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Contaminants in Human Milk:
Weighing the Risks against the Benefits of Breastfeeding M. Nathaniel Mead Abstract
Throughout human history, breastfeeding has been the primary means of feeding infants. Human milk not only provides nutrients but also supports the still-developing host defense system of the infant with a number of crucial immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory agents. Despite these and other benefits of human milk, published reports of toxicants such as persistent organic pollutants and metals in human milk have caused mothers and health professionals to question the safety of breastfeeding. The research to date indicates that, despite the health risks posed by these contaminants, breastfeeding nearly always remains the optimal choice for infant feeding. Mothers in conflict and disaster situations also are advised to continue breastfeeding rather than use commercial infant formula, because it is easier to meet the nutritional needs of mothers than those of her nonbreastfed infant.
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