Occurrence of Ochratoxin A and Aflatoxin M1 in human breast milk in Sari, Iran

Mycotoxins are important risks for human health due to their widespread presence in food and environment. However, feeding of infants with safe breast milk without contamination by different pollutants including mycotoxins is essential. The aim of this study is assessing the presence and values of the mycotoxins Ochratoxin A and Aflatoxin M1 in human milk in Sari, Northern Iran, and to evaluate the potential risk for the newborn derived from this mycotoxins ingestion. The study has been carried out on 136 lactating women randomly selected in seven hospitals in Sari, Northern Iran. The breast milk samples after delivery were tested to determine Ochratoxin A and Aflatoxin M1 values. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods with a fluorescence detector following an extraction procedure were used for analysis of Ochratoxin A and Aflatoxin M1. In final scrutiny, of a total of 136 samples analyzed, only one was contaminated with Aflatoxin M1, at 20 ng/l, and two with Ochratoxin A, at 90 and 140 ng/l. These results pointed out the exposure of mothers and neonates to Aflatoxin M1 and Ochratoxin A and although the incidence observed was low, it is recommended for further investigations on mycotoxin contamination both in food and biological fluids as well as protection strategies. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.