We have spoken dozens of times about the greats Benefits of breastfeedingespecially from the prolonged breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding. Many studies have been done on this and, until now, all that were found were advantages. However now a study states that breast milk transmits toxic substances to breastfeeding children.
Before continuing to explain the conclusions of this study, I want to clarify that This alleged toxicity is not due to the milk itself, but to the environmental chemical load. of the products and substances to which we are all exposed. From my point of view, this information is not overly alarming, at least not more so than the data obtained by thoroughly studying the toxicity of the products around us, starting with tap water. If we really care about this issue, I consider it more important to consider the amount of additives, colorants and hydrogenated fats that we ingest and that are within reach of children. But let's talk about the study. Keep reading, because it's worth it.
High concentrations of perfluorinated substances detected in breast milk
A group of researchers from Boston University in the United States have shown that some chemical compounds called perfluorinated carbons (PFCs) or PFAS, present in detergents and non-stick products and which usually enter the body through water and food, They can also be transmitted from mothers to children through breastfeeding..
These agents are often used in detergents, solvents, in the Teflon industry for kitchen utensils, in Velcro, and even in some wrappers or containers. These agents, when they come into contact with water and food, end up penetrating the body causing alterations in the immune, reproductive and endocrine systems. In addition, They are persistent and bioaccumulative compounds, so its concentration may increase as it moves up the food chain.
Because many fat-soluble contaminants are easily measured in breast milk, this It is used as a biomarker of environmental pollution. In fact, it is one of the indicators chosen by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants to assess the effectiveness of reduction measures on a global scale. However, It is not recommended to analyze individual milk samples as a basis for deciding whether or not to continue breastfeeding, unless there is clear suspicion of acute exposure with symptoms.
However, the results of this work published in the magazine Environmental Science & Technology, demonstrate that the presence of PFCs increases by 20 to 30 percent each month in breastfeeding children.
«We knew that small amounts of PFCs could appear in breast milk, but the serial blood tests we have performed now reveal a buildup in babies while breastfeeding«, says Philippe Grandjean, a researcher at the Harvard Chan School and one of the authors of the work together with Danish universities and the Faroese Hospital System (Faroe Islands).
To reach these results, the researchers carried out a follow-up of 81 children born in the Faroe Islands, analyzing the presence of five types of PFCs in their blood at birth and throughout various checkpoints during early childhood. They also checked the levels of these compounds in the children's mothers during pregnancy.
The accumulation of toxins increases as breastfeeding is prolonged
The study indicates that in children who were exclusively breastfed, the concentrations of PFCs in the blood increased between 20 and 30 percent each month. In the case of mixed-lactation infants, these concentrations did not increase as much.
Scientists point out that in some cases, at the end of breastfeeding, PFC levels in the children's serum exceeded those of their mothersHowever, one type of compound, specifically perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHx), does not increase with breastfeeding. Although the study's findings suggest that breast milk is an important source of exposure during childhood, Once breastfeeding is stopped, PFC concentrations decrease In the kids.
It is key to put these findings into context of global evidence:
- Prenatal exposure is usually more decisive for infant health than that received through breast milk. The placenta and fetal development represent windows of great vulnerability.
- Breast milk contains Protective factors (immunological and nutritional) that can counteract effects from prenatal exposure to pollutants.
- Even in contaminated environments, breastfeeding is associated with better results development compared to artificial feeding, as shown by various observational studies.
Some illustrative examples described by the scientific literature: it has been observed better cognitive development in breastfed children prenatally exposed to PCBs and dioxins versus those fed formula; cohorts heavily exposed to organochlorines show that Breastfeeding has a protective effect on mental and motor development; and, when comparing infants with similar prenatal exposures to PCBs, those who received longer breastfeeding They did not present the neurological delay detected in shorter lactations or in artificial feeding.
On the other hand, it should be remembered that Infant formulas may also contain traces of undesirable substances and require a complex industrial process in which chemical and biological contaminants have been described. The best public health strategy is reduce overall exposure of mothers and babies, do not discourage breastfeeding.
Furthermore, the convenience of using breast milk as a matrix for monitoring contaminants should not lead to misinterpretations: There are other useful samples such as meconium or hair. And due to the lack of standardization, It is not advisable to test a specific mother's milk. to decide whether to continue breastfeeding, unless there is clear suspicion of poisoning or significant occupational exposure.
Non-toxic breastfeeding
As I said at the beginning, Toxicity in breastfeeding is due to exposure to certain compounds that pass into breast milk. Therefore, it is reasonable to think that, hypothetically, a diet and a lifestyle with fewer toxic substances would not only potentially reduce this breast milk problem, but many other health problems.
If this news is alarming to you, it's a good time to start analyzing everything you eat and the chemicals you're exposed to, because if they weren't in your body they wouldn't pass it on to your sonAnd don't forget to continue carefully analyzing all the products you give your child, from water to fruit, meat, and fish, including products with refined sugar, and not forgetting candy and processed foods with hydrogenated fats.
To reduce the total pollutant load, various scientific societies and environmental health organizations recommend:
- plant-based from the diet: increase fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains; reduces animal fats and ultra-processed foods, where fat-soluble contaminants are often concentrated.
- Wash and rinse good fruits and vegetables; whenever possible, prioritize organic food, which usually contain fewer pesticide residues.
- Choose low-mercury fish (sardine, anchovy, hake, sea bream, sole...) and avoid large marine predators during pregnancy and lactation.
- Avoid sudden weight loss in the postpartum period, which mobilize toxins stored in fatty tissue into the milk; a slow decline is preferable.
- Minimize plastics with phthalates or bisphenol A: Use glass, steel, or ceramic for storage and heating; don't put plastics in microwaves or dishwashers, and avoid canned foods whenever possible.
- Smoke-free environmentsTobacco smoke is one of the main domestic sources of exposure to metals and volatile organic compounds.
- Alcohol, better zero During pregnancy and breastfeeding, if you occasionally have a drink, wait the recommended amount of time before breastfeeding.
- Home and workAvoid lead paint and solvents, and consult with occupational health officials regarding possible occupational exposures; caution is the rule.
- milk storage: Prefer glass or ceramic containers; when heating, avoid plastics to reduce leaching.
- Public policies: supports regulations that reduce the production and use of hazardous chemicals, and frameworks such as REACH that require demonstration of safety before substances are placed on the market.
The best way to protect mothers and babies from the risks of chemical contamination is avoiding, reducing or eliminating the production and use of harmful substances, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Governments and administrations have a key role to play in control emissions, promote alternatives less toxic, promote organic food and improve air and water quality.
Finally, an essential point: Breastfeeding remains the healthiest and least contaminated food for infants. In terms of food safety. Even in the presence of environmental contaminants, the immunological, nutritional, and developmental benefits associated with human milk outweigh the possible risks linked to traces of chemicals that reflect environmental exposure. The focus should be on clean the environment, support families in reducing avoidable exposures and sustain breastfeeding with accurate, fear-mongering-free information.
Images - aurimas_m, Bejamin Magaña, jakecaptive.
Research on PFAS and other contaminants shows that we live with thousands of chemicals, but also that there are practical actions in the kitchen, at home, at work, and through public policies to reduce exposure. With sensible measures and institutional support, breastfeeding can continue to contribute its unique benefits while reducing the toxic load that reaches our children and the planet.