Analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Brazilian human milk: A simple and effective approach

Author(s)

Galindo, Marcella Vitoria ; Hantao, Leandro Wang ; Sampaio, Naiara Mariana Fiori Monteiro ; Pessoto, Monica Aparecida ; da Silva Oliveira, Wellington ; Godoy, Helena Teixeira

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: FOOD CONTROL; v. 167, p. 10-pg., 2024-08-12.

Abstract

Human milk is the best source of nutrition for infants due to its essential biologically active components. However, it can contain potentially harmful chemicals, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, originating from contaminated air and food, which can cause adverse effects to infants. Using a Plackett-Burman design, a QuEChERS protocol was optimized to determine 13 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in 79 Brazilian human milk samples by gas chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry. Limits of quantification below 1 mu g/kg were achieved for all compounds, with recoveries ranging between 61 % and 126%. Six PAHs, including benzo (g,h,i)perylene, dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, fluoranthene, indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene, phenanthrene, and pyrene were detected in 40 samples. Mature milk exhibited the highest incidence of PAHs, with approximately 44 % of the positive samples, compared to 27 % for both colostrum and transitional milk. The concentrations detected varied between < LOQ and 1.14 mu g/kg, with pyrene being the most frequently found PAH in the human milk samples. The estimated daily intake and margin of exposure of PAHs showed the highest values for babies aged 0-15 days for all PAHs evaluated. Despite the low levels of PAHs found in the analyzed samples, discontinuing breastfeeding is not recommended. This represents the first study on the incidence of PAHs in Brazilian human milk. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/02153-5 - Incidence of bisphenol A, benzophenones and polycyclic aromatic hidrocarbons in human milk: an exploratory study
• Grantee: Marcella Vitoria Galindo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate