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Determination of 2-and 3-MCPD-fatty acids esters in human milk
Project
Project code: BfR-SiN-08-1322-480
Contract period: 01.03.2011
- 31.12.2011
Purpose of research: Applied research
Free 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) has been known as a contaminant for a long time in various foods like liquid seasoning or bakery goods. Analysis by the German food control authorities in 2007 showed considerable amounts of 3-MCPD fatty acid esters in refined vegetable oils and fats as well as in other foods produced by use of these oils and fats. Since the fat component of infant formula is based on the use of refined vegetable oil, the exposure of formula-fed infants is notably high (median concentration can lead to a 7.7-fold exceeding of the TDI, assuming that esters are fully hydrolyzed) [1]. Considerable amounts of 3-MCPD-esters in human milk have been detected by Zélinková et al. in 2008 [2]. Considering the average 3-MCPD content of 35.5 µg/kg milk, the daily intake of 3-MCPD of an exclusively breast-fed baby is 2.8 times higher than that corresponding to TDI. The origin of 3-MCPD esters in human milk is currently unknown (possible deposit in adipose tissue, possible endogenous synthesis?) The achievement of exposure minimization for breast-fed infants is not as simple as in the case of the production of infant formula (e.g. selection of edible fats with lower levels of 3-MCPD esters). Up to now, there is insufficient knowledge about 3-MCPD esters in human milk. Zélinková et al. (2008) investigated no more than 12 samples of human milk, this data is not confirmed by another working group. Further influencing factors like age and diet of the nursing mother, number of breast fed children and duration of breast feeding are not jet elucidated. Knowledge about these factors can help to understand the origin for this burden.
Section overview
Subjects
- Physiology of Nutrition
