associated with reduced birth weight and weight-for-age Z scores.
- Infant aflatoxin concentrations at 6 months were not associated with changes in weight, height, or Z scores between 3 and 6 months.
- No significant associations were found for other birth outcomes or infant growth parameters.
Conclusions:
- Maternal aflatoxin exposure is linked to adverse birth outcomes, specifically lower birth weight.
- Infant aflatoxin exposure in early life did not show a significant association with growth during the first six months.
- Findings underscore the importance of policies to reduce aflatoxin contamination in food supplies.
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