Aflatoxin M-1 in human breast milk in southeastern Turkey

WOS: 000399698800002PubMed ID: 28032266This study was performed to determine aflatoxin M-1 (AFM(1)) in human breast milk samples collected in AanlA +/- urfa, located in Southeastern region of Turkey, and to investigate a possible correlation between AFM(1) occurrence (frequency and levels) and sampling seasons. Human breast milk samples collected in December 2014 and in June 2015 from a total of 74 nursing women, both outpatient and inpatient volunteers in hospitals located in AanlA +/- urfa, Turkey, were analyzed using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the presence of AFM(1). AFM(1) was detected in 66 (89.2%) out of 74 samples at an average concentration of 19.0 +/- 13.0 ng/l (min.-max., 9.6-80 ng/l). There was a statistically significant difference between December and June concerning AFM(1) levels (p < 0.05). Further detailed studies will be needed to determine the main sources of aflatoxins in food, to establish protection strategies against maternal and infant exposure to these mycotoxins.Harran Scientific Research Project Department of the Harran University [13069]The authors acknowledge the Harran Scientific Research Project Department of the Harran University for funding this study with the project number of 13069. We are grateful for the helpful comments provided by an unknown reviewer on an earlier version of this manuscript