Aflatoxin

Mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus that can be found in cereal grains (rice, corn) of oil plants, spices and dried fruits poorly preserved (humidity and heat). Milk from animals fed on contaminated grain contains aflatoxins. It constitutes a serious public health problem in developing countries. Aflatoxins, especially the most toxic ones, M1 and B1, induce hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver carcinoma. ^{(Benkerroum 2022).}

Milk from mothers who did not consume milk from animals had less aflatoxin than milk from mothers who did. ^{(Ünlü 2023).}

The maximum levels set by the European Union for aflatoxin M1 are 0.05 micrograms (mcg)/L in cow's milk and 0.025 mcg/L (25 nanograms/L) in commercial infant formula. ^{(EFSA 2004)}

A study conducted in Lebanon and another in Kuala Lumpur found Aflatoxin M1 levels in breast milk lower than the maximum allowed by EFSA 2004 in commercial infant formula ^{(Aminuddin 2024, Elaridi 2017)}. Levels were even lower in mothers who did not consume dairy products. ^{(Elaridi 2017)}

The benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the risk from low levels of environmental contaminants in human milk, in many cases lower than those in cow's milk or other foods. ^{(Mead 2008)}