SEARCHNARRATIVE_REVIEWpediatrics, nutrition

narrative_review·pediatrics, nutrition, endocrinology, immunology, public health·PMC10267348

Current knowledge on the effects of environmental contaminants in early life nutrition

Frontiers in Nutrition · 5 authors, 2 centres

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TL;DR

The review highlights that while breastfeeding offers numerous benefits, it can also be a source of EDC exposure, and infant formulas may also contain these contaminants.

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The review highlights that while breastfeeding offers numerous benefits, it can also be a source of EDC exposure, and infant formulas may also contain these contaminants. Limitations include that the review synthesizes existing literature without conducting new research and acknowledges that the biological mechanisms linking EDC exposure to disease outcomes remain largely unknown. The authors conclude by calling for more research to understand pathogenic mechanisms and for prevention campaigns to limit exposure before pregnancy.

STUDY TYPE

narrative_review

SPECIALTY

pediatrics

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AI pipeline

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100% · A

ORIGINAL PAPER

PMC10267348

Current knowledge on the effects of environmental contaminants in early life nutrition

Frontiers in Nutrition

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ABSTRACT

Abstract Breast milk represents the optimal source of feeding for newborns, in terms of nutritional compounds and as it provides immunological, metabolic, organic, and neurological well-being. As a complex biological fluid, it consists not only of nutritional compounds but also contains environmental contaminants. Formulas through production, contact with bottles and cups, and complementary feeding can also be contaminated. The current review focuses on endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and made-man xenoestrogens present in the environment and both commonly present in food sources, agricultural practices, packaging, consumer products, industry, and medical care. These contaminants are transferred by passive diffusion to breast milk and are delivered during breastfeeding. They mainly act by activating or antagonizing hormonal receptors. We summarize the effects on the immune system, gut microbiota, and metabolism. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and indirect food additives may induce tissue inflammation and polarize lymphocytes, increase proinflammatory cytokines, promote allergic sensitization, and microbial dysbiosis, activate nuclear receptors and increase the incidence of allergic, autoimmune, and metabolic diseases. Breast milk is the most important optimal source in early life. This mini-review summarizes current knowledge on environmental contaminants and paves the way for strategies to prevent milk contamination and limit maternal and infant exposure during pregnancy and the first months of life. Keywords: endocrine disrupting chemicals, breast milk, formula milk, early nutrition, gut microbiota, epithelial barrier, immunity, allergy

CITATION EXPORT

Maria E Street, Anna-Mariia Shulhai, Roberta Rotondo et al.. Current knowledge on the effects of environmental contaminants in early life nutrition. Frontiers in Nutrition. (2023). https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2023.1120293

AUTHORS

5 · 2 CENTRES

Maria E Street, Anna-Mariia Shulhai, Roberta Rotondo, Giuliana Giannì, Carlo Caffarelli

1Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
2Unit of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy