Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury in Lactation Foods and Prenatal Vitamins: Potentially Avoidable Exposure for Breastfeeding Mothers and Infants

摘要

Background: Human milk is a biofluid that can contain heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. These toxins can adversely affect endocrine, respiratory, immune, and nervous systems. Infants may have higher dietary arsenic exposure than adults due to their more restricted diets and greater intake per unit body mass. We identified commonly purchased vitamins, lactation bars, and supplements, to measure the concentration of heavy metals. The goal of the study was to measure and determine if vitamins and lactation foods could be a source of exposure.