1 research outputs found
Plasma polychlorinated biphenyl levels in Dutch preschool children either breast-fed or formula-fed during infancy
OBJECTIVES: This study examined the influence of lactational and in utero
exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on plasma PCB levels in
children. METHODS: Plasma PCB levels were measured in 173 children at 3.5
years, of whom 91 were breast-fed and 82 were formula-fed in infancy.
RESULTS: Median plasma PCB levels were 3.6 times higher in breast-fed
children (0.75 microgram/L) than in their formula-fed peers (0.21
microgram/L). Breast-feeding period and breast-milk PCB levels were
important predictors for PCB levels in the breast-fed group. For children
in the formula-fed group, PCB levels were significantly related to their
material plasma PCB levels. CONCLUSIONS: PCB levels in Dutch preschool
children are related to transfer of maternal PCBs; therefore, strategies
should be aimed at reducing maternal PCB body burden