Exposure of the infant to mercury from breast milk was calculated to range up to 0.3 microg/kg x d, of which approximately one-half was inorganic mercury. This exposure, however, corresponds to approximately one-half the tolerable daily intake for adults recommended by the World Health Organization.
What type of mercury is in breast milk?
Methylmercury is strongly bound to erythrocytes. A small quantity of methylmercury passes into breast milk and is easily absorbed by the suckling infant. Inorganic mercury is readily transferred into breast milk, but is not well absorbed by infants. Lead transfer is associated with casein.
Does milk contain mercury?
The results from the sample of cow milk show that all 10 milk samples contained mercury. Further, the results of atomic absorption indicated that lead was higher than the standard level in 7 samples and was lower than the standard level in 2 samples and it was nonexistent in only 1 sample (Table 1).
Is breast milk the most toxic food?
Breast milk could carry harmful chemicals like flame retardants and BPA, but breastfeeding is still the healthiest food source for babies. For decades, scientists have seen trace amounts of chemicals such as flame retardants and heavy metals in breast milk.
What foods can upset a breastfed baby?
Foods to Avoid While Breastfeeding
- Caffeine. Caffeine, found in coffee, teas, sodas and even chocolate might make your baby fussy and sleepless. …
- Gassy foods. Some foods are able to make your baby colicky and gassy. …
- Spicy foods. …
- Citrus fruits. …
- Allergy triggering foods.
What does mercury do to your baby?
Babies exposed to mercury in the womb can have brain damage and hearing and vision problems.
How long does mercury stay in the body?
Mercury does not stay in the body forever. It takes about six months to a year to leave the bloodstream once exposure stops. Some researchers think mercury can permanently damage the nervous system in children.
Which fish has less mercury?
Five of the most commonly eaten fish that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish. Another commonly eaten fish, albacore (“white”) tuna has more mercury than canned light tuna.
What fish is high in mercury?
Fish that contain high levels of mercury include shark, orange roughy, swordfish and ling. Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is found in air, water and food. The unborn baby is most sensitive to the effects of mercury, particularly during the third and fourth months of gestation.
What should I eat during breastfeeding?
Include protein foods 2-3 times per day such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, nuts and seeds. Eat three servings of vegetables, including dark green and yellow vegetables per day. Eat two servings of fruit per day. Include whole grains such as whole wheat breads, pasta, cereal and oatmeal in your daily diet.