Assessment of endocrine disrupting chemicals in breast milk: Association with dietary habits and duration of lactation

The present study was aimed to assess infant safety associated with the presence of persistent organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in breast milk, a possible route of transfer of endocrine-disrupting chemicals to newborns in North India. Colostrum and breast milk samples (n = 130) were collected at different stages of lactation. Pesticides analysis was performed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). We observed that of all the samples analysed, OCPs concentration was higher in breast milk than in colostrum, suggesting pesticides contamination increases over lactation period. As far as OCPs are concerned, dieldrin [1196.64 +/- 673.75 ng/g lipid weight (lw)], and beta-HCH [1107.78 +/- 1301.72 ng/g lw], were the predominant OCPs, followed by aldrin [977.09 +/- 707.69 ng/g lw], alpha-HCH [948.04 +/- 476.65 ng/g lw] and 1,1 '-(2,2-Dichloroethene-1,1-diyl)bis(4chlorobenzene) (p,p'DDE) [790.11 +/- 399.35 ng/g lw]. The association between OCPs levels and women dietary habits were also explored, and all the OCPs were grouped and compared to each other by consumption level of fish, meat, sea foods, eggs, and dairy products. We found that women consuming non vegetarian food, like fish and meat, were exposed 3.5 times more to OCPs than women consuming vegetarian food. In addition, we also observed that factors like mother's age was positively (<0.005 - <0.001) correlated while gestational age and infant birth weight were negatively (<0.005) associated with the levels of OCPs in colostrum and breast milk, respectively. Unfortunately, neither any standards nor guidelines are available for the use of pesticides, therefore, it is suggested that careless use of OCPs should be checked and suitable remedial measures be taken to decrease human contamination. Moreover, further studies are warranted to elucidate relationship between pesticide residues in breast milk and the maternal and child health.

Automated summary

The present study aimed to assess the safety of infants in North India in relation to the presence of persistent organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in breast milk, which could transfer endocrine-disrupting chemicals to newborns. Samples of colostrum and breast milk were collected and analyzed for pesticide concentration. Results showed that OCPs concentration was higher in breast milk compared to colostrum, indicating an increase in pesticides contamination over lactation. The study also found that women consuming non-vegetarian food had higher exposure to OCPs, and factors such as mother's age, gestational age, and infant birth weight were associated with OCPs levels in colostrum and breast milk. The study highlights the need for regulation and further research on the relationship between pesticide residues in breast milk and maternal and child health.