Heavy metals in human milk: literature review

The escalating global environmental pollution leads to the increased exposure to heavy metals, including chromium, mercury, copper, and lead. These substances ubiquitous in our environment and food, can induce severe health issues, including intellectual disabilities, kidney damage, and certain types of cancer. The article presents a current literature review concerning breast milk and its potential contamination with heavy metals. Research reveals varied levels of heavy metal contamination in human milk, contingent on geographical location and lifestyle factors. Some studies have detected a higher concentration of heavy metals in urban areas compared to suburban ones, while others have reported an increased level in the milk of women who smoke cigarettes. Moreover, the concentration of heavy metals in human milk often exceeded permissible limits set by the World Health Organization. Given the increasing exposure to heavy metals, it is imperative to monitor their concentration in food and conduct further studies to understand the risk factors for exposure.