We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics Contamination in Breast Milk and Infant Milk Products in Indonesia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic contamination in breast milk and infant formula products in Indonesia and found that powdered formula had the highest average particle count, followed by liquid formula, stored breast milk, and fresh breast milk. Notably, 37% of fresh breast milk samples had no detectable microplastics. The findings raise concerns about infant exposure to microplastics through both breast milk and formula, with packaging and processing appearing to increase contamination levels.
Microplastics contamination has been detected in milk consumed by infants, with estimates suggesting an intake of 106-113 microplastic particles per day. These particles may pose potential health risks. However, the microplastic contamination in breast milk and formula milk in Indonesia remain unclear. This study aims to address this gap. This study employed a descriptive observational design with a cross-sectional approach. Microplastic detection was carried out on four groups: fresh breast milk, breast milk stored in plastic bags, powdered formula milk, and liquid formula milk. Breast milk samples were collected from breastfeeding mothers at Puskesmas Mulyorejo, while formula milk was obtained from various market in Surabaya. The processed samples were filtered using filter paper, and the retained particles were examined. The number and shape of microplastic particles were identified using a binocular microscope, while the polymer characteristics were analyzed using micro-FTIR. The average number of microplastic particles was highest in powdered formula milk (15.34±4.74), followed by liquid formula milk (11.59±9.50), stored breast milk (6.07±5.46), and fresh breast milk (1.41±1.50). Microplastic contamination was not detected in 17 out of 46 breast milk samples. Fragmented microplastic particle shapes dominated all samples. Nylon and Polymethyl Methacrylate were the most common plastic polymers in breast milk, while Polyoxymethylene, Polyvinyl Chloride, and Polymethylpentene were prevalent in formula milk. In conclusion, microplastic contamination in breast milk was minimal compared to formula milk, making breast milk the best feeding option for infants.
More Papers Like This
Abundance and characterization of microplastics in milk and dairy milk products with a special emphasis on possible health risk assessment: A global systematic review.
AI summary Read the abstract
This review combined global studies on tiny plastic particles found in milk and dairy products, finding levels ranging widely depending on testing methods used. Infant formula and breast milk showed the highest contamination, suggesting children may face greater exposure through these products than adults through other dairy items.
Microplastics detection from packaged milk: Estimation, diagnosis of probable sources, evaluation of dietary exposure, pollution load, and risk assessment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested commercially packaged milk in India and found it contained up to four times more microplastics than fresh farm milk, with low-density polyethylene from packaging being the main source. The study estimates that infants face the highest relative exposure due to their body weight and milk consumption, raising particular concerns about health risks for the youngest consumers.
Microplastics in infant milk powder
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastics in 13 brands of infant milk powder, with boxed products containing nearly twice as many particles as canned versions, likely from plastic-lined packaging. However, the biggest source of microplastic exposure for bottle-fed infants was not the powder itself but the plastic feeding bottles, which released nearly seven times more microplastics. This study highlights that the containers used to prepare and serve infant formula are a more significant source of microplastic exposure for babies than the formula itself.
Microplastics in the commercially available branded milk in Bangladesh: An emerging threat for human health
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastics in all 25 commercially available milk brands tested in Bangladesh, with powdered milk containing more particles than liquid milk. Children were estimated to be exposed to 3.4 times more microplastics than adults through milk consumption, raising concerns about the health impacts of early-life microplastic exposure through a staple food.
Detection and Characterization of Small-Sized Microplastics (≥ 4 µm) in Milk Products
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers detected and characterized small microplastic particles down to 4 micrometers in size in milk products including raw milk, pasteurized milk, and infant formula, finding particles in all product types. The presence of microplastics in dairy products indicates that food processing and packaging are introduction pathways for plastic contamination in foods consumed widely including by infants.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.