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Smoking, cereal consumption, and supplementation affect cadmium content in breast milk

Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology volume 17, pages 39–46 (2007)Cite this article

Abstract

Breast milk might be a source of potentially toxic metals such as cadmium (Cd). The purpose of the present study is to provide data pertaining to the influence of maternal lifestyles on Cd concentrations in breast milk in the Austrian setting. Breast milk was obtained from 124 Austrian women. Each participant provided 10 ml of milk. A second group of eight mothers were recruited to investigate changes in their milk cadmium levels at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 weeks post partum. The study participants filled a questionnaire concerning nutrition, supplementation, and smoking habits. The samples were analyzed using GF-Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The mean Cd content in breast milk was among the lowest in Europe (0.086±0.085 μg/l, 95% CI: 0.07–0.10; n=124). Increased Cd levels in breast milk were found to be significantly associated with frequent cereal consumption and smoking. Smokers had a two-fold higher concentration than did non-smokers (0.15 versus 0.07 μg/l; P=0.000). In contrast, low Cd levels in breast milk were associated with the intake of supplements containing trace elements or vitamins and trace elements (P<0.05). This protective effect of supplements on Cd levels was only observed in non-smokers. The Cd levels registered in the present investigation were far below critical levels. We conclude that the current maternal Cd levels in Austria signify no risk for the breastfed infant of a healthy mother. Further research will have to focus on the specific effects of supplementation and smoking on Cd concentrations.

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Abbreviations

GF-AAS:

Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry

MRL:

minimal risk level

PTDI:

provisional tolerable daily intake

PTWI:

provisional tolerable weekly intake

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Acknowledgements

This project was supported by the Jubiläumsfonds of the Austrian National Bank (project 7662). We thank the study participants for cooperation, Gabriele Strasser for technical assistance, and Doris Forstner for preparatory and organizing work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Abteilung Ökotoxikologie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Zentrum für Public Health, Waehringer Strasse 10, Vienna, A-1090, Austria

    Claudia Gundacker & Karl J Wittmann

  2. Abteilung für Kinder- und Jugendheilkunde mit Neonatologie, Wilhelminenspital der Stadt Wien, Kinderklinik Glanzing, Montleartstr. 37, Vienna, A-1171, Austria

    Beate Pietschnig & Andreas Lischka

  3. Kinderabteilung, Landeskrankenhaus Tulln, Alter Ziegelweg 10, Tulln, A-3430, Austria

    Hans Salzer

  4. Allgemeines Krankenhaus Linz, Krankenhausstr. 9, Linz, A-4020, Austria

    Helmut Stöger

  5. Department für Ernährungwissenschaften, Universität Wien, Althanstrasse 14, Vienna, A-1090, Austria

    Gerda Reimann-Dorninger

  6. Medizinische Universität Wien, Medizinische Statistik und Informatik, Spitalgasse 23, Vienna, A-1090, Austria

    Ernst Schuster

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  1. Claudia Gundacker
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  2. Beate Pietschnig
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  7. Ernst Schuster
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  8. Andreas Lischka
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Correspondence to Claudia Gundacker.

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Gundacker, C., Pietschnig, B., Wittmann, K. et al. Smoking, cereal consumption, and supplementation affect cadmium content in breast milk. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 17, 39–46 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jes.7500518

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jes.7500518

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