Toxic Metals In Breast Milk Is Leading To The Stunting In Infants

Breast milk that contains all the essential nutrients like fat, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water is known as the best source of nutrition for infants under six months.

But do you know it could also be a reason for toxic metals and other contaminants that could impair neurological development and the immune function of children?

The researchers of the University of Arizona in the US, Guatemala’s Lake Atitlán watershed region’s conducted a study on Mayan women.

Studies have found that the concentration of arsenic in the breast milk of some mothers exceeded the safety standards set by the World Health Organisation.

A postdoctoral research associate at the Varsity, Sandra Rodriguez Quintana, said, “Detecting toxic metals in breast milk is deeply concerning and highlights the potential role of environmental pollution in undermining child development.”

Quintana added, “Our work calls for interventions to protect maternal and child health and understand how environmental concentrations of metals may be contributing to stunting and other health issues.”

Guatemala’s children have the highest rate of stunting

The report says that the Western Hemisphere of Guatemala’s children has the highest rate of impaired growth or stunting.

Earlier, many researchers conducted studies showing that drinking water with high levels of metals causes developmental, neurological, and learning problems in young children.

However, this is the first time that researchers have concentrated on a serious study to demonstrate an association with stunting in the Americas.

The journal Environmental Pollution published this study. In this study, there were 80 mothers and their infants, who were from four different lakes of the Atitlán communities.

In this study, the scientists analysed the samples of breast milk from all mothers and measured their infants’ lengths.

The study found that higher concentrations of arsenic, barium, beryllium, and lead in breast milk impaired infant growth in these communities.

Researchers also found that the major reason for toxic elements in breast milk is the higher concentration of arsenic and barium in drinking water.

The researcher team said, “Drinking water contaminated with toxic elements such as arsenic and pathogenic microbes imposes a serious burden on public health, especially for the developing child.”

Also Read: Long-Term Air Pollution Exposure Linked To Increased Risk Of Common Brain Tumour, Study Finds