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Heavy metal concentrations in the breast milk of Saudi women

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Abstract

Lead, cadmium, and mercury concentrations were determined in breast milk of Saudi lactating mothers from Riyadh and Al-Ehssa regions in Saudi Arabia who were not occupationally exposed. The mean levels for cadmium, lead, and mercury were 1.732 µg/L, 31.671 µg/L, and 3.100 µg/L, respectively. In contrast to mercury, mothers living in the Al-Ehssa region had significantly higher cadmium and lead concentrations in their breast milk than those in the Riyadh region. The estimated weekly intakes of cadmium, lead, and mercury of breast-fed infants in this study were in some cases higher than the Provisional Tolerance Weekly Intake (PTWI) recommended by FAO/WHO, which pose a threat to their health. This necessitates the urgent need to undertake a comprehensive study to determine the sources of exposure to these heavy metals. Breast-feeding is of great benefical value for the infant’s development; therefore, efforts should be made to prevent its contamination with environmental pollutants.

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  1. Biological & Medical Research Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

    Iman Al-Saleh, Neptune Shinwari & Abdullah Mashhour

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  1. Iman Al-Saleh
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Al-Saleh, I., Shinwari, N. & Mashhour, A. Heavy metal concentrations in the breast milk of Saudi women. Biol Trace Elem Res 96, 21–37 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1385/BTER:96:1-3:21

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