Health & Medicine

Walailak University researcher suggests the public choose food containers properly and eat wisely after microplastics (MPs) were found in mothers' breast milk.

A research study shows that almost forty percent of the participants, who had just given birth at Walailak University Hospital and Thasala Hospital in Thasala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, had MPs in their breast milk.

Twenty-three out of fifty-nine mothers were found to have four types of MPs: polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Among these, PP, PE, and PVC were the most common.

Assistant Professor Dr. Auemphon Mordmuang, a researcher and lecturer at the School of Medicine, Walailak University, explained the process of the study, saying that the mothers' breast milk was collected and tested using Raman micro-spectroscopy to detect the particles in the milk, and total bacterial genomic DNA was extracted from the milk for microbiome study.

The result shows a link between MPs and changes in bacterial microbiota in their breast milk. In the group whose breast milk contained MPs, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus were found as dominant gram-positive bacteria. This group of bacteria has been recognized as a major pathogen causing udder infections and inducing inflammation.

Dr. Auemphon explained that these MPs can be passed to babies through breastfeeding. “Our body recognizes these MPs as foreign materials. As the body detects the MPs, it sends white blood cells to get rid of them. This process can lead to inflammation and complications, including clogged milk ducts, abscess, breast engorgement, and low breast milk supply.”

“It could also reduce the quality of the mother’s breast milk and impair the mother’s ability to supply milk to their babies during the breastfeeding period,” she said.

Even though people cannot quite deny the use of plastics in today’s world, Dr. Auemphon encourages everyone, including mothers, to be cautious when choosing plastic food containers and kitchen appliances. She suggests using products that meet production standards or opting for alternatives, such as silicone. When microwaving food, she advises checking for labels that say “Microwave Safe.” 

Dr. Auemphon further explained that one of the main routes MPs enter our body is through the food we consume. “Especially seafood, which is commonly consumed in Thasala, could be contaminated with microplastics from ocean debris. However, people can reduce their intake of MPs by avoiding the consumption of animal guts.” 

Recently, the problem of MPs has raised public awareness worldwide. Basically, they are fragments degraded from plastics when exposed to chemicals, heat, or UV rays and are smaller than five millimeters in length. They can enter our body through eating, inhalation, or skin contact. For women, MPs can also come through cosmetic products and lingerie.

“Breast milk is the best food for newborn babies. It is crucial for their development and the mother's health.” 
 
“This research aims to emphasize the importance of breastfeeding and to raise awareness among mothers to be vigilant when choosing food and plastic products in daily life. Mothers should also maintain good hygiene, including thoroughly cleaning the breast before breastfeeding,” she added.

The study titled Detection of Microplastics in Human Breast Milk and Its Association with Changes in Human Milk Bacteria Microbiota by Dr. Auemphon and her team has been published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, a Scopus-indexed quartile one journal. It is also the first report in Southeast Asia to show the link between MPs and bacterial microbiota in breast milk.