Cadmium and Chrome Concentrations in Human Milk

Nutrition of children has the highest priority in any program aimed at children''s health care. Milk contaminated with various toxic elements can have adverse effects on children''s health. This study aimed to determine the concentration of heavy metals including cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) of breast feeding women’s milk in Varamin. This is a cross sectional study. In the present study، chromium and cadmium levels in milk of 100 mothers attending clinics in the city of Varamin were measured in four to eight weeks after delivery، using atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean values (±SD) of Cd and Cr in human milk were 5±6. 9 μg/ml and 3±2. 7 μg/ml respectively. Result of Linear regression showed that cadmium levels were higher in breast milk of people living close to the factory or industrial center. Also، the chromium levels were higher in the breast milk of women in cases of: Smoking by spouses، consumption of imported rice، consumption of mineral water، and living close to the factory or an industrial center. This study showed that the relationship of some factors such as living near a factory or an industrial center، smoking by spouse، the type of consumed rice and water، with the level of cadmium and chromium. Cadmium and chromium levels of breast milk in this study were higher than the levels of these elements mentioned in the reviewed articles and international standard. Because some variables، such as living near a factory or an industrial center، smoking by spouse، the type of consumed rice and water can affect the amount of entering elements in breast milk. Actions can be taken to reduce or eliminate these variables in order to decrease the mentioned elements in human milk.